Pope Francis

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Video, with English text, at the link...

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252961/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-december
This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for December
By Francesca Pollio Fenton
Denver, Colo., Dec 1, 2022 / 12:10 pm

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of December is for volunteer not-for-profit organizations.

“The world needs volunteers and organizations committed to seeking the common good,” the Holy Father said in a video appeal released Dec. 1.

“This is a word that many today would like to erase: ‘commitment.’ And the world needs volunteers who commit to the common good,” he said.

The pontiff called volunteers who work with not-for-profit organizations “artisans for mercy.”
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252957/pope-francis-trip-to-africa-rescheduled-for-february-2023

Pope Francis’ trip to Africa rescheduled for February 2023
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Dec 1, 2022 / 04:41 am

Pope Francis has rescheduled his trip to the African countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan for Jan. 31–Feb. 5, 2023, the Vatican announced on Thursday.

The visit was originally to take place in the beginning of July but was postponed by the Vatican due to problems with Pope Francis’ knee. The 85-year-old pope apologized in June for having to put off the trip, and vowed to reschedule it “as soon as possible.”

Francis will spend the first leg of the trip, Jan. 31–Feb. 3, in the Congolese city of Kinshasa before visiting the South Sudanese capital, Juba, Feb. 3–5.

An updated schedule released by the Vatican Dec. 1 showed that the pope no longer plans to visit the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, part of the original trip schedule.
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/01/221201d.html
Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Francis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in South Sudan (Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace in South Sudan) (31 January to 5 February 2023) – Programme, 01.12.2022

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252958/pope-francis-the-theology-of-benedict-xvi-is-fruitful-for-the-future

Pope Francis praises ‘fruitful’ theology of Benedict XVI
By AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Dec 1, 2022 / 05:06 am

Pope Francis on Thursday praised the role of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and his theology for the Church.

Speaking at the 2022 Ratzinger Prize award ceremony at the Vatican, Pope Francis said: “We all feel his spiritual presence and his accompaniment in prayer for the whole Church.”

”But this occasion is important to reaffirm that the contribution of his theological work and, more generally, of his thought continues to be fruitful and effective.”

The Ratzinger Prize was launched in 2011 to recognize scholars whose work demonstrates a meaningful contribution to theology in the spirit of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Bavarian theologian who became Pope Benedict XVI.

This year, the prestigious award was given to Jesuit Father Michel Fédou and Professor Joseph H.H. Weiler.
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/01/221201e.html
Audience with the “Joseph Ratzinger – Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation” for the conferral of the Ratzinger Prize 2022, 01.12.2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-appoints-bishop-pawlowski-as-new-nuncio-in-greece.html

Pope appoints Archbishop Pawłowski as new nuncio in Greece
02 December 2022, 11:21

The Polish archbishop joined the Holy See diplomatic corps in July 1991. He was made Apostolic nuncio to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon in 2009. Pope Francis appointed him as delegate for Pontifical Representatives in 2015, and in 2020 confirmed him in that duty with the title of secretary.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis has appointed Jan Romeo Pawłowski, titular archbishop of Sejny and until now secretary for Pontifical Representatives, as the new apostolic nuncio to Greece.

Announcing the news to personnel of the Secretariat of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin also introduced Archbishop Luciano Russo, who was named as the new secretary for Pontifical Representatives last September by the Pope.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-to-leaders-pour-la-paix-war-is-a-sign-of-weakness.html

Pope to Leaders pour la Paix: War is a sign of weakness
02 December 2022, 12:05

Addressing members of the NGO “Leaders pour la Paix”, Pope Francis stresses that using weapons to solve conflicts is a sign of weakness and fragility, and emphasizes the crucial importance of education for peace building.
By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis on Friday met a delegation of the non-governmental organization Leaders pour la Paix (Leaders for Peace).

The organization was launched in 2017 by the former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin to educate public opinion about international crises and to promote innovative initiatives in support of peace.
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/02/221202d.html
Audience with members of “Leaders pour la Paix”;, 02.12.2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-the-joy-of-family-continues-even-in-difficulties.html

Pope: The joy of family continues even in difficulties
02 December 2022, 13:30

In his address to the Family Association forum, Pope Francis called Christian families to be open, welcoming, and supportive, “rooted in a territory and at the same time open to the world.”
By Edoardo Giribaldi

"Being a family is a joyous gift that inspires gratitude," Pope Francis said in his address to the Family Association forum, thanking its members for giving a proper voice to Italian families. "Not a complaining voice, but a propositive one. Not ideological, but capable of interpreting the needs" of larger families, which are often "unfairly penalized."

Pope Francis started by recognizing in the association members the "testimony of the joy of being a family," which is also the core message of his Apostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia. It is a happiness that doesn't correspond to a reality where everything is fine, without any problems. "We all know that family life is made of serene periods and others much more difficult," the Pope said. "However, there is a joy that can run through all these situations, because it lies at a deeper level, and that comes precisely from being family, perceived as a gift, with an intimate sense of gratitude."

There is not, according to the Pope, a standard model of family that everyone will follow. Instead, "every family has its own path and history, as does every person." There are many households, he continued, in which each member seeks to go forward, not by following a worldly model, but by embracing a "style" of simplicity and of service.
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/02/221202f.html
Audience with members of the Forum of Family Associations, 02.12.2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-migration-essential-for-mediterraneans-well-being.html

Pope: Migration essential for the Mediterranean’s well-being
02 December 2022, 13:34

In a message to the Rome MED Dialogues conference, Pope Francis calls for shared solutions to address human mobility: "The ongoing war in Ukraine represents the globalization of problems"
By Vatican news staff writer

Pope Francis addressed participants at the 8th Rome MED Dialogues Conference underway in Rome until Dec. 3, which brings together political-institutional representatives, analysts, social, economic, and media figures to discuss some of the key issues for the Mediterranean.

In his address, the Pope said the inability to find common solutions to human mobility continues to result in unacceptable and almost always avoidable loss of life, especially in the Mediterranean.

Cooperation for the benefit of all was also highlighted in his speech, where the Pope reiterated that “no one is saved alone;” therefore, "the interconnectedness of the issues requires that they be examined together, in a coordinated vision that is as broad as possible."
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/02/221202e.html
Message of the Holy Father to participants in the Eighth “Rome MED Dialogues” Conference (1 to 3 December 2022), 02.12.2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-12/dec-3-unveiling-of-nativity-scene-and-christmas-tree-2022.html

St Peter's Nativity scene to be unveiled on Saturday
02 December 2022, 11:46

On 3 December, the Vatican's 2022 Nativity Scene and Christmas Tree will be unveiled at the annual tree-lighting ceremony in St. Peter's Square. The event will be attended by delegations from the regions that have donated this year's tree and nativity scenes.
By Vatican News staff writer

The Vatican's 2022 Nativity Scene will be unveiled on Saturday, 3 December, at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in St. Peter's Square. The event begins at 5 pm Rome time.

Ahead of the ceremony, Pope Francis on Saturday morning will receive delegations from Sutrio, Rosello, and Guatemala, who gifted this year's tree and nativity scenes, for the official presentation of the gifts.

Inauguration ceremony in St. Peter's Square

Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sister Raffaella Petrini, respectively President and Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State, will inaugurate the Nativity Scene and light the Christmas tree installed in St. Peter's Square.

The ceremony will be attended by the official delegations from the places of origin of the artistic nativity scene - hand-made entirely of wood - and of the tree.
 

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Hmmm...

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252971/german-synodal-way-designed-to-create-pressure-on-the-church-founding-president-says
German Synodal Way designed to create ‘pressure’ on the Church, founding president says
By AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Dec 2, 2022 / 07:10 am

The German Synodal Way was designed from the outset to avoid legal sanctions while simultaneously creating “pressure” on the Church to change Catholic teaching, one of the founders of the process told German media Friday.

Thomas Sternberg, former president of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), said the controversial process wanted to achieve changes to the Church’s teaching on homosexuality, the ordination of women, and other topics, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner.

Speaking to German diocesan broadcaster Domradio on Dec. 2, Sternberg said the Synodal Way was proceeding “much more successfully than I had thought.”

In light of the Vatican’s interventions against the Synodal Way, he said it had become clear “it was right not to use the form of a synod, as that would have been sanctioned by canon law” and “would have given canon law properly then also the possibility to prohibit something like that.”

From the perspective of canon law, the Synodal Way was just “a nonbinding discussion process,” Sternberg said.

Only in this way could the participants “actually operate freely. Then even prefabricated critical objections that have been raised by Rome come to nothing.”

Together with Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Sternberg launched the Synodal Way in 2019. Acknowledging the process is not a synod, Marx at the time said it was instead a “process ‘sui generis.’”

The pope’s letter to the pilgrim people of God in Germany remained “very important,” Sternberg said Dec. 2.
 

Article from Nov 25--Vatican concerns
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252917/as-church-allows-for-lgbt-employees-in-germany-vatican-publishes-concerns-over-synodal-way
As Church allows for LGBT-employees in Germany, Vatican publishes concerns over Synodal Way
By AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Nov 25, 2022 / 09:30 am

Article from 2019--Pope Francis' letter
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-06/pope-francis-letter-german-church-synodality.html
Pope urges German Church to walk together, moved by the Spirit
29 June 2019, 11:51

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252977/pope-francis-watch-auctioned-off-and-proceeds-set-a-world-record
Pope Francis’ watch auctioned off and proceeds set a world record
By CNA Staff
CNA Newsroom, Dec 2, 2022 / 16:45 pm

A watch worn by Pope Francis was sold Wednesday at a charity auction and set a new world record for the brand.

The LaViolette Scholarship Foundation auctioned off a Swatch Once Again watch Nov. 30 that Francis had worn for much of his pontificate.

The watch, which can be found at the brand's official store for $55, was finally sold for $56,250 — more than 1,000 times its retail value — making it the Swatch watch for which the most money has ever been paid.

Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, sent a letter to the Holy Father in May telling him about the life of Brian LaViolette, a teenage watch collector who died at the age of 15 in a swimming accident.

In the letter, Ricken asked the pontiff to donate one of his cheapest watches to be auctioned by the LaViolette Foundation, which offers financial help for students to go to college.

The Holy Father agreed to the request and the auction of the watch joins those of other famous people such as Fred Savage, Joe Theismann, Terry Bradshaw, Condoleezza Rice, and Randall Park.

It’s not the first time that Pope Francis has donated things for auction.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-world-day-persons-with-disabilities-message.html

Pope: We are all part of the same vulnerable humanity
03 December 2022, 11:58

In his message for the International Day of Persons With Disabilities, Pope Francis evokes a magisterium of fragility, symbolyzing a new awareness that “happiness is bread that is not eaten alone”
By Edoardo Giribaldi

“The International Day of Persons with Disabilities invites us to recognize that our frailty in no way obscures ‘the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ,’” Pope Francis wrote in his message that celebrates the global recurrence. Established on December 3, 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme for this year will touch on innovation and transformative solutions for inclusive development.

Pope Francis began his message by recognizing the holistic power of God’s word. “Everyone, apart from any merit or distinction, has received the Gospel in its entirety and, with this, the joyful task of proclaiming it.” Quoting his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, the Pope underlined the call for everyone to “offer others an explicit witness to the saving love of the Lord, who despite our imperfections offers us his closeness, his word and his strength, and gives meaning to our lives.”
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/03/221203c.html
Message of the Holy Father on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 03.12.2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-inclusion-of-disabled-people-must-not-remain-a-slogan.html

Pope: Inclusion of disabled people must not remain a slogan
03 December 2022, 12:12

Pope Francis welcomes a group of disabled people on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and says that by promoting the dignity and inclusion of all, the Church fulfills its prophetic mission.
By Lisa Zengarini

“Welcoming people with disabilities and responding to their needs is a duty of the civil and ecclesial communities," Pope Francis said during an audience on Saturday with a group of disabled people from Italy in the Vatican on the occasion of the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which is celebrated on December 3.
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/03/221203a.html
Audience with a group of disabled people on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 03.12.2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-we-must-rediscover-the-true-richness-of-christmas.html

Pope: We must rediscover the true richness of Christmas
03 December 2022, 16:20

Addressing the delegations from Sutrio, Rosello and Guatemala, who have gifted this year's tree and nativity scenes in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis draws attention to the true meaning of Christmas.
By Lisa Zengarini

"To  meet God  we must reach Him where he is; we need to lower ourselves, to make ourselves small”, like Jesus did by coming to birth in a stable, Pope Francis said on Saturday,  as he welcomed three delegations from the Italian villages of Sutrio, in Northern Italy, and Rosello, in the region of Abruzzo, and from Guatemala, who gifted the Vatican with this year's Christmas tree and two nativity scenes. The  two crèches, installed in St. Peter’s Square and in the  Paul VI Audience Hall,  will be  be unveiled this afternoon  during the traditional  Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in St. Peter's Square
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/03/221203f.html
Audience with the donors of the Nativity scene and Christmas Tree in Saint Peter’s Square, 03.12.2022

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Photo gallery at the link...

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252984/pope-francis-blesses-nativity-scene-made-by-craftsmen-in-guatemala
Pope Francis blesses nativity scene made by craftsmen in Guatemala
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Dec 3, 2022 / 12:00 pm


Pope Francis blessed a nativity scene on Saturday that was handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala.

Guatemala’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mario Búcaro led a delegation that traveled from the Latin American country to be present for the nativity scene’s inauguration in Vatican City’s Paul VI Hall on Dec. 3.

"It is the first time in history that our country presents a nativity scene in the Vatican, a beautiful work of sacred art, personally delivered to Pope Francis and, therefore, also a gift from the people of Guatemala in anticipation of Christmas," Búcaro said.
 
The Guatemalan nativity scene will remain on display in Paul VI Hall until January 8, when the Church celebrates the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

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Photos and video at the link...

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252983/photos-the-vatican-s-christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony-illuminates-st-peter-s-square
PHOTOS: Vatican Christmas tree lighting ceremony 2022
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Dec 3, 2022 / 13:10 pm


It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Vatican. A large hand-carved wooden nativity scene was unveiled in St. Peter Square on Saturday night at the Vatican’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga presided over the ceremony on Dec. 3. Due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, the celebration took place inside Vatican City’s Paul VI Hall with a video live-stream from St. Peter’s Square of the Christmas tree lighting .

The Christmas tree is a nearly 100-foot-tall white fir from Rosello, a mountain village with around 182 inhabitants in the central Italian region of Abruzzo.

The tree was adorned with ornaments made by children at a psychiatric rehabilitation center in Italy. Other decorations for the tree were crafted by residents at a nursing home and schoolchildren from Abruzzo.

The outdoor nativity scene is made of life-sized figures hand carved out of alpine cedar trees from Italy’s northeasternmost region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-at-angelus-with-jesus-we-can-always-begin-anew.html
Pope at Angelus: With Jesus, we can always begin anew
04 December 2022, 12:24

At the Angelus on the Second Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis underscores the way of humility as essential in our lives, in recognizing our weaknesses and failings, and asking for the Lord's forgiveness. And with Jesus, we can always begin anew in returning to God and welcoming His boundless love.
By Vatican News staff writer

Speaking to pilgrims gathered for the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis spoke about the role of John the Baptist as recounted in the Gospel in inviting everyone to conversion, saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” John the Baptist was an austere and radical believer, the Pope said, calling people to conversion with a "cry of love to return to God."
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2022.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2022
Angelus, 4 December 2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-holy-mass-our-lady-guadalupe-12-december.html

Pope to preside at Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe
05 December 2022, 11:31

Pope Francis is scheduled to preside at Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on the feast of the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe on 12 December.
By Vatican News

The Pontifical Commission for Latin America is happy to “share its joy at the announcement of the Eucharistic celebration to be presided over by the Holy Father on the occasion of the feast of the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, Empress of America and Patroness of the Philippines, on Monday 12 December at 18:00 hours in St. Peter's Basilica.”

In a statement, the Pontifical Commission says that nine years after the fifth centenary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, Catholics throughout the American continent are called “to rediscover the profound meaning of the presence of Jesus Christ through Mary in our lands.”

Her extraordinary example of inculturated evangelization, it adds, calls us to look to Mary, who challenges all Latin American nations to find a way forward for the common good.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-with-war-we-all-lose.html

Pope Francis: With war we all lose
05 December 2022, 13:03

The Italian newspaper “Il Fatto Quotidiano” anticipates the release of Pope Francis’ preface to the book “Un’enciclica sulla pace in Ucraina” (“An Encyclical on Peace in Ukraine”) in which he reiterates the senselessness of war, which, he says “offends the most holy Name of God”.
By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis has penned the preface to a new book by Italian Vaticanist journalist Francesco Grana of “Il Fatto Quotidiano“ newspaper,  gathering his countless appeals for peace in Ukraine. Entitled Un’enciclica sulla pace in Ucraina (“An Enclyclical on Peace in Ukraine”), the book is published by Edizioni Terra Santa.

The book

It will be officially launched on December 6 at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesanto in Rome, in the presence of Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, together with the rector of the Basilica, Mgr Walter Insero; Fr. Ruslan Mykhalkiv, rector of the Seminary of Vorzel, in Ukraine; and of Ukrainian artists Oleksandr Klymenko and Sonia Atlanova.   

In the preface, published on Monday by “Il Fatto Quotidiano”, Pope Francis reflects on hope in the Christian perspective, on the unjustifiability and senselessness of war, and on the duty of everybody to actively uphold peace.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/motu-proprio-pope-instrumental-juridical-persons-vatican.html

Pope makes Vatican foundations subject to control of Curia’s economic bodies
06 December 2022, 12:14

Pope Francis issues a Motu Proprio concerning entities established within curial institutions and hitherto enjoying a certain administrative autonomy, extending the new regulations also to entities based in the Vatican City State.
By Andrea De Angelis

“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones.”

Pope Francis quotes Lk 16:10 at the start of the Motu Proprio released on Tuesday concerning instrumental juridical persons, including funds, foundations and entities that refer to the Holy See, and are registered in the list referred to in Article 1 § 1 of the Statute of the Council for the Economy, and having their headquarters in Vatican City State.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252996/pope-francis-decrees-better-control-of-vatican-funds-and-foundations
Pope Francis decrees better control of Vatican funds and foundations
By AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Dec 6, 2022 / 08:00 am

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/06/221206b.html
Apostolic Letter issued “Motu proprio” of the Supreme Pontiff Francis on the instrumental legal persons of the Roman Curia, 06.12.2022

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252987/jesuit-artist-fr-rupnik-s-ministry-restricted-following-reports-of-abuse-allegations

Jesuit artist Father Rupnik’s ministry restricted following reports of abuse allegations
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Dec 5, 2022 / 05:45 am

A prominent Jesuit priest and artist had his ministry restricted, reportedly after an investigation by his religious order into allegations of abuse against religious sisters in Slovenia.

The Jesuits said in a statement dated Dec. 2 that the order has barred 68-year-old Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, SJ, from hearing confessions or conducting spiritual direction since the Vatican received a complaint against him in 2021.

The Vatican declined in October to carry out a canonical process due to the statute of limitations, the order said. The complaint did not include minors.
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2022/12/prominent-jesuit-artist-is-catholicisms-latest-icon-to-fall-from-grace
Prominent Jesuit artist is Catholicism’s latest icon to fall from grace
By Elise Ann Allen
Dec 7, 2022