Pope Francis

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-council-cardinals-meeting-february.html

Pope presides over Council of Cardinals meeting
05 February 2024, 14:44

The new session of the C9 is underway in the Vatican, in the presence of Pope Francis.
By Vatican News

The February meeting of the Council of Cardinals began on Monday, 5 February, at the Vatican.

The Holy See Press Office released a statement saying all members of the so-called C-9 were present together with Pope Francis.

The Council of Cardinals last met on 4 and 5 December 2023 at Casa Santa Marta, also in the presence of the Pope.
 

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/wells-council-of-cardinals
Anglican Bishop Addresses Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals
Edward Pentin
February 5, 2024

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-antonio-paolucci-death-vatican-museums.html

Pope Francis mourns former director of Vatican Museums
05 February 2024, 16:54

Pope Francis expresses his condolences upon the death of Antonio Paolucci, the former director of the Vatican Museums and a leading art historian.
By Joseph Tulloch

Antonio Paolucci, former Director of the Vatican Museums, passed away on Sunday at the age of 84.

He was one of the most renowned figures in art, both in Italy and abroad.

In a telegram, Pope Francis remembered Mr. Paolucci as an “esteemed connoisseur of art” who gave “generous and competent service” to the Holy See. He also assured Paolucci's family of his prayers, as well as his “personal condolences.”

Mr. Paolucci was appointed director of the Vatican Museums in November 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Born in Rimini in 1939, he had headed museums in Venice, Verona, Mantua, and Florence, and served as government minister for Cultural Heritage.

He was a prolific writer but is particularly remembered for his studies on the Florence Baptistery and Michelangelo's Pietà.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-human-fraternity-zayed-award-winners.html

Pope congratulates Zayed Award winners, praises human fraternity
05 February 2024, 17:30

In a video message sent to the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony in Abu Dhabi, Pope Francis encourages everyone to promote a culture of peace and dialogue.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis released a video message on Monday which was viewed by attendees at the 2024 award ceremony of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi.

This year’s prize marks the fifth anniversary of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, which he signed in 2019 with Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.

In the video message, the Pope greeted the Grand Imam and praised the four recipients for their efforts to promote solidarity in favour of the development of humanity.

The Zayed Award recipients are Sister Nelly León Correa, a Chilean nun working with prisoners; Sir Magdi Yacoub, an Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeon; and, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, two leading Indonesian Islamic organizations.

“I offer them my thanks,” said Pope Francis, “and I trust that their example will encourage others to undertake initiatives arising from fruitful cooperation between people of different religions that serve our whole human family, respect the dignity of each, and promote the values proposed by the Document on Human Fraternity.”
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256740/vatican-worship-dicasterys-meeting-to-focus-on-proper-liturgical-formation-implementation

Vatican worship dicastery’s meeting to focus on proper liturgical formation, implementation
By Matthew Santucci
Rome Newsroom, Feb 5, 2024 / 15:10 pm

The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments will hold its annual plenary assembly this week from Feb. 6–9 at the Jesuit Curia in Rome.

“The intent is to delve into the theme of liturgical formation 60 years after the promulgation of the Apostolic Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, tracing the practical paths on the indications contained in [Pope Francis’] apostolic letter Desiderio Desideravi, published in June 2022,” a press release from the dicastery stated.

The 2022 letter addressed what the Holy Father called “the liturgical formation of the people of God.” Quoting from Desiderio Desideravi, the dicastery’s statement this week said that the “non-acceptance of the liturgical reform … distracts us from the obligation of finding responses” to questions regarding reform of liturgy.

“How do we continue to let ourselves be amazed at what happens in the celebration under our very eyes?” the statement said, quoting the Holy Father. “We are in need of a serious and dynamic liturgical formation.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-02/clergy-conference-rome-cardinal-heung-sik-tagle.html

Clergy conference kicks off in Rome
06 February 2024, 11:29

A five-day conference on the ongoing formation of priests - involving prayer, presentations, and small synod-style listening groups - gets underway in the Vatican.
By Joseph Tulloch

Around a thousand priests from sixty countries around the world have gathered in Rome for a conference on clerical formation.

"Rekindle the Gift of God That Is Within You" is the theme of the meeting, held on February 6-10, which is sponsored by the Vatican’s Dicasteries for the Clergy, Evangelisation, and Eastern Churches.

A mission to care for the clergy

Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the clergy, opened the conference by recalling the moment Pope Francis appointed him to his current role.

“On that day,” he said, “a bishop friend of mine told me: ‘Now you are responsible for ensuring that all the priests in the world are happy.’”

These, Cardinal Heung-sik said, are “words that I have never been able to forget, and that constantly accompany me in this service of mine.”

It was this remark, the Korean-born prelate said, that had led him to organize the conference.
 

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-gereral-audience-sorrow-vice-2024.html
Pope at Audience: At times of sadness, draw comfort from Jesus' Resurrection
07 February 2024, 09:14

At the weekly General Audience, Pope Francis reflects on sadness and invites us to take comfort in Jesus' Resurrection, saying He can comfort our despair and sense of loss if we respond with faith in God's goodness.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

When overwhelmed by sadness, take comfort in Jesus' Resurrection.

Pope Francis offered this reminder during his Wednesday General Audience held in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall.
Continuing his catechesis series on virtues and vices, the Pope focused this week on the sin of excessive sadness (acedia vel tristitia, in Latin), recalling that there are two types of sadness.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-recalls-plight-of-rohingya-devastating-wars.html
Pope recalls plight of Rohingya, appeals for peace as wars rage
07 February 2024, 10:00

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2024.index.html
Audiences 2024
General Audience of 7 February 2024 - Cycle of Catechesis. Vices and Virtues. 7. Sorrow

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-church-has-not-listened-enough-to-the-voice-of-women.html

Pope: Church has not listened enough to the voice of women
07 February 2024, 15:01

We publish Pope Francis’ preface to “'Smaschilizzare la Chiesa'? Confronto critico sui 'Principi' di H.U. Von Balthasar” (Making the Church Less Masculine? A critical evaluation of the ‘principles’ of Hans Urs von Balthasar), which is comprised of contributions by theologians Linda Pocher, Lucia Vantini, and Luca Castiglioni, who participated in the recent meeting of the Council of Cardinals that discussed the role of women in the Church.
By Pope Francis

The presence and contribution of women to the life and growth of ecclesial communities through prayer, reflection, and action are realities that have always enriched the Church and, indeed, constitute its identity. Yet we have realized, especially during the preparation and celebration of the Synod, that we have not listened enough to the voice of women in the Church and that the Church still has much to learn from them.
 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/council-of-cardinals-cadjourns-until-april.html
Council of Cardinals adjourns until April
07 February 2024, 18:37

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New interview: Pope Francis' interview with Italian weekly 'Credere'

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-heart-of-fiducia-supplicans-is-welcome-credere-interview.html
Pope Francis: 'Welcome' is at the heart of 'Fiducia supplicans'
07 February 2024, 15:16

Pope Francis has granted an interview to Italian weekly 'Credere,' in which he discusses the recently-issued Vatican document 'Fiducia supplicans', ecclesial movements, and the role of women in the Church.
By Salvatore Cernuzio

"Everyone, everyone," Pope Francis said in Lisbon at the 2023 World Youth Day in August, and repeated on numerous other occasions to reiterate the principle of welcome at the heart of the Church's pastoral mission.

Likewise, he said it to describe spontaneous blessings of individuals who are in so-called "irregular" relationships, including homosexual ones, as taken into account by the Vatican's doctrinal document Fiducia supplicans which was issued in December.

In his interview with the Italian weekly magazine Credere, a periodical of the San Paolo Group, which will be published in the issue on Thursday, 8 February, Pope Francis also returned to the theme of such blessings, which have generated various reactions and controversies, and repeated what he had already mentioned in his audience with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith that drafted the declaration.

"I do not bless a 'homosexual marriage'; I bless two people who love each other, and I also ask them to pray for me," the Pope explained in his conversation with Credere's editor Don Vincenzo Vitale.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256760/pope-francis-to-be-scandalized-by-gay-blessings-is-hypocrisy
Pope Francis: To be ‘scandalized’ by gay couple blessings is ‘hypocrisy’
By Matthew Santucci
Rome Newsroom, Feb 7, 2024 / 13:00 pm

[grace-land]

Hmmm...

https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/reset-saturday-at-the-vatican
Reset Saturday at the Vatican

COMMENTARY: Cardinal Fernández’s clarification of ‘Fiducia Supplicans,’ the Pope’s solidarity with the Jewish people, and the lack of priests at the Synod on Synodality were addressed by the Holy See last week.
Father Raymond J. de Souza |  Vatican | February 7, 2024

On the feast of St. Blaise, the Vatican cleared its collective throat and made attempts to put things right on three separate fronts, all on the same day. Call it “Reset Saturday.”

First up was Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), who has had the most bruising month in the recent history of Curial prefects. After his declaration Fiducia Supplicans provoked an unprecedented rejection from many parts of the Catholic world, he was forced to back down by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo on behalf of the African bishops.

Pope Francis directed Cardinal Fernández to follow the lead of Cardinal Ambongo, serving in effect as stenographer to the evisceration of his own declaration. The Holy Father was monitoring Cardinal Fernández’s compliance over the phone. It must have been a humiliating experience.

After that, perhaps Cardinal Fernández desired something of a reset. That might be the reason for an official “Note” from the DDF, Gestis Verbisque, published on Saturday.

It’s a curious document, in that it teaches what has been known for literally centuries — namely, that the minister of a sacrament (usually a cleric) may not alter the essential “form” and “matter” of the sacraments. If either one is altered, the sacrament is invalid. Why, then, the document now? The document demonstrates that Cardinal Fernández is capable of three things put in doubt by Fiducia Supplicans.
 

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News/articles from Feb 8...

(1)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-underscores-holy-faithful-service-to-priesthood.html
Pope Francis applauds holy, faithful service of priests
08 February 2024, 10:52

Pope Francis praises holy priests who faithfully serve their flocks and highlights three keys for forming Christ-like clerics, in his address to participants in the Dicastery for the Clergy-sponsored International Conference for the Ongoing Formation of Priests.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"May all discover, through the witness of our lives, the beauty of the saving love of God revealed in Jesus Christ, Who died and rose from the dead," Pope Francis said to participants in the International Conference for the Ongoing Formation of Priests on Thursday. The conference, taking place from 6-10 February, was organized by the Dicastery for the Clergy, in cooperation with the Dicasteries for Evangelization and for the Eastern Churches.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/february.index.html
Speeches 2024 February
To Participants in the International Conference for the Ongoing Formation of Priests sponsored by the Dicastery for the Clergy [Rome, 6-10 February] (8 February 2024)

(2)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-sacraments-liturgy-dicastery-divine-worship-plenary.html
Pope: The liturgy must be for all the people of God
08 February 2024, 11:24
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/february.index.html
Speeches 2024 February
To the participants in the Plenary of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (8 February 2024)

(3)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-message-10th-world-day-against-human-trafficking.html
Pope Francis: Everyone must combat human trafficking, never be complicit
08 February 2024, 13:15

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News/articles from Feb 9...

(1)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-welcomes-argentinian-pilgrims-ahead-of-canonization.html
Pope: Mama Antula's unshakeable holiness was driven by trust in God
09 February 2024, 10:50

Pope Francis welcomes pilgrims from Argentina for the canonisation of Blessed Maria Antonia of Saint Joseph de Paz y Figueroa, known as Mama Antula, and praises her holiness, faith, and perseverance.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"Let us remember that the path of holiness implies trust and abandonment," for when Blessed Maria Antonia arrived in Buenos Aires, she did so with only a crucifix and barefoot, "because she had not placed her security in herself, but in God, trusting that her arduous apostolate was His work."

The Pope offered this reminder on Friday as he met in the Vatican with pilgrims from Argentina who are in Rome for the canonisation of Blessed Maria Antonia of Saint Joseph de Paz y Figueroa.

Known as Mama Antula, the Argentine-born nun founded the House for Spiritual Exercises of Buenos Aires. The soon-to-be canonised saint was born in 1730 in Silipica, Santiago del Estero, and died on 7 March 1799 in the Argentinian capital.

Pope Francis chose the date of her canonisation for 11 February 2024, the anniversary of the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes.
 

(2)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-mourns-former-president-sebastian-pinera-of-chile.html
Pope mourns former President Sebastián Piñera of Chile
09 February 2024, 15:00

(3)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-telegram-death-namibia-president-geingob.html
Pope Francis sends condolences for death of Namibian President Geingob
09 February 2024, 15:07

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News/articles from Feb 10...

(1)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-to-italian-craftsmen-world-needs-artisans-of-peace.html
Pope to Italian craftsmen: 'World needs artisans of peace and fraternity’
10 February 2024, 12:20

Pope Francis addresses members of the Italian association of craftsmen, and encourages them to be artisans of peace, fraternity, and beauty.
By Lisa Zengarini

Meeting on Saturday with members of Confartigianato, the Italian association of craftsmen, Pope Francis exhorted them to be artisans of peace and fraternity in a world ravaged by war in which the poor are discarded. “May your hands, your eyes, your feet be a sign of a creative and generous humanity”, he said.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/february.index.html
Speeches 2024 February
To the Delegations of Confartigianato (10 February 2024)

(2)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-inspectorate-public-security-vatican-police-peace.html
Pope to policemen: Peace does not happen overnight
10 February 2024, 12:23
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/february.index.html
Speeches 2024 February
To the Managers and Staff of the Vatican Inspectorate of Public Security (10 February 2024)

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News/articles from Feb 11...

Video, with English commentary, at the link below--
(1)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-mama-antula-canonisation-maria-antonia-de-san-jose.html
Pope Francis canonises Argentinian laywoman ‘Mama Antula’
11 February 2024, 11:33

Pope Francis canonises María Antonia de San José, describing her as a "wayfarer of the spirit" and "a model of apostolic fervour and audacity".
By Joseph Tulloch and Stefan von Kempis

‘Mama Antula’ is Argentina's first female saint.

She was canonised by Pope Francis – himself Argentinian– on Sunday morning, in a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica.

María Antonia de San José de Paz y Figueroa, known in her own country, and by millions of faithful around the world, as “Mama Antula”, lived in Argentina in the 18th century.

At that time, the Jesuit order had been expelled from Argentina. María Antonia, a laywoman, made it her mission to spread Ignatian - that is, Jesuit - spirituality throughout the country.

Among the roughly five thousand present in St Peter's Basilica for the occasion was Javier Milei, the newly-elected president of Argentina.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2024.index.html
Homilies 2024
VI Sunday of Ordinary Time – Holy Mass and canonization of Blessed Maria Antonia of Saint Joseph de Paz y Figueroa (11 February 2024)

(2)  https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256807/what-did-milei-and-pope-francis-say-to-each-other-at-the-canonization-of-mama-antula
What did Milei and Pope Francis say to each other at the canonization of Mama Antula?
By Walter Sanchez Silva
ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 12, 2024 / 15:30 pm

Pope Francis greets Argentina President Javier Milei in St. Peter’s Basilica on Feb. 11, 2024, at the canonization of Mama Antula, the first female saint from Argentina. | Credit: Vatican Media


(3)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-at-angelus-reach-out-to-suffering-with-actions-not-words.html
Pope at Angelus: ‘Reach out to the suffering with actions, not words’
11 February 2024, 12:07
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-prays-for-all-those-who-cannot-receive-medical-aid-in-war.html
World Day of the Sick: Pope prays for Myanmar, Palestine, Israel and Ukraine
11 February 2024, 12:35

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2024.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2024
Angelus, 11 February 2024

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News/articles from Feb 12...

Video at the link below--
(1)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-audience-argentine-president-javier-milei.html
Pope Francis meets with Argentine President Milei
12 February 2024, 12:41


Pope Francis holds a private audience with the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, a day after the Pope canonized the first native-born Argentinian saint.
By Devin Watkins

President Javier Gerardo Milei and Pope Francis met briefly on Sunday on the sidelines of the Mass which the Pope presided over in St. Peter’s Basilica.

During that event, the Pope canonized St. María Antonia de San José de Paz y Figueroa, known around the world as “Mama Antula,” making her the first Argentine saint.

On Monday, the Argentine Pope welcomed the President of Argentina for an official audience in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
 

(2)  https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256802/meeting-between-pope-francis-and-argentine-president-signals-possible-turn-in-relationship
Meeting between Pope Francis and Argentine president signals possible turn in relationship
By Matthew Santucci
Rome Newsroom, Feb 12, 2024 / 12:30 pm

(3)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/vatican-conference-human-meanings-and-challenges.html
Vatican hosts conference on technological progress and human identity
12 February 2024, 16:32

(4)  https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256810/pope-names-biochemist-who-contributed-to-covid-vaccine-to-pontifical-academy-for-life
Pope names biochemist who contributed to COVID vaccine to Pontifical Academy for Life
By Tyler Arnold
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Feb 12, 2024 / 17:15 pm

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News/articles from Feb 13...

(1)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-pastoral-visit-italy-venice-biennale-holy-see.html
Pope Francis to visit Venice Art Biennale in April
13 February 2024, 12:10

Pope Francis will travel to the northern Italian city of Venice on April 28 to visit the local Church community and the 2024 Venice Art Biennale.
By Devin Watkins

The Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis will visit Venice on April 28.

During his one-day pastoral visit to the Italian city, the Pope will make a stop at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2024.

He will take a moment to appreciate the Holy See Pavilion at the Biennale’s exhibit in the Giudecca Women’s Prison.

Entitled “With my eyes”, the pavilion is dedicated to the theme of human rights and people living on the margins of society.
 

(2)  https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256816/pope-francis-appoints-fr-james-ruggieri-as-bishop-of-portland-maine
Pope Francis appoints Father James Ruggieri as bishop of Portland, Maine
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Feb 13, 2024 / 09:00 am

(3)  https://deadline.com/2024/02/pope-francis-hillary-clinton-ban-ki-moon-cinema-for-peace-gala-berlin-1235822747/
Pope Francis, Hillary Clinton & Ban Ki-Moon To Be Feted At Berlin Cinema For Peace Gala Alongside Works Protecting Jewish Life & Sharon Stone Art
By Melanie Goodfellow
February 12, 2024 7:53am

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News/articles from Feb 14...

Video, with English commentary, at the link below--
(1)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-general-audience-vices-and-virtues-13-feb-acedia.html
Pope at Audience: Everything is possible with patience of faith
14 February 2024, 09:40

At the weekly General Audience, Pope Francis continues his catechesis cycle on the virtues and vices, focusing on acedia, or laziness, which he says can be overcome with the patience of faith.
By Francesca Merlo

Continuing his cycle of cathesis on virtues and vices, Pope Francis dedicated his catechesis at his Wednesday General Audience to "a sin that is often overlooked": acedia. The Holy Father began by noting that the term is often substituted by another, much more commonly used one: laziness.

"In reality, laziness is an effect more than a cause,"  noted the Pope, explaining that "when a person is idle, indolent, or apathetic, we say they are lazy. But as the wisdom of the ancient desert fathers teaches us, often the root is acedia, which from its Greek origin literally means a 'lack of care'."
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-remembers-suffering-ukraine-palestine-israel.html
Pope Francis recalls suffering in Ukraine and Holy Land
14 February 2024, 10:20
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-ernest-simoni-albania-thanks-living-martyr.html
“A living martyr”: Pope Francis pays tribute to Cardinal imprisoned for three decades
14 February 2024, 12:02

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2024.index.html
Audiences 2024
General Audience of 14 February 2024 - Cycle of Catechesis. Vices and Virtues. 8. Acedia


Video, with English commentary, at the link below--
(2)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-at-beginning-of-lent-jesus-calls-us-to-return-to-our-heart.html
Pope at Ash Wednesday Mass: Jesus calls us to return to our heart this Lent
14 February 2024, 17:25

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2024.index.html
Homilies 2024
Holy Mass, Blessing and Imposition of the Ashes (14 February 2024)

[grace-land]

News/articles from Feb 15...

(1)  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-theme-fourth-world-grandparents-elderly-day.html
‘Loneliness’ at heart of Pope’s theme for 4th Grandparents Day
15 February 2024, 12:15

Pope Francis releases the theme for his message for the 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: “Do not cast me off in my old age”.
By Devin Watkins

On Sunday, July 28, Catholics around the world will be invited to take time to reflect on the great heritage and wisdom passed on by their grandparents and the elderly.

In preparation for the 4th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life released the theme for the 2024 iteration.

The Pope has chosen the theme: “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9).
 

(2)  https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256840/vatican-hosts-veneration-of-relics-of-21-coptic-martyrs-of-libya-on-first-feast-day
Vatican hosts veneration of relics of 21 Coptic martyrs of Libya on first feast day
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Feb 15, 2024 / 09:03 am

(3)  https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256846/israeli-embassy-criticizes-cardinal-parolin-s-remarks-on-civilian-death-toll-in-gaza
Israeli embassy criticizes Cardinal Parolin’s remarks on civilian death toll in Gaza
By Matthew Santucci
Rome Newsroom, Feb 15, 2024 / 16:05 pm

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-to-italian-seminarians-the-church-is-a-work-in-progress.html

Pope to Italian seminarians: The Church is a "work in progress"
16 February 2024, 12:33

Meeting with seminarians and community members of the Neapolitan Seminary "Alessio Ascalesi", Pope Francis reminds them that the Church is an “open construction site “where the faithful walk together in synodality, listening to the Holy Spirit and the signs of our time.
By Lisa Zengarini

“The Church is above all an open construction site” that “remains constantly on the move, open to the novelty of the Spirit, overcoming the temptation to preserve itself and its interests”.

Pope Francis offered that insight on Friday morning as he addressed seminarians and community members of the Seminary "Alessio Ascalesi" of the Archdiocese of Naples celebrating the 90th anniversary of its inauguration.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/february.index.html
Speeches 2024 February
Audience with the Community of the Archepiscopal Seminary of Naples (16 February 2024)

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-barcelona-sagrada-familia-construction-board.html

Pope Francis: Churches should lift our hearts to praise God
17 February 2024, 11:30

Pope Francis invites the construction board of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona to assure that pilgrims lift their hearts to God when they enter the majestic church.
By Devin Watkins

“Like the spires and bell towers, may the gazes of pilgrims be lifted and their voices proclaim with the angels: ‘Holy Immortal God’.”

Pope Francis offered that reminder to the Construction Board of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in the Spanish city of Barcelona as he met with them in the Vatican on Saturday.

In his address, the Pope dedicated his reflection to the theme prayer, since the Church is currently in the Year of Prayer leading up to the 2025 Jubilee.

“A climate of prayer must not be lost in our temples, and must be one of the priorities for those who, like you, have received the responsibility of their care,” he said.

Portals of faith, hope, charity

Pope Francis spoke about the three portals that make up the basilica’s façade, saying each has a theme illustrated by Scripture passages and framed by a prayer.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/february.index.html
Speeches 2024 February
To the Members of the "Junta Constructora" of the Basilica of the "Sagrada Família" of Barcelona (Spain) (17 February 2024)

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-02/pope-francis-italy-florence-supermarket-pylon-collapse.html

Pope laments deadly construction site incident in Florence
17 February 2024, 14:49

Pope Francis sends his condolences to the Italian city of Florence after a pylon collapsed at a construction site for a new supermarket killing four people.
By Devin Watkins

Four workers were killed and three others injured on Friday when a pylon collapsed at the site of a new supermarket that was under construction in the central Italian city of Florence.

Pope Francis sent his condolences to their families on Saturday in a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

The Pope’s condolences were sent to Cardinal Giuseppe Betori, the Archbishop of Florence.

Pope Francis asked the Cardinal Archbishop to express his condolences and closeness to the victims’ families, along with his “heartfelt participation in the sorrow of the entire community.”