Pope Francis

[grace-land]

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-francis-angelus-immaculate-conception-catechesis.html
Pope at Angelus on Immaculate Conception: Learn from Mary's attitudes
08 December 2023, 12:10

In his Angelus address on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis highlights two key attitudes of Mary—amazement and fidelity—emphasizing the importance of cherishing God's blessings, showcasing gratitude, and making small, daily choices to welcome the Lord's presence.
By Francesca Merlo

Addressing the faithful gathered on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis turned to the Gospel of the day, which recounts the Annunciation. In doing so, the Holy Father focused on two of Mary’s attitudes “that help us understand how she would have guarded the unique gift she received – a heart completely free from sin”.

These two attitudes, the Pope said, are “amazement regarding the works of God and fidelity in the simple things”.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-francis-announces-first-world-day-of-children.html
Pope Francis announces first World Day of Children
08 December 2023, 13:14

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2023
Angelus, 8 December 2023, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Video, with English commentary, at the link...
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/on-the-feast-of-the-immaculate-conception-pope-prays-for-peace.html
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Pope prays for peace
08 December 2023, 16:26

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256224/photos-pope-francis-honors-virgin-mary-on-the-solemnity-of-immaculate-conception
PHOTOS: Pope Francis honors Virgin Mary on solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Dec 8, 2023 / 13:30 pm

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-vatican-creche-reminds-us-of-tragedy-in-holy-land.html

Pope: Vatican Creche reminds us of tragedy in Holy Land
09 December 2023, 12:56

Addressing this years’ donors of the Nativity Scene and Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis says the creche invites us to turn our thoughts to the tragedy unfolding in the Land of Jesus, and reiterates the importance of “small gestures” to protect our common home.
By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis on Saturday received in audience two delegations from the Municipality of Macra, in the Piedmont Region, and the central Italian Diocese of Rieti, that have gifted this year's Christmas tree and the Nativity Scene to be inaugurated later this afternoon in St. Peter’s Square.

The creche pays tribute to the first Nativity Scene set up by St. Francis of Assisi in the hamlet of Greccio 800 years ago, in 1223.

In that year the “Poor Man of Assisi" stopped in the village located in the Reatine Valley, shortly after a journey to the Holy Land, and was inspired to reproduce the Nativity of Jesus thereby its resemblance with Bethlehem.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/december.index.html
Speeches 2023 December
To the donors of the Nativity scene and Christmas Tree in Saint Peter’s Square (9 December 2023)

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256235/pope-francis-vatican-nativity-scene-should-prompt-prayers-for-the-holy-land
Pope Francis: Vatican Nativity scene should prompt prayers for the Holy Land
By Jonathan Liedl
Vatican City, Dec 9, 2023 / 09:50 am

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256236/vatican-unveils-nativity-scene-honoring-st-francis-of-assisi-and-devotion-s-800-year-old-origin
Vatican unveils Nativity scene honoring St. Francis of Assisi and devotion’s 800-year-old origin
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Dec 9, 2023 / 18:00 pm

Video at the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijsBE1aOhCY
December 9 2023, Inauguration of the Nativity scene and lighting of the Christmas tree

[grace-land]

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-angelus-2nd-sunday-advent-gospel-reflection-silence.html
Pope at Angelus: Strive to become credible voices who testify to the coming of Jesus
10 December 2023, 12:08

Pope Francis reflects on the power of silence, on the need to listen and to become credible voices who testify to the coming of the Son of God.
By Linda Bordoni

Taking inspiration from the Gospel reading on this second Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis drew attention to the figure of John the Baptist and described him as “the voice of one crying in the desert.”

At the Angelus, the Pope reflected on the seemingly contradictory images of “the voice, a means to speak” and “the desert, an empty place where you do not communicate.”

“They are joined by John the Baptist,” he said, explaining the meaning of the desert in the Apostle's preaching.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-at-angelus-the-commitment-to-human-rights-is-never-done.html
Pope at Angelus: The commitment to human rights is never finished!
10 December 2023, 13:11

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2023
Angelus, 10 December 2023

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256237/pope-angelus-through-silence-and-prayer-we-make-space-for-jesus
Pope at Angelus: ‘Through silence and prayer, we make space for Jesus’
By Matthew Santucci
Rome Newsroom, Dec 10, 2023 / 10:40 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-vatican-office-auditor-general-corruption-independence.html

Pope: ‘Extreme vigilance’ needed in fight against Vatican corruption
11 December 2023, 12:08

In a meeting with the Vatican’s Office of the Auditor General, Pope Francis urges staff to fight the "insidiousness of corruption" in the Holy See and Vatican City State.
By Joseph Tulloch

Pope Francis met on Monday morning with staff from the Vatican’s Office of the Auditor General.

The body, which he himself established nine years ago, serves as the anti-corruption authority of the Holy See and Vatican City State, and carries out financial audits of entities belonging to them.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/december.index.html
Speeches 2023 December
To the Staff of the Office of the Auditor General (11 December 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-thanks-italian-prefects-for-contributing-to-social-peace.html

Pope thanks Italian prefects for contributing to social peace
11 December 2023, 13:51

Pope Francis addresses Italian prefects, thanking them for promoting the values of social cohesion and solidarity in Italian society.
By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis has commended the prefects of Italy for their work which, he said, is vital to ensure “harmonious coexistence in society.”

Meeting them on Monday morning in the Clementine Hall, the Pope highlighted their crucial role as intermediaries between the central State and the local communities, ensuring the concrete closeness of the civil authorities to citizens, especially those who find themselves in difficult situations.

In the Italian system, the prefect is the general representative of the national government in each province, and works under the supervision of the Minister of the Interior.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/december.index.html
Speeches 2023 December
To the Prefects of the Italian Republic (11 December 2023)

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256242/pope-francis-expresses-concern-about-italy-s-low-birth-rate
Pope Francis expresses concern about Italy’s low birth rate
By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 11, 2023 / 16:50 pm

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Update: Vatican finance trial

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/12/at-long-last-vaticans-trial-of-the-century-set-to-wrap-up-this-week
At long last, Vatican’s ‘trial of the century’ set to wrap up this week
By Crux Staff
Dec 11, 2023

ROME – Sometime this week, the Vatican’s “trial of the century,” pivoting on charges of embezzlement and other financial crimes against Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu and nine fellow defendants, should come to its long-awaited conclusion, after two and a half years and 85 separate hearings.

Giuseppe Pignatone, a veteran Italian jurist who presides over the three-judge panel hearing the case, has said that he wants to deliver verdicts by Saturday, though they could anytime after the prosecution, defense and attorneys representing civil parties to the case make their final presentations Tuesday.

In all, lead prosecutor Alessandro Diddi has requested 73 years and one month in prison for the ten defendants, including seven years and three months for Becciu. Civil parties to the case have also requested compensation totaling close to $700 million.

All ten defendants have denied any wrong-doing, and their attorneys have requested full exoneration. The indictments were first handed down in July 2021, and, in fits and starts, the trial has been underway ever since.
 

[grace-land]

Update: Vatican finance trial

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/12/at-vatican-trials-end-secretariat-of-state-gives-a-green-light-to-go-ahead
At Vatican trial’s end, Secretariat of State gives a green light to go ahead
By Crux Staff
Dec 12, 2023

ROME – In the penultimate hearing of the Vatican’s “trial of the century,” prosecutors presented a new declaration from Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin in which the pope’s top aide said that the Secretariat of State wants the process to go forward.

It marked the first time Parolin has been heard during the two and a half year-long trial, despite the fact that decisions in the disputed $400 million real estate transaction in London at the heart of the case were approved by Parolin on multiple occasions, often in writing.

Some observers of the trial had pointed out that although the Secretariate of State is technically the primary injured party in the case, it has not filed a complaint against any of the defendants under the Vatican’s civil law, leading some to wonder if the secretariat actually wanted the case to go forward.

In that context, assistant prosecutor Gianluca Perone read the letter from Parolin aloud during a Monday hearing dedicated to the prosecution’s final summation.
 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-letter-secretariat-economy-holy-see-patrimony-reforms.html
Pope to SPE staff: ‘Much progress has been made’
12 December 2023, 16:28

In a letter addressed to the staff of the Secretariat for the Economy, Pope Francis writes: "What has been done should not lead us to think that the path of economic reform is finished. On the contrary, it has just begun."
By Vatican News

"We are all responsible for preserving our patrimony to ensure the necessary resources to continue the journey even for those who come after us." This is what the Pope writes in the letter sent in recent days to the staff of the Secretariat for the Economy, now published on the dicastery's website.
 

[grace-land]

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-our-lady-of-guadalupe-reminds-us-to-welcome-virtues.html
Pope: Our Lady of Guadalupe reminds us to welcome virtues
12 December 2023, 18:50

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in St Peter’s Basilica for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
By Christopher Wells

In his homily for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis focused on the miraculous image preserved on the tilma, or cloak, of St Juan Diego, to whom Our Lady appeared.

“It is the image of the first disciple, of the mother of all believers, of the Church herself,” the Pope said, “which is imprinted in the humility of what we are and what we have, which is not worth much, but which will be something great in the eyes of God.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023.index.html
Homilies 2023
Holy Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 December 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/dicastery-for-doctrine-of-the-faith-storing-ashes.html

Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith responds to questions about cremation
12 December 2023, 12:40

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi asks whether it is possible to keep the ashes of the deceased in common places similar to ossuaries and whether it was possible to keep a small portion of the ashes in a place significant to the deceased.
By Vatican News

In response to questions proposed by Archbishop Matteo Zuppi, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith affirms it is possible to arrange a sacred place “for the commingled accumulation and preservation of the ashes of the baptized,” that is, a communal cinerary where the individual ashes are poured out. The Archbishop of Bologna has submitted two questions to the Dicastery concerning the disposition of the remains of believers who have been cremated. The response to the second question says ecclesiastical authorities may also consider and evaluate the request of family members to keep a portion of a deceased person’s ashes in a place significant to the history of the person who died. The full text of the Dicastery's response can be found on the Vatican website.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256253/vatican-small-part-of-cremated-ashes-can-be-kept-in-personal-place-in-certain-cases
Vatican: Small part of cremated ashes can be kept in personal place in certain cases
By Tyler Arnold
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 12, 2023 / 11:36 am

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Update: Synod on Synodality

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/preparing-for-2024-synod-toward-a-synodal-and-missionary-church.html
Preparing for Synod 2024: Towards a synodal and missionary Church
12 December 2023, 11:48

Cardinals Grech and Hollerich write to bishops across the world explaining the next stages of the synodal process in view of next year's second and final session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality.
By Vatican News

The work of the Synod on synodality continues in view of the final session set for  October 2024, and Churches are now called to reflect on the Synthesis Report published in October 2023, to promote further consultation and to prepare contributions for next year’s assembly.

Bishops from across world have just received a document with instructions from the Secretariat of the Synod accompanied by a letter from Cardinals Mario Grech (the General Secretary) and Jean-Claude Hollerich (the Relator General).

The four-page text  first of all underscores the importance of the experience lived by those who took part in the first session of the Synod in October this year, recalling that “their account constitutes an inalienable part of the gift we have received, conveying the richness of an experience that no text can condense.”

The synodal process will, therefore, continue along some lines of work, keeping in mind what Pope Francis said when he approved them that “the Synod is about synodality, and not about this or that theme”, and that the “important thing is how the reflection is done, that is, in a synodal way.”
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256250/synod-on-synodality-pope-francis-final-assembly-agenda
Synod on Synodality next steps: Pope to choose ‘big questions’ for further study
By Matthew Santucci
Rome Newsroom, Dec 12, 2023 / 12:45 pm

[grace-land]

Hmmm...

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/cardinal-wilton-gregory-suggests-the-latin-mass-will-die-a-slow-bloody-death/
Cardinal Wilton Gregory suggests the Latin Mass will die ‘a slow… bloody death’
Raymund Maria
Tue Dec 12, 2023 - 8:38 am EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. (LifeSiteNews) — The Archbishop of Washington, D.C., Cardinal Wilton Gregory, told students at the Catholic University of America (CUA) that the ancient form of the Roman Rite of the Mass, known as the Traditional Latin Mass, cannot be celebrated on the university campus because “Tradition dies a slow death, sometimes a bloody death.”

The cardinal was delivering a guest lecture at CUA as part of the university’s Presidential Speaker Series last week on Wednesday, December 6. The lecture, titled “Celebrating Diversity,” emphasized the need to accept, listen to, dialogue with, welcome, and include all within the Church. Gregory insisted this is what it means to be a “synodal Church” according to the vision of Pope Francis.

The rhetoric of inclusion, welcome, and listening ended when after the lecture the archbishop was asked by the student representative of the university’s freshman class why the Traditional Latin Mass is not offered on campus for those who came to the faith precisely through the ancient liturgy. The student explained that this question is the one he is most frequently asked by fellow students:
 

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-mission-of-proclaiming-the-gospel-involves-every-christian.html
Pope Francis: Mission of proclaiming the Gospel involves every Christian
12 December 2023, 19:34

Concluding his cycle of Wednesday Catecheses dedicated to the apostolic zeal of the believer, Pope Francis emphasizes that every baptized person is called to witness and announce the Gospel to all peoples.
By Lisa Zengarini

The passion for the proclamation of the Gospel “involves every Christian, from the beginning”, Pope Francis reiterated at his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, concluding his cycle of reflections on Christian apostolic zeal.

The Pope began the catechesis by inviting the faithful to reflect on the “Rite of the Ephphatha” performed during the Sacrament of Baptism.

He recalled that this rite comes from Jesus' miraculous healing of deaf and dumb man in Galilee.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-francis-israel-palestine-no-to-weapons-yes-to-peace.html
Pope renews appeal for immediate Gaza ceasefire
13 December 2023, 10:09

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2023.index.html
Audiences 2023
General Audience of 13 December 2023 - Catechesis. The passion for evangelization: the apostolic zeal of the believer. 30. Ephphatha, Church, be open!

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New interview: Pope Francis grants an interview to journalist Valentina Alazraki for Mexican broadcaster N+

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-my-health-is-better-i-have-no-plans-to-resign.html
Pope: My health is better, I have no plans to resign
13 December 2023, 13:03

Pope Francis during the interview for N+

On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis grants an interview to journalist Valentina Alazraki for Mexican broadcaster N+.
By Salvatore Cernuzio

Not so much a decision, much less a revolution, it is a promise Pope Francis made to the Virgin Mary: “I want to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore. The place is already ready.”

Pope Francis, 87 years old next week, on 17 December, revealed his intention to Mexican broadcaster N+, while also explaining that he is working to simplify the funeral rite for popes. The Pope also made clear that, although he thinks about death – in part due to old age that “arrives as it is” – the idea of resigning is not at all in the plans.

On the contrary, the Holy Father reveals a desire to travel to Belgium in 2024, in addition to “pending” trips to Polynesia and his native Argentina.

Desire to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256261/pope-francis-says-that-he-wants-to-be-buried-in-marian-basilica-in-new-interview
Pope Francis says that he wants to be buried in Marian basilica in new interview
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Dec 13, 2023 / 10:10 am

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https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2023/12/franciss-company-at-st-mary-major-captures-contrasts-contradictions-of-papal-history

Francis’s company at St. Mary Major captures contrasts, contradictions of papal history
By John L. Allen Jr.
Dec 14, 2023

ROME – In a new interview released yesterday, Pope Francis revealed his intention to be buried at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, reflecting his intense personal devotion to Mary and the famed icon of Salus Populi Romani contained in its Borghese chapel.

Francis thus will become the sixth pontiff to be interred in the basilica, joining Pius V, Sixtus V, Paul V, Clement IX and Clement XIII, all of whom reigned between the late 16th and late 18th centuries.

The fact that Francis’s mortal remains will be interred along with these five predecessors offers a presumably inadvertant, but nonetheless unmistakable, reminder of the contrasts and contradictions of papal history through the ages.

To begin with the most obvious irony, Pope Pius V, who ruled the church from 1566 to 1572, was the pontiff who standardized the celebration of the Mass after the Council of Trent, issuing a new edition of the Roman Missal in 1570 which would become known as the “Tridentine Mass,” and would remain basically unchanged until the post-Vatican II reforms of Pope Paul VI in 1969.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256284/six-popes-are-buried-at-st-mary-major-pope-francis-says-hell-be-next
Six popes are buried at St. Mary Major; Pope Francis says he’ll be next
By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Dec 14, 2023 / 17:15 pm

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/in-world-peace-day-message-pope-warns-on-risks-of-ai-for-peace.html

In World Peace Day message, Pope warns of risks of AI for peace
14 December 2023, 11:35

In his message for the 57th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis reflects on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on world peace, and urges the international community to adopt a binding international treaty that regulates its development and use.
By Lisa Zengarini

New technologies must always be directed to “the pursuit of peace and the common good, in the service of the integral development of individuals and communities.”

In his annual Message for the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis urges world leaders to ensure that progress in developing forms of artificial intelligence “will ultimately serve the cause of human fraternity and peace.”

The message, dedicated to the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence and Peace,’ was released by the Vatican on Thursday ahead of the 57th World Day of Peace, 1 January 2024.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/20231208-messaggio-57giornatamondiale-pace2024.html
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE
FRANCIS
FOR THE 57th
WORLD DAY OF PEACE
1 JANUARY 2024
Artificial Intelligence and Peace

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-to-italian-pilgrimage-group-continue-to-seek-mary.html

Pope to Italian pilgrimage group: Continue to seek Mary
14 December 2023, 11:55

Pope Francis on Thursday received members of UNITALSI, an Italian charitable organization dedicated to assisting people with illnesses or disabilities to make pilgrimages to Lourdes and other sanctuaries around the world.
By Christopher Wells

Members of UNITALSI (the Italian National Union for the Transport of the Sick to Lourdes and International Sanctuaries) met with Pope Francis in the Paul VI Hall on Thursday, on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the foundation of the group.

Taking part in the audience were not only volunteers but also people with illnesses or disabilities who are assisted by the organization, as well as families, healthcare workers, young people, clergy, and religious associated with the organization.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/december.index.html
Speeches 2023 December
To UNITALSI volunteers and sick people (14 December 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-12/pope-message-global-refugee-forum-geneva-rights-dignity.html

Pope: Protecting and saving lives of migrants utmost priority
14 December 2023, 13:44

Pope Francis addresses the Global Refugee Forum reiterates his belief that the plight of refugees is a shared responsibility.
By Linda Bordoni

In a message to the Global Refugee Forum taking place in Geneva, Pope Francis underscored the fact that it is a shared responsibility to resolve the plight of refugees and highlighted a series of signs of hope that speak of solidarity, welcome and cooperation.

His message, read on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, was addressed to the world’s largest international gathering on refugees. It’s a Forum designed to support the practical implementation of the objectives set out in the Global Compact of Refugees.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2023.index.html
Pontifical Messages 2023
Message of Pope Francis for the II Global Refugee Forum [Geneva, 13-15 December 2023] (14 December 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/ddf-encourage-single-mothers-to-approach-the-sacraments.html

Doctrine of the Faith: Encourage single mothers to approach the Sacraments
14 December 2023, 15:39

Responding to a question from a bishop in the Dominican Republic, who pointed out that some single mothers abstain from Communion out of fear of the clergy's rigorism, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith recalls with Pope Francis that women in such situations, already facing difficulties for having chosen life, must be encouraged to encounter the saving power of the Sacraments
Vatican News

Single mothers must not be prevented but encouraged to approach the Sacraments, writes the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in response to a question from Bishop Ramón Alfredo de la Cruz Baldera of San Francisco de Macorís, in the Dominican Republic.

Letter approved by the Pope

In the Letter, approved on Wednesday by Pope Francis and published today on the Dicastery’s website, Cardinal Victor Fernandez responds to the Dominican bishop’s concern that some single mothers “abstain from Communion out of fear of the rigorism of the clergy and community leaders.” The prefect notes that “in some countries, both priests and some lay people prevent mothers who have had a child outside of marriage from accessing the sacraments and even baptizing their children.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20231213_risposta-madri-single_en.html#_ftn3
DICASTERIUM PRO DOCTRINA FIDEI
Letter to His Excellency, the Most Reverend Ramón Alfredo de la Cruz Baldera,
Bishop of the Diocese of San Francisco de Macorís (Dominican Republic)
Regarding Access to Eucharistic Communion for Single Mothers

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256278/vatican-doctrine-office-encourages-single-mothers-to-receive-communion-after-confession
Vatican doctrine office encourages single mothers to receive Communion after confession
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Dec 14, 2023 / 13:50 pm

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/pope-approves-decrees-for-new-blesseds-including-six-martyrs.html

Pope approves decrees for new Blesseds, including six martyrs
14 December 2023, 14:43

In an audience granted to the prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis authorizes the promulgation of decrees of martyrdom for several priests of various nationalities who were killed “in hatred of the faith” during the 20th century.
By Alessandro De Carolis

Their stories largely span the 20th century, apart from that of a nun who lived at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. Of the eight upcoming new Blesseds for whom the Pope approved the promulgation of the Decrees on Thursday, six are martyrs who were victims of fascism and communism. The other two involved the recognition of miracles attributed to the intercession of a Carmelite nun and a founder of a religious institute.

The Decrees also concern three new Venerables, a Capuchin Franciscan and two lay people: an Italian mother of a family and a Guatemalan father.

The stories of the martyrs
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256290/breaking-vatican-closing-down-loyola-community-co-founded-by-rupnik

Vatican closing down Loyola Community co-founded by Rupnik
By Courtney Mares
CNA Staff, Dec 15, 2023 / 09:38 am

The Vatican has decided to shut down the religious community of sisters co-founded by accused abuser Father Marko Rupnik, the Slovenian Archdiocese of Ljubljana announced Friday.

Sisters from the Loyola Community were presented with a decree on Dec. 14 from the Vatican Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life on the dissolution of their community “due to serious problems concerning the exercise of authority and the way of living together,” the archdiocese said.

According to the Dec. 15 statement, the dissolution of the community must take place within one year. The Vatican decree ordering the dissolution of the Loyola Community was issued on Oct. 20.