Pope Francis

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Video, with English text, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-08/pope-francis-video-prayer-intention-september-respect-planet.html

Pope’s prayer intention for September: Respect for the planet’s resources
31 August 2020, 17:00

Pope Francis releases a video message accompanying his prayer intention for September, which this month is for respect for the planet’s resources: that we “take care of Creation responsibly”.
By Vatican News

In his prayer intention for September 2020, Pope Francis asks everyone to pray that we learn to respect the planet’s resources

It has become the custom of Pope Francis to release a video message detailing his prayer intention for each month.

The full text of the prayer intention is below:
 

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https://zenit.org/2020/08/31/pope-receives-credential-letters-of-ambassador-of-japan-to-holy-see/

Pope Receives Credential Letters of Ambassador of Japan to Holy See
AUGUST 31, 2020 00:52

On August 29, 2020, the Holy Father Francis received in audience HE Mr. Seiji Okada, Ambassador of Japan to the Holy See, on the occasion of the presentation of his credential letters.

Here are the essential biographical notes of the new Ambassador:

HE Mr. Seiji Okada, Ambassador of Japan to the Holy See was born on June 2, 1956. He is married and has two children.
 

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https://zenit.org/2020/08/31/pope-names-new-auxiliary-bishop-of-rome/

Pope Names New Auxiliary Bishop of Rome
AUGUST 31, 2020 12:01  DEBORAH CASTELLANO LUBOV

Pope Francis has named Father Dario Gervasi as new auxiliary bishop of Rome.

The appointment was announced in a bulletin of the Holy See Press Office this Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, stating: “The Holy Father has appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, Father Dario Gervasi, pastor of the Parish of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, assigning him the titular see of Subaugusta.”

Born in Rome on May 9, 1968, Dario Gervasi would complete his studies at the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary. After his priestly ordination in May 1994, he continued his studies in Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University where he obtained a licentiate.
 

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https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/13310/pope-pays-tribute-to-argentine-liberation-theologian-

31 AUGUST 2020, THE TABLET
Pope pays tribute to Argentine liberation theologian
by Madoc Cairns

Pope Francis has sent a handwritten note to a TV programme honouring an Argentinian priest, poet, and songwriter, Fr Julian Zini.

Zini, a long-time defender of Argentina’s biodiversity, was a supporter of Liberation Theology and the author of several popular Mass settings, died of cancer, aged 80, on 16 August this year. Pope Francis sent a handwritten note paying homage to the priest, and saying that he considers him “one of the great ‘Poets of the People’”.

In writing popular religious songs, the Pope said, Zini imparted those songs to “the people to which he gave his priestly life...the humble people whom he served with generosity as a father who only knows how to give life”. The letter was read on Saturday 22 August during a TV special honoring Zini’s life and ministry.

Between 1967 and 1976 Fr Zini was a member of the “Movement of Priests for the Third World,” formed in Argentina as a response to the second Vatican council and the Medellin declaration. The movement promoted a non-marxist version of Liberation Theology, known as the “theology of the people” – which is thought to have strongly influenced Pope Francis. The movement had the support of several Bishops, including Bl. Enrique Angelelli, who was assassinated in 1976 during the Argentine “dirty war”. Pope Francis declared Angelelli a martyr in 2018, and he was beatified in 2019. Fr. Zini, as a prominent member of the movement, and a sympathiser with left-wing groups, was himself persecuted during the “dirty war”.
 

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https://zenit.org/2020/08/31/what-are-the-secrets-of-fatima-and-why-are-they-important/

What Are the Secrets of Fatima and Why Are They Important?
New Book Answers 100 Questions About Miraculous Apparitions in Portugal
AUGUST 31, 2020 15:15

The Marian apparitions at Fatima in Portugal are one of the most famous apparitions in the world. However, many people do not know the whole story of the three shepherd children visionaries, the angel that appeared to them the year before, the details of the three secrets of Fatima, or what truly happened during the Miracle of the Sun. All these questions and more are answered in the new book FATIMA: 100 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MARIAN APPARITIONS, which is released in conjunction with the feature film, “Fatima,” now in theaters and on premium video on demand.

FATIMA, written by Paul Senz, who has his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Portland, utilizes a question-and-answer format to explore the context of these apparitions that occurred in Fatima, why they were so engrossing at the time, what they have meant to the Church and the world in the century since they happened, and why the requests of Our Lady are so important today.

From May to October 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared six times to three shepherd children in the tiny village of Fatima, Portugal. What started as a private matter was soon known all over town, throughout the country, and around the world. These apparitions have gripped the imagination of people all over the world, from simple believers to academic theologians; from skeptics to the curious; from scientists to Popes. FATIMA delves into why exactly the apparitions have been such a point of interest for millions around the globe.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-09/pope-francis-day-creation-jubilee-message.html

Pope: peace with Creator, harmony with creation
01 September 2020, 12:00

n his message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and the Season of Creation, Pope Francis reflects on the Biblical significance of the Jubilee, as evoked by the theme of the Season of Creation, "Jubilee of the Earth".
By Vatican News

As the September 1 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation kicks off the month-long Season of Creation, Pope Francis offers a profound reflection on respect for the earth, its resources, the evils caused by man’s greed and the need for "restorative justice" such as debt cancellation for poor countries.

This decisive moment
In his message, the Pope notes that “the pandemic has brought us to a crossroads”.  “We must use this decisive moment,” he says, “to end our superfluous and destructive goals and activities, and to cultivate values, connections and activities that are life-giving.” “We must examine our habits of energy usage, consumption, transportation, and diet.  We must eliminate the superfluous and destructive aspects of our economies, and nurture life-giving ways to trade, produce, and transport goods.”
 
https://zenit.org/2020/09/01/pope-francis-message-for-world-day-of-prayer-for-care-of-creation-2/
Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation
SEPTEMBER 01, 2020 10:25

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-09/pope-francis-general-audience-pandemic-solidarity-faith.html

Pope at Audience: Solidarity needed to rebuild post-pandemic community
02 September 2020, 10:05

In his catechesis at the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis urges everyone to combine authentic solidarity with the virtue of faith in order to heal social ills in the post-pandemic world.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis continued his catechesis series on the topic “Healing the world”, at the weekly General Audience.

After expressing his joy for the possibility of once again meeting with the faithful face-to-face - instead of “screen-to-screen” - the Holy Father noted how the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted our interdependence, “for better or worse”.

Solidarity, therefore, is the key to emerging from the crisis better than before, he said.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-09/pope-audience-lebanon-appeal-day-prayer-fasting-sept4.html
Pope calls for day of prayer, fasting in solidarity with Lebanon
02 September 2020, 12:21

https://zenit.org/2020/09/02/inside-look-pope-francis-elated-to-be-back-with-the-people-during-1st-general-audience-with-faithful-since-covid-outbreak-full-text-2/
INSIDE LOOK: Pope Francis Elated to Be Back With the People During 1st General Audience With Faithful Since COVID Outbreak (FULL TEXT)
SEPTEMBER 02, 2020 11:31  DEBORAH CASTELLANO LUBOV

Video, with English commentary at time mark 10:24, at the link below--
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/papal-audience/2020-09/pope-francis-video-general-audience-2-september-2020.html
POPE'S AUDIENCE OF 2 SEPTEMBER 2020

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https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2020/09/pope-plans-extensive-festivities-to-mark-feast-of-namesake-st-francis-of-assisi/

Pope plans extensive festivities to mark feast of namesake, St. Francis of Assisi
Elise Ann Allen  Sep 2, 2020

ROME – For history’s first pope named for Francis of Assisi, the saint’s Oct. 4 feast is bound to be a big deal, and this year is no exception, as several major Vatican events are already on the calendar.

On Sunday, Pope Francis announced a special “Season for Creation,” opening on the Sept. 1 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and closing on the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis.

Carrying the suggested theme, “Jubilee for the Earth,” the month-long event is part of a wider, year-long celebration marking the 5-year anniversary of Pope Francis’s eco-encyclical, Laudato Si, published in June 2015, and is designed to encourage communities to rethink their relationships with one other and with creation through a series of in-person and online events organized at a local level throughout the world.

Vatican sources have told Crux that the Season for Creation is expected to culminate with the publication of the pope’s new encyclical on human fraternity on Oct. 4, coinciding with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-09/ecumenical-patriarch-life-of-the-church-is-an-applied-ecology.html

Ecumenical Patriarch: Life of the Church is an applied ecology
01 September 2020, 08:30

In a Message released on Tuesday, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew says “a change of direction toward an ecological economy is an unwavering necessity.”
By Vatican News

The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, has issued a message to Orthodox bishops and faithful, calling for a renewed commitment to protecting the environment.

His message comes on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, September 1, which also marks the beginning of the Byzantine ecclesiastical year. The Day of Prayer was originally established by Bartholomew’s predecessor, Dimitrios, in 1989, and later adopted by other Orthodox churches. In a significant ecumenical gesture, Pope Francis in 2015 announced that the Catholic Church would also observe the Day on September 1.
 

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https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2020/08/pope-gets-first-copy-of-italian-missal-translation/

Pope gets first copy of Italian Missal translation
Cindy Wooden  Aug 31, 2020
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

ROME — The Italian bishops finally have printed their new Missal, and they gave the symbolic first copy to Pope Francis, who usually celebrates Mass in Italian.

The Italian bishops’ conference worked for almost 20 years translating the texts of all the prayers used at Mass by the celebrants and the faithful and then discussing proposed changes with the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

The use of the new Missal is obligatory throughout Italy as of Easter, April 4, 2021, but priests can begin using the translation as soon as they get a copy of the Missal. Local bishops can set an earlier date for its mandated use in their dioceses.

With the presentation to the pope, the headlines in Italy were about the changed translations of the Lord’s Prayer and of the Gloria, both which now match the Bible translation the bishops approved in 2002 for use in the liturgy.

The Our Father, matching the translation of Matthew 6:9-13, now includes the line, “Do not abandon us to temptation but deliver us from evil” instead of “Do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

With the Gloria, instead of beginning with “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of goodwill,” the new version is the Italian equivalent of “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to people, beloved by the Lord.” The line comes from Luke 2:14.
 
One thing English speakers noticed was that in the Eucharistic prayer, the new Italian edition continues to say Jesus’ blood was poured out “per tutti” — “for all” — and not “per molti,” meaning “for many.”

The phrase, spoken by the priest as he raises the chalice and quotes Jesus at the Last Supper, is an example of where the new Italian Missal translation does not match the Italian bishops’ most recent Bible translation, which says, “per molti,” nor does it match exactly the original Latin, which says “pro multis.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-09/pope-francis-sends-condolences-on-the-death-of-cardinal-simonis.html

Pope Francis sends condolences on the death of Cardinal Simonis
03 September 2020, 15:14

In a telegram addressed to the current Archbishop of Utrecht, Pope Francis offers his condolences on the death of Cardinal Adrianus Johannes Simonis.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis has sent condolences to Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk, the current Archbishop of Utrecht, in the Netherlands on the death of his predecessor, Cardinal Adrianus Johannes Simonis. “Commending his soul to the loving mercy of Jesus the Good Shepherd,” the Pope said, “I join you in giving thanks to Almighty God for the late Cardinal’s faithful witness to the Gospel, his years of devoted episcopal ministry to the Churches of Rotterdam and Utrecht, and his valued efforts in the service of ecclesial communion.”

The Holy Father then extended his Apostolic Blessing “to all who mourn Cardinal Simonis in the sure hope of the Resurrection… as a pledge of consolation and peace in the risen Lord.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-09/pope-francis-conversion-of-humanity-necessary-to-heal-the-earth.html

Pope Francis: Conversion of humanity necessary to heal the earth
03 September 2020, 13:42

Pope Francis receives a group of ecological experts collaborating with the Bishops Conference of France on the themes of “Laudato Si’” telling them it is only by healing the human heart that the world can be healed from its social and environmental unrest.
By Vatican News

“There will be no new relationship with nature without a new human being, and it is by healing the human heart that one can hope to heal the world from its social and environmental unrest.”

Those were Pope Francis’ prepared remarks to ecological experts gathered on Thursday, who are collaborating with the Bishops of France on the theme of Laudato Si’.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-science-and-faith-together-can-protect-environment-22684
Pope Francis: science and faith together can protect environment

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-says-amazon-synod-was-for-discernment-not-fighting-on-married-priests-63363

Pope Francis says Amazon synod was for discernment, not fighting on married priests

CNA Staff, Sep 3, 2020 / 12:45 pm MT (CNA).- Pope Francis did not approve a proposal to ordain married men in the Amazon region because the idea was discussed, and even argued about, but not prayerfully discerned at a 2019 synod of bishops, according to notes from the pope included in an article published Thursday in the Catholic periodical La Civiltà Cattolica.

“There was a discussion ... a rich discussion ... a well-founded discussion, but no discernment, which is something different than just arriving at a good and justified consensus or at a relative majority,” Pope Francis said, on the issue of addressing a priest shortage in the Amazon by ordaining so-called viri probati, or older, mature and married men from local communities.

The pope clarified that synods of bishops should be opportunities for prayerful reflection, not parliamentary lobbying.

Pope Francis explained that a synod of bishops is a “spiritual exercise,” a period for discernment of how the Holy Spirit is speaking, and for self-examination regarding the motive beyond positions.

“Walking together means dedicating time to honest listening, capable of making us reveal and unmask (or at least to be sincere) the apparent purity of our positions and to help us discern the wheat that - up to the Parousia - always grows among the weeds.”

“Whoever has not realized this evangelical vision of reality exposes themselves to useless bitterness. Sincere and prayerful listening shows us the 'hidden agendas' called to conversion,” the pope added.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-tells-new-ambassador-to-holy-see-dont-forget-the-elderly-77524

'I hope to be able to inspire': Meet Australia's 36-year-old ambassador to the Holy See
By Courtney Mares

CNA Staff, Sep 3, 2020 / 06:00 am MT (CNA).- Australia’s new ambassador to the Holy See is a 36-year-old mother of two with a passion for youth outreach.

Ambassador Chiara Porro presented her credentials to Pope Francis last week and is now the only resident ambassador from the Pacific region in the Vatican diplomatic corps.

“I hope to be able to inspire and act as a bit of a bridge,” Porro told CNA Sept. 1.

“I spoke with Pope Francis about young people as well and the future of the Church ... And he said, ‘Yes, but, Chiara, remember that the elderly have a lot to contribute still,’” she said.

Born in Italy, Porro said that she was able to have a lengthy conversation in Italian with Pope Francis during her meeting at the Apostolic Palace last week.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-09/pope-to-european-forum-ecological-conversion-of-economy-needed.html

Pope to European Forum: Ecological conversion of economy needed for better future
04 September 2020, 12:51

Pope Francis sends a message to those taking part in the Forum of the European House-Ambrosetti, telling them economics ought to become “the expression of a care and concern that does not exclude but seeks to include, that does not demean but seeks to uplift and give life.”
By Vatican News

The Forum of the European House-Ambrosetti is an annual event that brings together Heads of State and government, representatives of European institutions and business leaders to discuss issues of major importance for the economy and society.

This 46th edition, which takes place in Northern Italy from 4-5 September, has as its theme, “Intelligence on the World”, Europe and Italy.

In a message to participants, Pope Francis notes that this year’s Forum deals with significant issues involving society, the economy and innovation “that call for extraordinary efforts to meet the challenges created or aggravated by the present medical, economic and social emergency.”

The experience of the pandemic, the Pope writes, “has taught us that none of us is saved alone. We have experienced at first hand the vulnerability of the human condition that is ours and that makes us one family.” 

He points out that, “Having failed to show solidarity in wealth and in the sharing of resources, we have learned to experience solidarity in suffering.”
 

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https://zenit.org/2020/09/04/on-popes-day-of-prayer-fasting-for-lebanon-cardinal-parolin-expresses-churchs-closeness-in-beirut/

On Pope’s Day of Prayer & Fasting for Lebanon, Cardinal Parolin Expresses Church’s Closeness in Beirut
SEPTEMBER 04, 2020 11:40  DEBORAH CASTELLANO LUBOV

Pope Francis has called for today, Friday Sept. 4, 2020, to be a special day of prayer and fasting for Lebanon, and commemorating it, his Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, is in Beirut, showing his closeness to the Lebanese people.

Received by Lebanese President, Michel Aoun, Cardinal Parolin, with a very full agenda of various meetings, is expected to return to Rome by tomorrow. In his addresses, the Secretary of State recognized the great suffering of the nation, compounded by other challenges, while always underscoring how important it is to preserve the unique identity of their country, and with the support of the International Community.

Earlier this week, at the Holy Father’s first General Audience with faithful present since February, he made a dramatic appeal for Lebanon.

The cardinal met with religious leaders at the St. George Maronite Cathedral, Beirut on Sept. 3 to remember the tragic Aug. 4 explosion.

Here, he likewise exhorted: “I wish to repeat quite clearly the appeal of Pope Francis to the International community: do not leave Lebanon alone! Lebanon needs the world, but the world also needs the unique ongoing experiment of pluralism, living together in solidarity and freedom that is Lebanon.”

“Together, we will rebuild Beirut! God bless you!” he said.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-09/australia-holy-see-commission-response.html

Australia: Holy See responds to Royal Commission recommendations
04 September 2020, 14:22

Australia’s bishops comment on the observations made by the Holy See on recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to the Australian government.
By Vatican News

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has looked into the Holy See’s response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

A media release, published on their website, explains “the Royal Commission proposed that the Bishops Conference engage with the Holy See on those recommendations because they relate to universal Church law or practice”.

80 recommendation

Of the 80 recommendations proposed by the Royal Commission, 47 were accepted, 1 was not accepted, 13 were passed on to the Holy See, 1 is being taken into further consideration, 5 were accepted in principle, 12 are supported, and 1 is supported in principle. In response to all the accepted or supported recommendations, the response also states how they are already being implemented, that Church institutions will comply with any future legislation, or that standards are in development by Catholic Professional Standards Ltd.

The Holy See’s observations have just been published on the Royal Commission page of the Bishops Conference website.

They reiterate the Holy See’s commitment to child protection, as well as its desire to “spare no effort… in collaborating with civil authorities to pursue every avenue to end the scourge of sexual abuse”.

The media release notes that “Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin confirmed that the recommendations, and the entire final report of the Royal Commission, were studied closely by several Vatican dicasteries”.

Holy See's response
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-09/pope-francis-greets-we-run-together-initiative.html

Pope to athletes: ‘We Run Together’ to promote human dignity
05 September 2020, 13:06

Pope Francis greets athletes taking part in the “We Run Together” initiative, and thanks them for helping promote a model of sport which builds bridges and heals wounds.
By Devin Watkins

“We Run Together” is an online fundraising initiative launched on 8 June to help provide financial support for two hospitals in the north of Italy.

The John XXIII Hospital in Bergamo and the Policlinic Foundation in Brescia have been working to provide quality care to patients with Covid-19 in areas that were hard-hit in the early days of the pandemic.

Set up by the Vatican Athletic Association, “We Run Together” concluded on 6 August and was organized in collaboration with the Pontifical Council for Culture, the “Yellow Flames” of Italy’s Financial Police, and the Italian Federation of Light Athletics (FIDAL) of the Lazio Region.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-09/all-brothers-pope-francis-to-sign-new-encyclical-on-oct-3-in-a.html

"All brothers": Pope Francis to sign new encyclical on Oct. 3 in Assisi
05 September 2020, 13:11

Pope Francis will sign a new encyclical after Mass celebrated in the Basilica of St. Francis on 3 October. The ceremony will take place without the faithful present, in respect of the current health situation.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis will visit the Italian town of Assisi on 3 October to sign a new encyclical.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said the encyclical is entitled Fratelli tutti or "All Brothers” on fraternity and social friendship.

The title, whose official English-language version has not yet been released, is a reference to the writings of St. Francis: "Let us all, brothers, consider the Good Shepherd who to save His sheep bore the suffering of the Cross" (Admonitions, 6, 1: FF155).

The Holy Father will arrive in Assisi in the afternoon where he will celebrate Holy Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis, which will be followed by the signing of the encyclical.

The visit will take place in private, without the participation of the faithful.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-to-sign-a-new-encyclical-on-human-fraternity-on-oct-3-85164
Pope Francis to sign a new encyclical on human fraternity on Oct. 3

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https://cruxnow.com/church-in-oceania/2020/09/vatican-tells-australian-church-that-seal-of-confession-not-up-for-debate/

Vatican tells Australian Church that seal of confession not up for debate
Charles Collins  Sep 5, 2020

Although reaffirming the principle that the seal of confession can never be violated, the Vatican has told Church leaders in Australia that victims of sexual abuse should be encouraged to report abuse to the proper authorities.

Recognizing the question of the seal of confession “is one of great delicacy and that it is related intimately with a most sacred treasure of the Church’s life, that is to say, with the sacraments,” the Vatican said “the confessional provides an opportunity – perhaps the only one – for those who have committed sexual abuse to admit to the fact.”

The comments came in a series of “observations” to the August 2018 response of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Catholic Religious Australia to the Final Report of the Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, published in December 2017.