Pope Francis

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

Pope at Angelus: Jesus’ disciples are poor and happy
13 February 2022, 12:08

In his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis reflects on the Christian identity encapsulated in the Beatitudes, and says Jesus’ disciples are blessed because they are poor.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis offered a reflection on Sunday’s Gospel reading (Lk 6:20-23) at the midday Angelus prayer with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.

Speaking about the Beatitudes, the Pope noted that Jesus was surrounded by a large crowd when he proclaimed them, but that He addressed them to “His disciples”.

Pope Francis said Jesus did so because the Beatitudes “define the identity of the disciple of Jesus.”

“They may sound strange, almost incomprehensible to those who are not disciples,” he admitted. “However, if we ask ourselves what a disciple of Jesus is like, the answer is precisely the Beatitudes.”
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-ukraine-prayer-tensions-russia.html
Pope renews prayers for tense Ukraine situation
13 February 2022, 12:26

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2022.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2022
Angelus, 13 February 2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-modifies-cdf-two-sections-with-distinct-secretaries.html

Pope modifies CDF: Two sections with distinct secretaries
14 February 2022, 11:54

Pope Francis has promulgated a motu proprio entitled “Fidem servare” modifying the organizational chart of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith by separating the responsibilities of the doctrinal and disciplinary sections.
By Vatican News

By means of a motu proprio entitled Fidem servare (“preserving the faith”; cf. 2 Tim. 4:7), Pope Francis has modified the internal structure of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) by establishing two distinct sections, a doctrinal and a disciplinary section, each with their own secretary. Henceforth, the Cardinal prefect of the Dicastery will have two chief deputies.

The aim of the reform is to give due importance to the doctrinal section and its fundamental role of the promotion of the faith, without diminishing its disciplinary activity, after decades in which a great deal of effort and human resources have been committed to examining abuse cases. With the new structure, each section, with its own secretary, will have greater authority and autonomy.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250378/pope-francis-changes-structure-of-vatican-doctrinal-office
Pope Francis changes structure of Vatican doctrinal office
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Feb 14, 2022 / 04:35 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters.index.html
Apostolic Letters
Apostolic Letter issued “Motu proprio” Fidem servare (11 February 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-liturgical-celebration-march-lent-holy-see-press-office.html

Pope’s upcomimg liturgical celebration schedule released
14 February 2022, 12:13

A statement from the Holy See Press Office gives details of upcoming liturgical celebrations presided over by Pope Francis.
By Vatican News staff writer

The Holy See Press Office on Monday released the schedule of upcoming liturgical celebrations that the Holy Father will preside over in the month of March.

On Ash Wednesday, 2 March, Pope Francis will lead the statio orbis and a penitential procession beginning at 4:30 pm in the Church of Sant’Anselmo. He will then celebrate Holy Mass with the Blessing and Imposition of Ashes at 5:00pm at the Basilica of San Sabina.

Last year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pope celebrated the Ash Wednesday Mass at the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

On Friday, 4 March, the Holy Father will be at the Consistory Hall at 10:30 for the Ordinary Public Consistory for the vote on various causes for canonization

Then, on 25 March, the Pope will preside at a Penitential celebration at 5:00pm at St. Peter’s Basilica, said the announcement, which was signed by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies, Msgr. Diego Ravelli.
 

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Hmmm...

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-americas/2022/02/argentine-jesuit-provincial-says-francis-has-been-coopted-by-politics-of-hate
Argentine Jesuit provincial says Francis has been ‘coopted’ by politics of hate
By Inés San Martín
Feb 14, 2022

[Editor’s Note: This is the ninth in a series of articles by Inés San Martín exploring the state of the Catholic Church in Pope Francis’ home continent of Latin America. The eighth can be found here.]

ROSARIO, Argentina – Pope Francis’s homeland is becoming “sick with hatred,” and his figure and message have been coopted, says Father Rafael Velasco, the man who today leads the Jesuits of Argentina, much like the pontiff did back in the 1970s.
 
When it comes to the “figure” of Francis, who was the provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina between 1973 to 1979, Velasco believes it is “trapped in the problem of hatred.” Those who praised him in the beginning, did so because they believed he hated the Kirchners, but when they saw the pope welcoming then-president Fernandez, “they began hating him,” the Jesuit said. And vice versa: Those who hated him misinterpreted his gestures and became convinced he’s a communist – “and see this as good.”

Both sides of the political divide in Argentina, Velasco said, believe Francis to be a communist. And the media has played its part, in convincing ones and others, that they are in the right.

The fact the pope has yet to go visit his home country, does not help: “Those who support him, run out of ways to explain it, and they too are disillusioned. But it’s not fair to demand someone explain why the Church is run by a communist, and end it with ‘why doesn’t he come’, as if these two belonged to the same train of thought.”

As to why he doesn’t come, Velasco said this is something he never asked Francis – and the two met earlier this year, during a summit of Jesuit provincials in Rome – but he thinks it’s because “he doesn’t believe his visit would help in any way.”

“Whenever he travels, it is because he thinks he can help in some way, but here nobody is going to listen to anything he has to say, and focus on who he took a picture with or who he gave a rosary to,” Velasco said.

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-transfers-responsibilities-to-bishops.html

Pope Francis transfers responsibilities to bishops
15 February 2022, 12:10

Pope Francis on Tuesday issued a new Apostolic Letter “motu proprio” – on his own initiative – modifying the Code of Canon Law (CIC) and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO) to favour greater decentralization.
By Christopher Wells

With a new motu proprio published on Tuesday, Pope Francis has modified canon law for both the Latin Church and the Eastern Churches, changing the areas of competence for various bodies within the universal Church. Specifically, with the Apostolic Letter Assegnare alcune competenze (“Assigning certain competencies,” taken from the opening words, or incipit” of the document), Pope Francis transfers certain responsibilities from the Vatican to local bishops
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250392/pope-francis-seeks-healthy-decentralization-with-new-changes-to-canon-law
Pope Francis seeks ‘healthy decentralization’ with new changes to canon law
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Feb 15, 2022 / 07:20 am

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2022/02/pope-amends-canons-to-give-greater-authority-to-bishops-conferences
Pope amends canons to give greater authority to bishops, conferences
By Cindy Wooden
Feb 15, 2022 | Catholic News Service

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio.index.html
Motu Proprio
Apostolic Letter issued “Motu proprio” Assegnare alcune competenze (11 February 2022)

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250389/what-s-behind-pope-francis-changes-to-the-vatican-congregation-for-the-doctrine-of-the-faith

What’s behind Pope Francis’ changes to the Vatican’s doctrinal office?
By Andrea Gagliarducci
Vatican City, Feb 15, 2022 / 05:05 am

Pope Francis issued a document on Monday restructuring the powerful Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF). He announced the changes ahead of the publication of his long-awaited blueprint for the reform of the entire Roman Curia.

The pope unveiled the CDF’s new structure in a text issued motu proprio, or “on his own impulse.” This was the 48th motu proprio since his election in 2013, confirming that this is Pope Francis’ preferred mode of instituting change.

Shortly after his election, he established a Council of Cardinals to assist him in governing the Church and help him draft a new apostolic constitution redefining the tasks and functions of curial offices.

The curia currently operates under the 1988 apostolic constitution Pastor bonus (“The Good Shepherd”). The document issued by Pope John Paul II remains in force although much of it has been overtaken by events and the decisions of Pope Francis.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-dicastery-laity-family-life-grandparents-day-theme.html

The fruitfulness of the aged reflected in theme for 2nd World Day for Grandparents and Elderly
15 February 2022, 12:30

Pope Francis releases the theme for the second World Day for Grandparents and Elderly, which aims to reconsider and value grandparents and the elderly who are too often kept on the margins of families, civil and ecclesial communities
By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis, on Tuesday, announced the theme for the Second World Day for Grandparents and Elderly with a tweet:

“In old age they will still bear fruit” (Psalms 92:15). I have chosen this theme for the Second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held on 24 July 2022, to promote dialogue among the generations, especially between grandparents and grandchildren. @LaityFamilyLife
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250395/vatican-unveils-theme-for-2nd-world-day-for-grandparents-and-elderly
Vatican unveils theme for 2nd World Day for Grandparents and Elderly
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Feb 15, 2022 / 13:00 pm

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/nonni.index.html
Messages World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, 2021: “I am with you always”

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250393/pope-francis-accepts-retirement-of-la-auxiliary-bishop-who-served-with-zeal-dedication-and-love

Pope Francis accepts retirement of LA auxiliary bishop who served with ‘zeal, dedication, and love’
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Feb 15, 2022 / 08:35 am

Pope Francis on Tuesday accepted the resignation of 75-year-old Los Angeles auxiliary Bishop Edward William Clark.

Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles congratulated Clark on his retirement, saying that he had “served Jesus Christ and the faithful of Los Angeles with zeal, dedication, and love” for more than 20 years.

Clark, who was named a bishop in 2001, served as Auxiliary Bishop for the Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region.

The pastoral region, which encompasses more than a million Catholics, covers Downtown, Central Los Angeles, and west to Malibu.
 

[grace-land]

Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-at-audience-follow-the-example-of-the-saints.html
Pope at Audience: Like the saints, let us turn to St. Joseph
16 February 2022, 08:37

At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis continues his catechesis cycle on the figure of St Joseph, describing him as one who cares for others.
By Francesca Merlo

Continuing his reflections on the figure of St Joseph, Pope Francis addressed the faithful gathered in the Paul VI Hall for his weekly General Audience by noting that these catecheses are complementary to the Apostolic Letter Patris corde, which were written on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St Joseph as Patron of the Catholic Church by Blessed Pius IX.

With that in mind, the Pope posed the question: What does it mean that St Joseph is "patron of the Church"?
The Pope explained that the Gospels provide us with the most correct interpretation.

“At the end of every story in which Joseph is the protagonist”, began the Pope, “the Gospel notes that he takes the Child and his mother with him and does what God has ordered him to do.” He always does what he must to protect them both, noted the Pope.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-general-audience-father-richard-masivi-appeal.html
Pope prays for priest murdered in the DRC
16 February 2022, 11:01

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2022-02/pope-uk-board-deputies-british-jews-general-audience-interview.html
UK Jews thank Pope Francis for his friendship and support
16 February 2022, 16:13

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250402/pope-francis-at-the-general-audience-let-us-ask-ourselves-if-in-our-hearts-we-love-the-church
Pope Francis: ‘Let us ask ourselves if, in our hearts, we love the Church’
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Feb 16, 2022 / 03:35 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022.index.html
Audiences 2022
General Audience of 16 February 2022

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-calls-priests-to-draw-near-to-god-bishop-priests-people.html
Pope calls priests to draw near to God, bishop, priests, and people
17 February 2022, 10:54

Pope Francis addresses the International Theological Symposium on the Priesthood, inviting priests to be close to God, their Bishop, their fellow priests, and the people they are called to serve.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis drew on over fifty years of his own priesthood in an address aimed at helping today’s priests “experience the peace and fruitfulness that the Spirit desires to bestow.” His reflections came in an address to the International Theological Symposium, promoted by the Congregation of Bishops, which opened on Thursday morning.

The Holy Father addressed his remarks not only to those priests “who, by their life and witness, showed me from my earliest years what it means to reflect the face of the Good Shepherd,” but also “to those brother priests” that he has had to accompany “because they had lost the flame of their first love,” priests whose “ministry had become barren, repetitive, and meaningless.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250412/pope-francis-gives-personal-reflection-on-52-years-of-priesthood-at-vatican-theology-conference
Pope Francis gives personal reflection on 52 years of priesthood
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Feb 17, 2022 / 03:01 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/february.index.html
Speeches 2022 February
International Theological Symposium on the Priesthood (17 February 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-diakonia-of-beauty-art-thirst-god.html

Pope Francis: Art encourages thirst for God
17 February 2022, 13:24

Pope Francis congratulates the Diakonia of Beauty for its 10th anniversary, and encourages artists to translate the beauty of God to inspire in others a thirst for God.
By Devin Watkins

As the Diakonia of Beauty organization marks a decade since its foundation, Pope Francis met Thursday with a delegation of artist-members to thank them for their service to the Church.

Founded in 2012 to foster an exchange between artists and the Church, the Diakonia of Beauty offers education, prayer, and spiritual and economic support to members, who are musicians, poets, singers, painters, architects, sculptors, actors, and dancers.

The Pope recalled that Sacred Scripture speaks extensively about the beauty of the universe, which refers by analogy to the beauty of God the Creator.

“Artistic creation completes, in a certain sense, the beauty of Creation, and when it is inspired by faith reveals more clearly to people the divine love which is its origin.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250413/pope-francis-the-world-needs-beauty-more-than-ever
Pope Francis: 'The world needs beauty more than ever'
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Feb 17, 2022 / 09:00 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/february.index.html
Speeches 2022 February
To the members of "Diaconie de la beauté" Association (17 February 2022)

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Pope Francis:  condolences...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-telegram-fishing-boat-sinking-canada.html
Pope prays for victims of Spanish fishing boat accident
18 February 2022, 10:47

Pope Francis has expressed sorrow and closeness to all those affected by the sinking of a Spanish fishing trawler off the coast of Canada.
By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis has expressed his heartfelt condolences, as well as his solidarity, to all those affected by the tragic sinking of a Spanish fishing trawler, hundreds of kilometres off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

In a telegram sent on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and addressed to Archbishop Julián Barrio Barrio of Santiago de Compostela, the Pope said he is grieved to hear of the sad news of the shipwreck of the Villa de Pitanxo fishing boat, which occurred on 15 February and in which several people lost their lives.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-telegram-floods-petropolis-brazil.html
Pope shares grief for Brazilian landslide victims
18 February 2022, 12:32

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-lessons-of-war-still-being-unheeded.html

Pope Francis: Lessons of war still being unheeded
18 February 2022, 13:30

Meeting with members of the Plenary of the Congregation for Eastern Churches on Friday, Pope Francis said “humanity still seems to be groping in the dark,” highlighting the massacres from conflicts in the Middle East, in Syria and Iraq, and the “threatening winds across the steppes of Eastern Europe.”
By Lydia O'Kane

Addressing participants taking part in the Plenary Assembly of the Congregation for Eastern Churches in the Vatican on Friday, Pope Francis drew inspiration from one of his predecessors, Pope Benedict XV, founder of the Congregation and of the Pontifical Oriental Institute.

He noted that this Pope had stressed the importance of equality, stating that "in the Church of Jesus Christ, which is neither Latin, nor Greek, nor Slavonic, but Catholic, there is no discrimination among its children.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250424/pope-francis-says-eastern-catholic-churches-have-witnessed-to-heroic-faith-amid-the-miseries-of-war
Pope Francis says Eastern Catholic Churches have shown heroic faith amid miseries of war
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Feb 18, 2022 / 12:00 pm

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/february.index.html
Speeches 2022 February
To participants in the Plenary Meeting of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches (18 February 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-02/pope-francis-heroic-virtues-miracle-semeraro-causes-of-saints.html

Pope recognizes Cardinal Pironio’s heroic virtues
18 February 2022, 17:05

Pope Francis authorizes the promulgation on five decrees regarding 1 miracle and 4 heroic virtues.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis on Friday received in audience Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorized him to promulgate 5 decrees.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250422/pope-francis-advances-sainthood-cause-of-argentine-cardinal-who-organized-1st-world-youth-days
Pope Francis advances sainthood cause of Argentine cardinal who organized 1st World Youth Days
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Feb 18, 2022 / 06:30 am

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250423/pope-francis-second-summit-with-russian-orthodox-patriarch-could-be-held-in-june-july

Pope Francis’ second summit with Russian Orthodox patriarch could be held in June-July
By CNA Staff
Genoa, Italy, Feb 18, 2022 / 08:55 am

Pope Francis could meet the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in June or July, Russia’s ambassador to the Holy See said on Friday.

The Russian news agency Tass reported that Aleksandr Avdeyev made the comment on Feb. 18 at a Russian-Italian conference in Genoa.

“Preparations for a second meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill are underway now for around June-July,” he was quoted as saying. “The place hasn’t been chosen yet.”

Pope Francis met with Patriarch Kirill at Havana airport in Cuba on Feb. 12, 2016, in the first meeting between a pope and a Patriarch of Moscow.
 

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The Vatican finance trial...

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250425/vatican-finance-trial-financial-authority-joins-trial-as-civil-party

Vatican finance trial: Financial authority joins trial as civil party
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Feb 18, 2022 / 10:50 am

The Vatican’s internal financial watchdog has joined an ongoing Vatican trial as a civil party.

The addition of the Financial Information and Supervision Authority, or ASIF (formerly the AIF), to the civil action of the trial took place at a hearing on Feb. 18. The court session, which lasted more than four hours with breaks, was adjourned until Feb. 28.

The reason for ASIF’s inclusion as a plaintiff in the case will be heard at the end of the month, during the continuation of Friday’s hearing.

The financial information authority joins the civil parties of the Secretariat of State, the Institute for Religious Works (IOR), and the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) as the injured parties in the Vatican’s historic trial to prosecute Vatican officials and collaborators in connection to the Secretariat of State’s purchase of a London property for 350 million euros ($396 million).
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2022/02/at-trial-cardinal-becciu-says-recent-finance-probe-was-blitz-attack
At trial, Cardinal Becciu says recent finance probe was ‘blitz’ attack
By Junno Arocho Esteves
Feb 18, 2022 | Catholic News Service

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-meets-with-president-of-zambia.html

Pope Francis meets with President of Zambia
19 February 2022, 12:24

Pope Francis receives Hakainde Hichilema, the president of Zambia, in audience at the Vatican on Saturday.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema was received by Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday morning. Following the audience with the Holy Father, President Hichilema met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Monsignor Mirosław Wachowski, the Undersecretary for Relations with States.

A statement from the Holy See Press Office indicated some of the major topics covered by the “cordial discussions,” including aspects of the country’s economic and social situation, and the valued contribution of the Church in various sections of society. The issue of universal access to Covid-19 vaccines and treatment was also treated, as well as the possibility of further study with regard to the drafting of a bilateral agreement between Zambia and the Holy See, “as a further sign of respectful cooperation.”
 

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/pope-francis-adresses-french-catholic-blind-association.html

Pope to association for the visually impaired: “One sees well only with the heart"
19 February 2022, 14:08

Pope Francis encourages members of French Catholic Association ”Voir Ensemble” to continue their commitment to improving the well-being of blind and visually impaired people during an audience on Saturday.
By Lisa Zengarini

In a society blinded by appearance and prejudices that exclude its weakest, Jesus invites us to see people and things with the heart, Pope Francis said on Saturday. He made the remarks during an audience with members of the Association ”Voir Ensemble” (“Seeing together”), a French Catholic non-profit organization committed to improving the well-being of people who are blind or visually impaired.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/february.index.html
Speeches 2022 February
To the members of "Voir Ensemble" Association (19 February 2022)

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250434/pope-francis-prays-for-cyclone-victims-in-madagascar

Pope Francis prays for cyclone victims in Madagascar
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Feb 19, 2022 / 09:30 am

Pope Francis is praying for the victims of cyclones in Madagascar, which have displaced thousands and killed more than 100 people this month.

The pope sent a telegram to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on Feb. 19, as the island in the Indian Ocean braces for another potential storm heading its way.

“Having learned with great sorrow of the wounds that have once again struck the island of Madagascar, through repeated cyclones, floods and the destruction of houses, Pope Francis expresses his prayerful communion with all those affected by these natural disasters,” said the telegram, which was sent on the pope’s behalf by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
 

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The Vatican finance trial

Hmmm...

https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2022/02/popes-use-of-authority-becomes-new-front-in-vatican-trial-of-the-century
Pope’s use of authority becomes new front in Vatican ‘trial of the century’
By John L. Allen Jr.
Feb 20, 2022

ROME – As the dust began to settle last year on the Vatican’s troubled $400 million dollar land deal in London, and as the colossal dimensions of the failure it represents became clear, Pope Francis was determined to put someone on trial, including his former chief of staff, Italian Cardinal Becciu, along with nine other defendants.

Yet, under the heading of “be careful what you wish for,” Francis could find that the primary person on trial ends up being not Becciu and the rest, but himself.

That, at least, seems to be the new tactic defense lawyers rolled out Friday, when a Vatican tribunal led by veteran Italian jurist Giuseppe Pignatone conducted its latest hearing in a process that’s been underway for seven months and still hasn’t gotten anywhere close to considering the actual charges.

Instead, the process has been bogged down with preliminary procedural issues. Initially, they had to do with the prosecution’s alleged failures to turn over key evidence, including video tapes of interrogations of star witness Italian Monsignor Alberto Perlasca, objections that still haven’t been fully resolved.

On Friday, a new front opened in the struggles over whether this trial should ever get off the ground, this time focusing on the role of Pope Francis himself.