Pope Francis

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Synod on Synodality: European Continental Assembly

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253596/european-catholics-debate-final-outcome-of-synod-on-synodality-assembly-in-prague
European Catholics debate final outcome of Synod on Synodality assembly in Prague
By Courtney Mares
Prague, Czech Republic, Feb 9, 2023 / 09:45 am

European Catholics debated Thursday morning the contents of a final document that will influence the discussions of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican in the fall.

On the final day of public speeches in Prague on Feb. 9, the 200 delegates at the European Continental Assembly were asked if the assembly’s final document — drafted by a six-member committee — was faithful to what was discussed in the previous three days of the assembly.

Ukrainian Bishop Oleksandr Yazlovetskiy, a Latin auxiliary bishop of Kyiv, was one of the first to take the floor, raising an objection to the repeated use of the term LGBTQ on “every other page” in the document, suggesting instead that it would be better to cover the topic within a single paragraph.

Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki objected to the framing of “conservative and liberal” when describing the Church, suggesting instead to clarify whether given statements agree or disagree with the Gospel.
 
The Prague assembly is one of seven synod continental assemblies occurring across the globe in February and March.

Hollerich noted that he and Cardinal Mario Grech will be traveling to attend continental assemblies in Beirut, Bangkok, and Bogotá, Colombia, in the coming weeks.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253595/cardinal-grech-at-european-assembly-the-synod-is-not-there-to-destroy-catholic-identity
Cardinal Grech at European assembly: ‘The synod is not there to destroy Catholic identity’
By Courtney Mares
Prague, Czech Republic, Feb 9, 2023 / 09:15 am

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253600/fbi-retracts-leaked-document-orchestrating-investigation-of-catholics

BREAKING: FBI retracts leaked document orchestrating investigation of Catholics
By Tyler Arnold, Joe Bukuras
Washington D.C., Feb 9, 2023 / 15:15 pm

The FBI says it is retracting a leaked document published on the internet Feb. 8 that appears to reveal that the bureau’s Richmond division launched an investigation into “radical traditionalist” Catholics and their possible ties to “the far-right white nationalist movement.”

In response to an inquiry from CNA, the FBI said it will remove the document because “it does not meet our exacting standards.”

The document, which was published on the website UncoverDC and is titled “Interest of Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists in Radical-Traditionalist Catholic Ideology Almost Certainly Presents New Mitigation Opportunities,” the document singles out Catholics who are interested in the Traditional Latin Mass as potentially linked to violent extremist groups.
 
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/fbi-doc-suggests-agency-is-surveilling-radical-traditional-catholics-in-virginia/
FBI whistleblower releases docs showing agency is surveilling ‘Radical’ Latin Mass Catholics
Stephen Kokx
Wed Feb 8, 2023 - 3:23 pm EST

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/bishop-strickland-reacts-to-fbi-whistleblowers-bombshell-report-on-surveillance-of-traditional-catholics/
Bishop Strickland reacts to FBI whistleblower’s bombshell report on surveillance of traditional Catholics
Ashley Sadler
Wed Feb 8, 2023 - 9:58 pm EST

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-francis-italian-modern-pentathlon-federation.html

Pope: Sport can instill discipline and perseverance for spiritual life
10 February 2023, 12:11

Pope Francis greets members of the Italian Modern Pentathlon Federation, and praises sporting activities as a way to exercise discipline and creativity on behalf of our spiritual development.
By Devin Watkins

Meeting with the managers and athletes of the Italian Modern Pentathlon Federation on Friday, Pope Francis reflected on the enduring value of sport as a path toward personal improvement.

He noted that the modern pentathlon, which includes fencing, shooting, swimming, running, and horseback riding, finds its roots in ancient Greece.

The pentathlete, he said, must excel in these five very different sports, requiring a versatility that promotes development of the body and mind.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/february.index.html
Speeches 2023 February
To Managers and athletes of the Italian Federation of Modern Pentathlon (10 February 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/popei-indigenous-peoples-can-help-address-climate-crisis.html

Pope: We must listen to Indigenous Peoples to address climate crisis
10 February 2023, 13:13

Meeting a group of Indigenous delegates attending the 6th Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples Forum, Pope Francis calls for the protection of their rights and highlights the crucial role of indigenous peoples in the fight against climate change.
By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis has urged governments and the international community to respect the cultures, dignity and rights of Indigenous Peoples, acknowledging their crucial role in helping address the current global environmental crisis.

The appeal came on Friday as he addressed a group of 40 Indigenous delegates attending the 6th Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples Forum, taking place this week in Rome in conjunction with the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The Forum was established in 2011 as a platform for consultation and dialogue where Indigenous Peoples’ representatives convey their concerns, requests and recommendations to improve their ongoing partnership with IFAD to eradicate world poverty and hunger.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/february.index.html
Speeches 2023 February
To Participants in the Forum of Indigenous Peoples (10 February 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-02/pope-invites-2000-homeless-refugees-prisoners-to-the-circus.html

Pope invites 2,000 homeless, refugees and prisoners to the circus
10 February 2023, 16:55

Over 2,000 people are expected to attend a special circus show in Rome on 11 February as part of an initiative organized by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, among whom will be refugee families from Ukraine, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis, through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, has invited over 2,000 people to attend a special circus performance on Saturday, 11 February. The show will be performed by the Rony Roller circus company.

According to a statement by the Dicastery (also known as the Apostolic Alms Office), the people invited include refugees, homeless, prisoners, and refugee families with children from Ukraine, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253618/vatican-invites-rome-poor-to-a-day-at-the-circus
Vatican invites Rome poor to a day at the circus
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome, Italy, Feb 11, 2023 / 03:42 am

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Papal appointments...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-names-bishop-frank-leo-to-head-toronto-archdiocese.html
Pope names Bishop Frank Leo to head Toronto Archdiocese
11 February 2023, 17:55

The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Frank Leo, until now titular of Tamada and auxiliary of the archdiocese of Montréal, as metropolitan archbishop of Toronto, Canada.

Pope Francis has named Bishop Frank Leo to succeed Thomas Cardinal Collins as Archbishop of Toronto, Canada’s largest Catholic diocese. The Cardinal, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese was accepted by the Holy Father, turned 76 in January.

Bishop Leo, the new Archbishop-elect, has been serving as an auxiliary in the Archdiocese of Montreal.
 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-francis-names-new-bishop-of-makeni-sierra-leone.html
Pope Francis names new Bishop of Makeni, Sierra Leone
11 February 2023, 17:41

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Bob John Hassan Koroma, of the clergy of Makeni, until now vicar general and administrator of the Cathedral, as bishop of the diocese of Makeni.

Pope Francis has named Monsignor Bob John Hassan Koroma as the new Ordinary of the Bishop of Makeni, Sierra Leone.

The Bishop-elect has been serving as vicar general of the diocese, and administrator of the Cathedral.
 

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Synod on Synodality: Oceania Continental Assembly

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-oceania/2023/02/oceania-bishops-stress-environment-youth-and-faith-formation
Oceania bishops stress environment, youth and faith formation
By Elise Ann Allen
Feb 11, 2023

ROME – At the close of a gathering of bishops in Oceania to discuss the pope’s ongoing Synod on Synodality, prelates underscored several topics of regional importance, including the environment, young people and better faith formation.

Organized by the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO), the Oceania Synodal Continental Assembly ran in Fiji from Feb. 5-9. The meeting drew dozens of bishops from throughout the region, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and many Pacific nations. It was part of Pope Francis’s ongoing, multi-stage Synod of Bishops on Synodality, currently in its continental phase.

Launched in October 2021, the synod underwent an initial, diocesan consultation phase. The current continental phase began a year later, in September 2022, and is set to conclude next month.

A final, universal phase of the synod is set to open in October in Rome, when bishops from around the world gather from Oct. 4-29 to discuss the results of the cumulative process, and it will close with a second Rome-based gathering in October 2024.

The continental meeting for Oceania was opened by Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Integral Human Development, who urged participants to have “the audacity to dream great dreams for all humanity, for the created world, and for our Church.”

Discussions over the five days embraced an array of specific issues, ranging from the impact of rising sea levels and extractive industries, to proper care for oceans, together with regional pastoral challenges including how to be a more “synodal church” and receive and give better formation to their people.
 

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FBI and the ‘anti-Catholic’ memo

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/virginia-ag-leads-19-states-in-demanding-fbi-come-clean-about-anti-catholic-memo-church-spying/
Virginia AG leads 19 states in demanding FBI come clean about ‘anti-Catholic’ memo, church spying
Emily Mangiaracina
Sat Feb 11, 2023 - 3:26 pm EST

RICHMOND, Virginia (LifeSiteNews) — Virginia’s attorney general has led 19 states in sending a letter demanding that the FBI come clean about the origins and implementation of its recently leaked “anti-Catholic” memo, including about whether the FBI has begun spying on Catholics.

In a Friday letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Virginia AG Jason Miyares slammed a memo targeting so-called “Radical Traditionalist Catholics” as “anti-Catholic” and “un-American,” and demanded that the FBI “produce publicly all materials” relating to the document.
 

Virginia’s attorney general letter at the limk:  https://files.constantcontact.com/d3e83e11901/7bc1d68c-d1f3-4b2a-925b-8596fe1f1fb5.pdf?rdr=true

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-francis-angelus-catechesis-love-mercy.html
Pope at Angelus: Faith is a love story with God
12 February 2023, 12:07

Pope Francis invites Christians to give of themselves totally and love God without reserve in order to fulfil their faith.
By Linda Bordoni

How to be fulfilled in faith and reciprocate God's love was the message at the heart of the Pope’s reflection on Sunday as he addressed believers gathered for the recitation of the Angelus.

Reflecting on the Gospel of  the day, Pope Francis said Jesus “makes us understand that religious rules are necessary, they are good, but they are only the beginning: to fulfil them, it is necessary to go beyond the letter and live their meaning.”

Taking his cue from the Gospel of Matthew in which Jesus says  “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfil” (Mt 5:17), he explained that To fulfil is a key word to understand Jesus and his message.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-francis-appeal-angelus-nicaragua-bishop-alvarez-politicians.html
Pope prays for Bishop Alvarez sentenced to jail in Nicaragua
12 February 2023, 12:32

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-appeal-angelus-prayers-solidarity-syria-turkey-ukraine.html
Pope asks for prayers and solidarity for quake victims in Turkey and Syria
12 February 2023, 12:54

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2023
Angelus, 12 February 2023

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-use-education-to-fight-culture-of-indifference-and-hatred.html

Pope: Use education to fight the culture of indifference
13 February 2023, 12:32

Pope Francis encourages a delegation from the University "Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani," in Tbilisi, Georgia to use knowledge and faith to dispel the darkness of indifference and hatred.
By Sophie Peeters

Pope Francis met on Monday with representatives of the “Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani” University in Georgia as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of their foundation.

Greeting professors, students, and friends of the university, the Pope thanked them for their visit, saying they represent the importance of education and cultural research.

The education of young people, the Pope continued, provides new opportunities to grow and learn about oneself.

“[Education] helps the younger generation to grow, discovering and cultivating the most fruitful roots so that they bear fruit.”

In Georgia, “a young country but one with an ancient history,” Pope Francis said their university represents the long and fruitful collaboration between Catholics and Orthodox in the cultural and educational spheres.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/february.index.html
Speeches 2023 February
To a Delegation from the Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University (Tbilisi, Georgia) (13 February 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-calls-for-inclusion-policies-for-people-with-rare-diseases.html

Pope calls for inclusion policies for people with rare diseases
13 February 2023, 13:34

Meeting a delegation of the Italian Federation of Rare Diseases (UNIAMO), Pope Francis encourages the organization to continue its advocacy for a better quality and inclusive health service for those affected.
By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis on Monday welcomed a delegation of the Italian Federation of Rare Diseases (UNIAMO), a non-profit alliance of over 150 associations that work together to improve the lives of people living with a rare disease, support their families, and advocate for their rights by establishing networks with key stakeholders, including policy makers.

In his prepared remarks  the Pope highlighted the values underpinning the work of the Federation. The first value is that of sharing summed up in its motto “Let’s unite” (UNIAMO), that is joining experiences, forces, and hopes.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/february.index.html
Speeches 2023 February
To a Delegation from the Italian Federation for Rare Diseases (UNIAMO) (13 February 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-francis-message-our-lady-guadalupe-mexico-spain-shrines.html

Pope upholds Mary as a bond of communion for the people of God
13 February 2023, 13:25

Pope Francis expresses joy for the twinning of two geographically distant Sanctuaries dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, remarking on how Mary is always a bond of communion for the holy People of God.
By Linda Bordoni

Mexico’s most visited Shrine, Our Lady of Guadalupe, has been ‘twinned’ with a less well-known Sanctuary devoted to Mexico’s patron saint in the Spanish town of Guadalupe, in the region of Extremadura at the feet of the Sierra de las Villuercas.

The roots of this 14th-century monastery stem from the discovery by a shepherd, on the bank of the Guadalupe River, of a statue of the Blessed Virgin which had apparently been hidden by local inhabitants from Moorish invaders in 714. On the site of this discovery, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe was built.

In a message addressed to Francisco Cerro Chaves, Archbishop of Toledo, Pope Francis expressed his joy for the twinning of the Shrine in Spain with its Mexican sister sanctuary, requesting that he extend his greeting also to Cardinal Carlos Aguaiar Retes, Archbishop of Mexico City, and to all the bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and faithful “who have wished to place themselves at the feet of the Blessed Virgin Mary on this day, as one holy People of God.”

“Mary, our Mother, is always a bond of communion for her People.”

Noting that both Scripture and apostolic tradition show Our Lady gathering the apostles and the community around her in an atmosphere of prayer, the Pope said “the Mother of Jesus, in a simple way, continues to call us.”
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253635/salesian-priest-named-prefect-of-vatican-library

Salesian priest named prefect of Vatican library
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Feb 14, 2023 / 05:50 am

Pope Francis has appointed Salesian Father Mauro Mantovani the next prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library.

The Italian priest, 57, succeeds Father Cesare Pasini, who served as prefect from 2007 and recently turned 73 years old.

As prefect, Mantovani will help run the Vatican’s library alongside Archivist and Librarian Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani, who was named to that role in September 2022.

Zani was formerly secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education.

The Vatican Library preserves thousands of manuscripts and over 1 million printed books, most of which are available for study by researchers and scholars.
 

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Synod on Synodality: Organizers tell German-language media, "We need time."

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253636/we-need-time-synod-on-synodality-organizers-tell-german-language-media-outlets
‘We need time,’ Synod on Synodality organizers tell German-language media
By AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Feb 14, 2023 / 07:40 am

A key organizer of the Synod on Synodality says the issue of the ordination of women in the Catholic Church was not the main topic of the world synod on synodality. However, if “synodality comes through,” there may be “other decisions to be made in the future,” Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, SJ, told German diocesan media.

Speaking Sunday after the European Continental Assembly meeting in Prague Feb. 5–12, Hollerich said that if “this synodality comes through,” we will have “a way” of “making decisions in the Church,” CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language partner agency, reported.

The archbishop of Luxembourg — who serves as the general relator of the synod — stressed the world synod was about synodality and “not a synod on women’s ordination, nor a synod on homosexuality.”

Another key organizer made similar remarks in a separate interview on Sunday, reported CNA Deutsch.

Cardinal Mario Grech — who serves as secretary general of the world synod — told the German-language Swiss media outlet kath.ch that synodality was “a gift of the Holy Spirit for the Church today” and that there were “no taboo subjects.”

Grech added: “As a Church, we think about how we can become more synodical. Once we are more synodal, we can better address certain issues. And I’m convinced: A synodal Church gives better answers to existential questions.”
 

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Synod on Synodality: North American Continental Assembly

Video, in English, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/writing-retreat-north-america-continental-stage-synod-usccb-cccb.html
Synod: Writing retreat begins for North American Continental Stage
14 February 2023, 04:02

A group of delegates representing 268 dioceses located in the United States and Canada gather in Orlando, Florida, from 13-17 February, to compose the response to the Working Document for the Continental Stage of the Synod for a Synodal Church.
By Sr Bernadette M. Reis, fsp

A significant moment in the North American Continental Stage of the Synod on Synodality began on Monday in Orlando, in the US state of Florida.

From 13-17 February, a group of 10 delegates representing the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and 7 delegates representing the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops are taking part in a writing retreat. Together, they will compose the response from the People of God in North America to the Working Document for the Continental Stage which will be submitted to the General Secretariat for the Synod by 31 March.

As with the Oceania Continental Assembly that took place in Suva from 5-10 February, Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, sent a video message to the delegates gathered in Orlando.
 

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Synod on Synodality: Middle East Continental Assembly

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/continental-synodal-assembly-for-the-middle-east-opens.html
Continental Synodal Assembly for the Middle East opens in Lebanon
14 February 2023, 16:35

Delegates of the Churches in the Middle East begin their Continental Synodal Assembly in Beirut, running until 18 February.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Delegates representing seven Catholic Churches (Coptic, Syriac, Maronite, Melkite, Chaldean, Armenian and Latin) from the Holy Land, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Armenia, are gathered in Beirut  this week for the Continental Synodal Assembly for the Middle East.

The meeting was officially opened on Monday, 13 February, by Father Khalid Alwan, General Secretary of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs of the East (CPCO) and general coordinator of the Synodal Assembly, after a special prayer for the victims of the earthquake in Syria and Turkey.  
 

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-francis-general-audience-first-apostolate-disciples.html
Pope at Audience: Preach God’s nearness with our meekness
15 February 2023, 09:18

At the weekly General Audience, Pope Francis reflects on the Christian proclamation of God’s nearness, and urges us to draw strength from our relationship with Jesus in order to preach the Gospel together in meekness.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis continued his catechesis series on the passion of evangelizing—apostolic zeal—at the Wednesday General Audience.

He reflected on the “missionary discourse” which Jesus gave to His disciples in the Gospel of Matthew (10:7-16) soon after He called them.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2023.index.html
Audiences 2023
General Audience of 15 February 2023 - Catechesis. 4. The first apostolate

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-02/pope-krajewski-dicastery-charity-syria-turkey-earthquake.html

Pope sends aid to quake-struck Turkey and Syria: ‘Don’t forget those who suffer’
15 February 2023, 14:35

Pope Francis sends aid to earthquake-struck communities in Syria and Turkey, through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.
By Benedetta Capelli

Following the catastrophe caused by the earthquakes that struck Syria and Turkey on 6 February, Pope Francis appealed for closeness and concrete support to alleviate the pain of those who are suffering from the disaster.

Nine days after the powerful earthquakes, the rising death toll has topped 41,000. Millions of people have been left without a home and a livelihood.

While the Pope issued his appeal during Sunday's Angelus, he too put words into action through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253652/pope-francis-creates-independent-supervisory-commission-for-rome-diocese

Pope Francis creates independent supervisory commission for Rome Diocese
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Feb 15, 2023 / 07:50 am

Pope Francis on Wednesday created a new independent supervisory commission for the Diocese of Rome.

The commission will meet once a month and report directly to the pope in a yearly meeting.

The oversight committee is part of the pope’s reform of the governance of the Rome Diocese, a reorganization that centralizes more of the diocese’s activities under his authority.

In a document issued Feb. 15, Pope Francis established norms for the commission and nominated its first members.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-02/fr-michel-jalakh-dicastery-eastern-churches-maronite.html

Dicastery for the Eastern Churches: Maronite priest appointed as Secretary
15 February 2023, 16:05

Until now Rector of Antonine University in Baabda, Lebanon, Michel Jalakh previously served as Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches.
By Vatican News

Lebanese Maronite priest Father Michel Jalakh, O.A.M., until now rector of the Antonine University in Baabda, Lebanon, has been appointed by Pope Francis as the new Secretary of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches.

Born on 27 August 1966 in Baouchrieh, Father Jalakh made his first religious profession in the Antonian Maronite Order on 15 August 1983, and was ordained a priest on 21st April 1991. From December 2000 to July 2008, he served as Secretarial Attaché at what was then the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. He received his Doctorate in Ecclesiology from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome in 2008.