Pope Francis

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/without-unions-there-are-no-free-workers-says-pope.html

Pope Francis: Without unions, there are no free workers
19 December 2022, 11:40

Addressing members of the Italian General Confederation of Labour, Pope Francis calls on union members to be “sentinels” of the world of labour, building alliances rather than stirring up “sterile oppositions.”
By Christopher Wells

“There is no union without workers, and there are no free workers without a union,” Pope Francis said on Monday, during an audience for members of the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL).

In his address, the Pope lamented that in spite of modern technological advances – “and sometimes precisely because of that perverse system called technocracy” – our expectations for justice in labour relations fall short of the ideal.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/december.index.html
Speeches 2022 December
To Managers and Delegates of the Italian General Confederation of Labor (CGIL) (19 December 2022)

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Latest interview:  Pope Francis speaks to Italian reporter Fabio Marchese Ragona on Canale 5

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-interview-canale-5-italian-television.html
Pope: Much can be done to stop Third World War fought piecemeal
19 December 2022, 09:38

Pope Francis speaks to Italian reporter Fabio Marchese Ragona in an interview on Canale 5, offering his thoughts on the spread of war in our world and encouraging us to look to the Child Jesus as Christmas approaches.
By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis spoke on Sunday on Italian television about several timely topics in an interview with Vatican-reporter Fabio Marchese Ragona, on the programme "Il Natale che vorrei" (The Christmas that I would like). The Holy Father spoke about various important topics, from war to the poor and the World Cup.

A war fought piecemeal

Speaking initally about Ukraine, Pope Francis noted that we are living a third world war fought piecemeal, saying that although Ukraine feels closer, there has been a terrible war in Syria for 13 years, as well as in Myanmar and "everywhere in Africa". "The world is at war," he said.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253114/pope-appoints-two-new-auxiliary-bishops-to-archdiocese-of-washington

Pope appoints two new auxiliary bishops to Archdiocese of Washington
By Peter Pinedo
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 19, 2022 / 11:45 am

Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Juan Esposito-Garcia and Father Evelio Menjivar-Ayala as auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Washington, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, announced today.

As auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Washington, Esposito and Menjivar will assist Cardinal Wilton Gregory in the episcopal duties of the archdiocese while holding the full rank of bishops themselves.

At a press conference, Gregory said the appointment of Esposito and Menjivar, who are priests of the Archdiocese of Washington, was in response to his request for help.
 

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Re:  Vatican finance trial

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253112/analysis-as-the-year-ends-where-do-things-stand-with-the-vatican-trial-of-the-century
Analysis: As the year ends, where do things stand with the Vatican ‘trial of the century’?
By Andrea Gagliarducci
Rome Newsroom, Dec 19, 2022 / 08:45 am

The latest round of hearings at the Vatican’s historic finance trial has revealed several twists that profoundly changed proceedings — and raised several questions for the court in the new year.

First of all, the so-called “super witness,” Monsignor Alberto Perlasca, has seen his credibility scrutinized as his testimonies raised eyebrows over apparent imprecisions. As proceedings show, he appears to have at least been poorly counseled.

Following these testimonies, an old Vatican acquaintance arrived at the scene of this trial investigating numerous financial crimes: Francesca Immacolata Chaouqui, a former commission member for the Study of the Vatican Economic-Administrative structures, well-known for her involvement in the 2016 Vatileaks scandal and trial.

Third, the testimony of Gianfranco Mammì, director general of the Institute for Religious Works (IOR), was followed with great interest — and raised crucial questions. Mammì heads up the IOR — often called the “Vatican bank” — an institution that derives its acronym from its Italian name, Istituto per le Opere di Religione.

His testimony was important: Mammì’s report initiated the investigation that led to the trial.

Three investigations, one trial

It is important to remember that the Vatican trial explores three different investigations: The notorious investment in Sloane Avenue, London; the so-called “Sardinia scandal” — the alleged embezzlement by Cardinal Angelo Becciu by way of donations made to Caritas and others in his native diocese of Oziere; and finally the person of Cecilia Marogna, the self-styled intelligence expert who says she was “hired” by the Holy See — and allegedly involved in negotiations for the release of hostages.

While these three investigations have provided many colorful aspects and details, a general picture emerges of this trial.
 

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"Father" Frank Pavone speaks to Crux

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2022/12/defrocked-pro-life-firebrand-accuses-bishop-of-constant-lies-vows-to-press-on
Defrocked pro-life firebrand accuses bishop of ‘constant lies,’ vows to press on
By Elise Ann Allen and John Lavenberg
Dec 20, 2022

ROME – Frank Pavone, long a controversial figure in American Catholicism for his unconventional pro-life advocacy who was recently defrocked by the Vatican, has accused his bishop of abuse of authority and “constant lies,” saying he has no intention of quitting his ministry.

Speaking to Crux, Pavone said Bishop Patrick Zurek, who oversees the Diocese of Amarillo where Pavone was incardinated as a priest, has been threatening to dismiss him from the priesthood for the past five years “under three or four changing, shifting rationales.”

“In American law you go after a crime in search of a person. Something wrong has been done, and you go and track down the people responsible for it. This is the opposite, it’s a person in search of a crime. They’re going after me and they keep changing the reasons why,” he said.
 

Edited to add the following:

https://amarillodiocese.org/news/statement-from-apostolic-nuncio-archbishop-christophe-pierre-to-us-bishop
Statement from Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre to U.S. Bishop

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-12/jesuits-present-timeline-of-investigation-of-father-rupnik.html

Jesuits present timeline of investigation of accusations against Fr Rupnik
20 December 2022, 13:36

Jesuit Father Johan Verschueren invites those who have something to report to come forward, saying, “My main concern in all of this is for those who have suffered.”
Vatican News

Details on the investigation and steps taken in connection with allegations of psychological and sexual abuse made by some consecrated adult women against Jesuit Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, a well-known artist and preacher, were published today on the website of the General Curia of the Society of Jesus. It is the first official reconstruction of the events.

In a statement, Father Johan Verschueren, SJ, the Delegate of Superior General Arturo Sosa (the head of the Jesuit Order) and Major Superior for the International Houses, said, “The last week has seen a focus on two investigations carried on concerning the ministry of Fr Marko Rupnik. One concerned a matter relating to the sacrament of reconciliation; another related to abuse against several women of the Loyola Community by Fr Rupnik. The information shared has provoked many questions and I share below a timeline of the events in the hope of providing some clarity.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253118/report-vatican-investigator-says-father-rupnik-and-hierarchy-s-complicit-silence-ruined-victims-lives
Report: Vatican investigator says Father Rupnik and hierarchy’s ‘complicit silence’ ruined victims’ lives
By CNA Staff
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 19, 2022 / 18:30 pm

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-general-audience-catechesis-discernment.html

Pope at Audience: God's love is irresistible
21 December 2022, 09:22

Pope Francis continues his catechesis series on the theme of discernment at the weekly General Audience, stressing that discernment happens even when we don't plan it, and that through it we feel God's "irresistible" love.
By Francesca Merlo

In his continuing catechesis on the theme of discernment, Pope Francis picked up the topic once again during his General Audience on Wednesday, noting that anyone who may have followed until this point might be thinking "what a complicated practice discernment is!"

Pope Francis responded to this possible confusion by saying that "in reality, it is life that is complicated and, if we do not learn how to read it, we risk wasting our lives, living it with strategies that end up disheartening us."
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-general-audience-ukrainian-children-war.html
Pope: 'Ukrainian children bear the weight of the tragedy of war'
21 December 2022, 10:40

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-meets-with-ukrainian-family-whose-father-a-prisoner-of-war.html
Pope meets with wife and son of Ukrainian prisoner of war
21 December 2022, 12:32

Video, English text of speech and photo gallery at the link...
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2022/12/21/udienza-generale.html
General Audience
Paul VI Audience Hall
at 9:00

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Full video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-christmas-address-curia-conversion-gratitude-peace.html
Pope to Curia: ‘Be vigilant, evil comes back under new guises’
22 December 2022, 11:33


In his annual Christmas greeting to Officials of the Curia, Pope Francis asks them to always be grateful for the graces God grants us, to never think they are no longer in need of conversion, and to contribute to peace in every way.
By Linda Bordoni

Exchanging traditional Christmas greetings with members of the Roman Curia on Thursday, Pope Francis delivered a seven-point speech in which he asked them to never take the Lord’s graces for granted, to always walk a path of conversion, and to be peacemakers at a time in which we have never “felt so great a desire for peace.”

Reflecting on how Jesus’ birth in a simple and poor manger is a lesson in seeing things as they really are, he said “each of us is called to return to what is essential in our own lives, to discard all that is superfluous and a potential hindrance on the path of holiness.”
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2022/12/pope-francis-slams-mother-angelica-but-of-the-17th-century
Pope Francis slams Mother Angelica … but of the 17th century
By Elise Ann Allen
Dec 22, 2022

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/december.index.html
Speeches 2022 December
Christmas Greetings of the Holy Father to the Roman Curia (22 December 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-to-vatican-employees-confide-in-the-lord-and-build-peace.html

Pope to Vatican employees: Always confide in the Lord and build peace
22 December 2022, 12:08

Pope Francis greets Vatican employees and their families in the Paul VI Audience Hall for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings, and urges them to build peace in their homes and workplaces.
By Lisa Zengarini

Addressing Vatican employees with their families during his annual Christmas greetings on Thursday, Pope Francis encouraged them to face the difficulties of life with faith, and to be artisans of peace starting from their own family and workplaces within the Holy See.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/december.index.html
Speeches 2022 December
To the employees of Vatican City State for the exchange of Christmas greetings (22 December 2022)

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Full video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-christmas-nativity-mass-night-homily.html
Pope at Christmas Mass: ‘Jesus shows God's closeness amid consumerist haste’
24 December 2022, 20:24

Pope Francis at Mass

Pope Francis presides over Mass during the Night for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, and reflects on the closeness, poverty, and concreteness of the manger in which Mary laid the Christ Child.
By Devin Watkins

“If you feel consumed by events, if you are devoured by a sense of guilt and inadequacy, if you hunger for justice, I, your God, am with you.”

As the Church celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, Pope Francis offered that assurance to Christians around the world as he presided over Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday evening.

In his homily, the Pope noted that the Gospel of Jesus’ birth seeks to “lead us to where God would have us go”, even as we rush around consumed by consumerist goals.

He focused his reflection on the importance that Luke the Evangelist places on the manger in which Mary lay her Son, noting that his Gospel repeats the term three times in the space of only a few verses (Lk 2).

With the little detail of the manger, he said, the Evangelist seeks to show us God’s “closeness, poverty, and concreteness” in His Son, Jesus.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253156/full-text-pope-francis-homily-for-christmas-2022
Full text: Pope Francis’ homily for Christmas 2022
By Pope Francis
Vatican City, Dec 24, 2022 / 13:00 pm

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2022.index.html
Homilies 2022
Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (24 December 2022)

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Full video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-at-urbi-et-orbi-the-lord-s-birth-is-the-birth-of-peace.html
Pope at Christmas Urbi et Orbi: 'The Lord’s birth is the birth of peace'
25 December 2022, 12:20


In his traditional Christmas Day message, Pope Francis underscores how Jesus' birth shows us the way to peace in our lives and our world, and encourages us to contemplate the face of the Child Jesus and be deeply moved by God’s love, so that peace may be born in our hearts and shared with all.
By Thaddeus Jones

Offering his Christmas greetings from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis gave his customary Christmas Day message and "Urbi et Orbi" blessing. The Pope greeted the thousands of pilgrims gathered in the square on a sunny and mild day for this time of year.

God with us

Before imparting his "Urbi et Orbi blessing ("to the city and the world"), the Pope gave his Christmas message underscoring the joy this day brings when we "turn our gaze to Bethlehem," and the "Lord comes to the world in a stable and is laid in a manger for animals" since there was no room at the inn when Mary was to give birth.  “The true light, which enlightens everyone was coming into the world,”  he recalled from today's Gospel.

“Jesus is born in our midst; he is God with us. He comes to accompany our daily lives, to share with us in all things: our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears.”

The Lord comes to us "as a helpless child...poor among the poor," knocking on the "door of heart to find warmth and shelter."
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253158/on-christmas-day-pope-francis-prays-for-prince-of-peace-to-end-third-world-war
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis prays for Prince of Peace to end ‘third world war’
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Dec 25, 2022 / 05:00 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/urbi.index.html
Messages Urbi et Orbi
"Urbi et Orbi" - Christmas 2022

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-angelus-saint-stephen-witness-apostles-jesus.html
Pope at Angelus: May we improve our capacity to forgive
26 December 2022, 12:08

Addressing the faithful gathered on the feast of Saint Stephen, Pope Francis urges us to remember the martyrs, past and present, and especially Saint Stephen, in order to learn from his capacity to forgive.
By Francesca Merlo

During his Angelus prayer for the feast of Saint Stephen, Pope Francis addressed the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square and reminded them that the liturgy that helped us welcome the Nativity of the Lord on Sunday extends until 1 January, the eight days of the octave of Christmas.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-angelus-stephen-peace-appeal-christmas.html
Pope Francis renews wish for peace in war-torn world
26 December 2022, 12:24

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2022.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2022
Angelus, 26 December 2022, Feast of St. Stephen Protomartyr

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Announcement:  "At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis asks for “special prayers” for Benedict XVI “who is very ill.”

Video, with English commentary, at the link...with the announcement at the 51:00 time mark...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-general-audience-christmas-francis-de-sales.html
Pope at Audience: 'Lovingly accept everything God sends us'
28 December 2022, 09:18

Pope Francis reflects on the birth of Christ at the weekly General Audience, and encourages us to welcome everything that God sends us, since He loves us and desires what is best for us.
By Devin Watkins

As the Church celebrates the Octave—eight days—of Christmas, Pope Francis focused his catechesis at the Wednesday General Audience on the mystery of Christ’s birth.

He drew inspiration from St. Francis de Sales on the 400th anniversary of the death of the Doctor of the Church.

The Pope also announced that he is publishing an Apostolic Letter on Wednesday dedicated to the French-born Saint and entitled Totum amoris est ("Everything Pertains to Love”).
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022.index.html
Audiences 2022
General Audience of 28 December 2022 - Catechesis. Christmas with Saint Francis de Sales

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Announcement:  "At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis asks for “special prayers” for Benedict XVI “who is very ill.”

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-benedict-xvi-prayers.html
Pope Francis asks for prayers for Benedict XVI
28 December 2022, 12:15

At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis asks for “special prayers” for Benedict XVI “who is very ill.” The Holy See Press Office director confirms there has been an aggravation in his health condition but says the situation remains stable.
By Linda Bordoni

Concluding the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis invited the faithful to say a "special prayer" for his 95-year-old predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

“I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is supporting the Church. Remember him - he is very ill - asking the Lord to console him, and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church, until the end.”

Advanced age

Answering questions put to him by journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed, "In the last few hours there has been an aggravation of his health due to advancing age.”

He added that the situation “at the moment remains under control,” and that the Pope Emeritus is constantly monitored by doctors.

Mr. Bruni also said that after the General Audience in the Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican where Benedict XVI resides.
 

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https://www.ncregister.com/blog/benedict-xvi-s-health-deteriorates

Benedict XVI’s Health Deteriorates
The Vatican said that after the audience, Francis visited Benedict at his Mater Ecclesiae Monastery residence in the Vatican.
Edward Pentin  December 28, 2022

VATICAN CITY —Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is suffering from aggravated kidney failure and had a recent modification to his pacemaker, an informed Vatican source has told the Register.

The source said Benedict XVI has been experiencing “kidney failure which has worsened in the last few hours.” The source added that the 95-year-old Pope Emeritus had a modification to his “pacemaker about a month and a half ago to regularize his heartbeats” but stressed that it was unrelated to his kidney failure.

The Vatican has yet to confirm his exact condition but confirmed on Wednesday that Benedict had experienced a sudden decline in his health, is currently stable and under medical care.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253169/vatican-shares-prayer-for-benedict-xvi-s-health

Vatican shares prayer for Benedict XVI’s health
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Dec 28, 2022 / 06:30 am

The Vatican’s news service posted a prayer for the health of Benedict XVI on Wednesday, after Pope Francis asked Catholics to pray for the “very ill” pope emeritus.

At the end of his weekly public audience on Dec. 28, Pope Francis said: “I ask to all of you a special prayer for the pope emeritus Benedict, who, in silence, is sustaining the Church.”
 
“Remember him — he is very ill — asking the Lord to console him and to sustain him in this testimony of love for the Church until the end.”
 
Below is the text of the prayer shared by Vatican News on Facebook:

A prayer for the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Let us pray.

Almighty and Eternal God,

You are the everlasting health of

those who believe in You.

Hear our prayers for your sick servant Benedict

for whom we implore the aid of Your tender mercy,

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

https://www.facebook.com/vaticannews/photos/a.496953866982889/6157130077631878/

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253170/the-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-pope-benedict-xvi

The most frequently asked questions about Pope Benedict XVI
By CNA Staff
CNA Newsroom, Dec 28, 2022 / 11:00 am

On Dec. 28 the press office of the Holy See announced that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s condition had taken a turn for the worse and that he was receiving medical care at his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.

The news has sparked an outpouring of prayer for the 95-year-old retired pope and renewed interest among Catholics and others around the world in the details of his life and pontificate. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Benedict XVI:

How many years was Benedict pope?

He was pope for eight years, from April 19, 2005, to Feb. 11, 2013.
 

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Update:  Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s condition

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-prayers-benedict-xvi-ill.html
Pope renews invitation to pray for Benedict XVI in these difficult hours
29 December 2022, 14:21

A statement released by the Director of the Holy See Press Office says the Pope Emeritus is in a stable condition.
By Vatican News

Responding to questions put to him by reporters, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said "The Pope Emeritus managed to rest well last night, he is absolutely lucid and alert and today, although his condition remains serious, the situation at the moment is stable.“

Concern for Benedict XVI‘s health was raised on Wednesday when Pope Francis concluded the General Audience with an invitation to the faithful to pray for his 95-year-old predecessor who, he said, is very ill.

Bruni also said Pope Francis "renews his invitation to pray for him [Benedict XVI] and to accompany him in these difficult hours."
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253176/vatican-benedict-xvi-s-condition-serious-but-stable
Vatican: Benedict XVI’s condition serious but stable
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Dec 29, 2022 / 06:35 am

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253178/rome-diocese-to-offer-mass-for-benedict-xvi
Rome Diocese to offer Mass for Benedict XVI
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome, Italy, Dec 29, 2022 / 07:30 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-12/pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-prayers-ill-health-francis.html

Outpouring of prayers for health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
29 December 2022, 12:30

People around the globe are praying for Benedict XVI at the invitation of Pope Francis, as the Pope Emeritus’ health remains stable but under observation by his doctors.
By Devin Watkins
 
Silent prayer for a silent witness

Christians, as well as non-Christians, have responded in droves to Pope Francis’ request for prayers for the German-born Pope Emeritus.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, tweeted his spiritual support and urged everyone to ask “for the Lord’s grace to help sustain Pope Benedict as he has sustained the Church through his silent witness.”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, issued a similar statement and invitation, expressing “great faith in God’s goodness.”

The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, added his voice, praying that God might “sustain and console him at this time.”
 

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http://magister.blogautore.espresso.repubblica.it/2022/12/28/benedict-xvi-my-life-my-priorities/

di Sandro Magister
28 dic Benedict XVI: My Life, My Priorities

(s.m.) In these hours of concern for the earthly life of pope emeritus Benedict, here are two of his self-penned and autobiographical writings that are decisive for understanding him to the core.

The first is taken from the letter he addressed to the bishops of the Catholic Church on March 10 2009, and says what the “priorities” of his pontificate have been.

The second is taken from the encyclical letter “Spe Salvi” of November 30 2007, written entirely in his own hand, and reveals the hope that has always enlivened him even in the most difficult hours for the Church, he who had found himself called to govern it instead of dedicating himself to a life of study, just as had happened for the theologian and bishop Augustine, the doctor of the Church he most loved.