Pope Francis

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Hmmm...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-12/nativity-scene-ceramic-sculptures-st-peters-square-2020.html
Behind the Vatican's Christmas crib
14 December 2020, 14:28

The life-size ceramic statues hold a cultural heritage not immediately visible to the eye, adding to the excitment and anticipation they bring as they recount the story of the birth of baby Jesus.
By Francesca Merlo

The giant ceramic sculptures, lit up on Friday 11 December in St Peter’s Square are there to represent and illuminate the story of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, reflecting the anticipation of his coming. Pope Francis noted, during his Angelus on Sunday, that the  expectation we feel throughout advent is a joyful one, at the heart of the Christian story. It is precisely this joy that the crib in St Peter’s Square is there to bring. But this particular nativity scene tells of another story, too: one that is not captured with a single look.

It is perhaps this hidden story that has caused the criticism of some onlookers who have reacted negatively to what they perceive as a representation of the birth of Jesus that looks so different to more traditional ones.
 
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/12/12/vatican-nativity-christmas-pope-francis-239486
Why is Darth Vader in the Vatican’s Nativity scene?
Colleen Dulle
December 12, 2020

https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2020/12/the-nativity-set-is-alive-and-well-whatever-you-think-of-the-vaticans/
The nativity set is alive and well, whatever you think of the Vatican’s
John L. Allen Jr.  Dec 13, 2020

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-receives-president-of-slovak-republic-at-vatican.html

Pope receives President of Slovak Republic at Vatican
14 December 2020, 14:41

President Zuzana Čaputová was received by Pope Francis in audience on Monday morning, and later met with the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis received Zuzana Čaputová, the President of the Slovak Republic, in audience at the Vatican on Monday.

Following the audience with the Pope, Čaputová met Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States.

In a statement following the audience, the Holy See Press Office said, “During the cordial discussions in the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the good existing bilateral relations, with the hope that they may be further strengthened in the field of education, and with regard to the role of the Church in society.”
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-at-audience-those-who-pray-pray-for-all.html
Pope at Audience: Those who pray, pray for all
16 December 2020, 09:55

Pope Francis reflects on “the prayer of intercession” during his weekly General Audience.
By Christopher Wells

Continuing his catechesis on prayer, Pope Francis on Wednesday focused on “intercessory prayer”; that is, prayer which asks on behalf of another.”

Those who are accustomed to pray, said Pope Francis, “never turn their backs on the world.” If prayer is not engaged with every aspect of human existence – its joys and sorrows, its hopes and anxieties – it becomes a “decorative” activity.
 
https://zenit.org/2020/12/16/full-text-of-holy-fathers-december-16-general-audience/
Full Text of Holy Father’s December 16 General Audience
Catechesis on prayer: 19. The prayer of intercession
DECEMBER 16, 2020 15:18

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https://zenit.org/2020/12/16/pope-francis-makes-appointments-to-dicasteries-of-roman-curia/

Pope Francis Makes Appointments to Dicasteries of Roman Curia
Also Names Auxiliary of Metropolitan archdiocese of São Paulo, Brazil
DECEMBER 16, 2020 15:08

The Holy Father has appointed the following cardinals as members of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia:

1) In the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and in the Dicastery for Communication, His Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints;

2) In the Congregation for Bishops, His Eminence Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice, archbishop of Siena-Colle di Val d’Elsa-Montalcino;

3) In the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, His Eminence Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, archbishop of Kigali;

4) In the Congregation for the Clergy, His Eminence Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, archbishop of Capiz; His Eminence Cornelius Sim, titular bishop of Putia in Numidia and vicar apostolic of Brunei;

5) In the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, His Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, titular archbishop of Tisiduo;

6) In the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, His Eminence Cardinal Wilton Daniel Gregory, archbishop of Washington;

7) In the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops;

8 ) In the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, His Eminence Cardinal Celestino Aós Braco, archbishop of Santiago de Chile.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-videomessage-global-compact-education-mission-4-point-7.html

Pope: 'Education is an act of hope'
16 December 2020, 14:31

Pope Francis sends a video message of support for the launch of a project promoted by Mission 4.7 and the Global Compact for Education.
By Vatican News staff writer

“Education is always an act of hope that, from the present, looks to the future,” said Pope Francis in the opening words of his video message to a Vatican Youth Symposium that sees the launch of a collaboration between Mission 4.7 and the Global Pact for Education.

Mission 4.7
Mission 4.7 (which gets its name from SDG Target 4.7, focussing on knowledge and education) brings together leaders from government, academia, civil society, and business to accelerate the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development around the world and to highlight the critical importance of education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The annual Vatican Youth Symposium, taking place on 16-17 December in a virtual format at the Casina Pio IV, is focusing on the need to promote a new kind of education, “one that will overcome the current globalization of indifference and the culture of waste.”
 
https://www.ncregister.com/blog/vatican-youth-symposium-2020-day1
Vatican Launches Education Collaboration with UN to Promote Sustainability and Gender Equality
Edward Pentin  December 16, 2020

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-84th-birthday.html

Happy 84th Birthday, Pope Francis!
17 December 2020, 14:20

Birthday wishes are pouring in for Pope Francis, as he celebrates his 84th year.
By Vatican News

Amongst those who have sent their Best Wishes to Pope Francis on his 84th birthday is Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who wrote the Pope a letter of greetings and goodwill in which he also thanks him for the “participation and solidarity” he has shown the Italian people in this year of uncertainty and fear.

Ecumenical greetings have come in as well, with Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the primary leader of the Anglican Communion, tweeting, "Happy birthday to my friend and dear brother in Christ, Pope Francis. Thank you for your joyful and humble leadership that bears witness to the love of Jesus Christ."
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-peace-day-message-2021-culture-care-social-doctrine.html

Pope World Day of Peace message: no peace without a "culture of care"
17 December 2020, 11:30

In his message for the 54th World Day of Peace marked on 1 January, Pope Francis offers the Church’s social doctrine as a "compass" to foster a culture of care for peace in the world.
By Vatican News staff writer

In his message for the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, Pope Francis appeals to the international community and every individual to foster a “culture of care” by advancing on the “path of fraternity, justice and peace between individuals, communities, peoples and nations.”   

“There can be no peace without a culture of care,” the Pope stresses in his message for the 54th World Day of Peace, held on 1 January 2021, which was released by the Vatican on Thursday.

The Holy Father calls for “a common, supportive and inclusive commitment to protecting and promoting the dignity and good of all, a willingness to show care and compassion, to work for reconciliation and healing, and to advance mutual respect and acceptance." In this task, Pope Francis offers the principles of the Church’s social doctrine as a compass on the path to peace. 

Established by Pope St. Paul VI in 1967, the first World Day of Peace was observed on 1 January 1968. On New Year’s Day, the Church also celebrates the solemn feast of Mary, Mother of God. 
 
https://zenit.org/2020/12/17/popes-message-for-54th-world-day-of-peace-january-1st-full-text/
Pope’s Message for 54th World Day of Peace – January 1st (Full Text)
DECEMBER 17, 2020 15:12

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/blood-of-st-januarius-did-not-liquefy-for-december-feast-68263

Blood of St. Januarius fails to liquefy on December feast
By Hannah Brockhaus

Rome Newsroom, Dec 16, 2020 / 12:00 pm MT (CNA).- In Naples, the blood of St. Januarius remained solid Wednesday, after having liquefied both in May and September this year.

“When we took the reliquary from the safe, the blood was absolutely solid and remains absolutely solid,” said Fr. Vincenzo de Gregorio, abbot of the Chapel of St. Januarius in Naples Cathedral.

De Gregorio displayed the reliquary and the solidified blood inside to those gathered after morning Mass Dec. 16 in the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary.

The abbot said that the miracle sometimes occurred later in the day. In a video he could be seen saying “a few years ago at five in the afternoon, the home stretch, it liquefied. So we don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“The actual state, as you can see well, is absolutely solid. It does not give any sign, not even a little drop, as sometimes falls,” he added. “It’s alright, we will await the sign with faith.”

By the end of the day's evening Mass, however, the blood was still solid.

Dec. 16 marks the anniversary of Naples’ preservation from the 1631 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is just one of three days per year the miracle of the liquefaction of St. Januarius’ blood often occurs.

The reputed miracle has not been officially recognized by the Church, but is known and accepted locally and is considered to be a good sign for the city of Naples and its region of Campania. 

In contrast, the failure of the blood to liquefy is believed to signal war, famine, disease, or other disasters.
 
This story was updated at 12:32 p.m. Mountain Time to reflect the fact that St. Januarius' blood had still failed to liquefy by the end of the day's celebrations.

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-to-take-part-in-netflix-series-on-perspectives-of-the-elderly-77246

Pope Francis to take part in Netflix series on perspectives of the elderly

CNA Staff, Dec 17, 2020 / 03:19 pm MT (CNA).- A book by Pope Francis about the perspectives of the elderly is the basis for a forthcoming series by Netflix, and the pope is set to participate.

“Sharing the Wisdom of Time” was published in English and Italian in 2018. The book consists of interviews with older people from around the world and includes the responses of Pope Francis to 31 of the testimonies, as relayed in conversations with Fr. Antonio Spadaro, a Jesuit and the editor of “La Civilta Cattolica.”

The four-episode series is not yet named. It will include an exclusive interview with Pope Francis. It will continue his call to recognize elders as sources of wisdom and memory. The elders interviewed in the book come from a variety of countries, religions, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds. They will be interviewed by young filmmakers living in their own countries, and the pope will give commentary, according to Loyola Press, an apostolate of the Jesuits’ Midwest province.

The anti-poverty nonprofit Unbound, which collaborated with Loyola Press on the book, will help with the documentary project. The Italian company Stand By Me Productions is the producer of the documentary series, planned to be released globally on Netflix in 2021.
 
The fillmmakers for the project will work under Fernando Meirelles, the Brazilian director of the 2019 Netflix production The Two Popes. That movie centered on several imagined meetings between Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in the period between the 2005 conclave which elected Benedict and the 2013 conclave which elected Pope Francis. Critics said the movie did not accurately represent Pope Benedict and Pope Francis, and instead reflects an ideological approach to the two men.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-permits-priests-to-say-up-to-four-masses-on-christmas-day-52415

Vatican permits priests to say up to four Masses on Christmas Day
By Hannah Brockhaus

Vatican City, Dec 17, 2020 / 01:00 pm MT (CNA).- The Vatican’s liturgy congregation will permit priests to say up to four Masses on Christmas Day, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Jan. 1, and Epiphany to accommodate more worshipers amid the pandemic.

Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, signed a decree announcing the permission Dec. 16.

The decree said that diocesan bishops may allow priests in their diocese to say up to four Masses on the three solemnities “in view of the situation brought about by the worldwide spread of the pandemic, by virtue of the faculties conceded to this Congregation by the Holy Father Francis, and due to the persistence of the general contagion of the so-called COVID-19 virus.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/the-pope-when-god-is-ousted-from-society-people-lose-themselve.html

The Pope: When God is ousted from society, people go astray
18 December 2020, 13:39

Greeting German speaking theology students on Friday in the Vatican, Pope Francis underlines the important contribution of religions in building a fraternal and just world.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, German-speaking students who were supposed to be taking part in a theological study year at the Abbey of Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Jerusalem, were unable to attend. So, instead of going to the Holy Land, thirty students were hosted by the Pontifical Athenaeum Sant'Anselmo in Rome.

This change of plan also meant that on Friday, they were able to meet the Pope in the Vatican.

Greeting the students, Pope Francis told them that this study year, or Theologisches Studienjahr, “is an opportunity for Catholic and Protestant theology students to learn about biblical sites and meet with the Eastern Churches, as well as the Jewish and Islamic worlds."

“Even if you cannot experience the Holy Land this year,” he continued,  “ecumenism and interreligious dialogue will always remain a distinctive feature of your programme.”
 
https://zenit.org/2020/12/18/pope-calls-theology-students-witnesses-of-importance-of-god-in-life/
Pope Calls Theology Students Witnesses of Importance of God in Life
DECEMBER 18, 2020 15:26

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-names-new-bishop-for-greensburg-usa.html

Pope names new Bishop for Greensburg, USA
18 December 2020, 11:41

Pope Francis appoints Monsignor Larry J. Kulick as Bishop of Greensburg, USA.
Vatican News staff reporter

The Pope has appointed Monsignor Larry J. Kulick as Bishop of Greensburg (U.S.A.). The bishop-elect is currently serving as its diocesan administrator and is pastor of Saint James Parish in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.

Curriculum vitae   
Monsignor Larry J. Kulick was born on February 24, 1966 in Natrona Heights (Pennsylvania) in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  He attended Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA, earning a Baccalaureate in Philosophy (1988) and a Masters in Theology (1992).  Subsequently, he received his Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC (2012).

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, on May 16, 1992
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-names-new-bishop-for-diocese-of-greensburg-17906
Pope Francis names new bishop for Diocese of Greensburg

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https://www.ncregister.com/blog/leonardo-boff-the-pope-s-radical-ecotheologian

Leonardo Boff: The Pope’s Radical ‘Ecotheologian’

Why has Pope Francis been so willing to draw on the thoughts and words of a man whose radical ideas and actions so comprehensively contradict Catholic teaching?
Julio Loredo  December 18, 2020

Originally billed as an international gathering at Assisi, last month’s event “The Economy of Francesco” was held online due to coronavirus restrictions. Involving dozens of speakers and hundreds of participants under the aegis of Pope Francis, the event presented itself as an historical watershed: it aimed at changing the economy of the planet by changing the very mentality of contemporary man, proposing a “new integral human development.” Judging by ratings and media coverage, it looks like the event missed the mark by a full mile.

The conference, however, worked as a launching pad for some radical schemes. One keynote speaker was Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff, who is appearing more and more like a sort of presumed spokesman for Pope Francis with some of his most audacious proposals. He claimed to be a major contributor to the encyclical Laudato Si.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-12/sunday-of-the-word-of-god-a-day-of-awakening.html

Sunday of the Word of God: 'A day of awakening'
19 December 2020, 12:22

A note issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments provides instructions for the celebration of The Sunday of the Word of God.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis instituted 'The Sunday of the Word of God' to be held every year on the third Sunday of Ordinary Time, with the Apostolic Letter in the form of a Motu proprio "Aperuit illis" issued on 30 September 2019.

The Pope intended it to be a day dedicated to the celebration, reflection and dissemination of the Word.

Importance of Sacred Scripture in our lives
A note released on Saturday by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and signed by the prefect, Cardinal Robert Sarah, explains that The Sunday of the Word of God is a means to help people “reawaken an awareness of the importance of Sacred Scripture for our lives as believers, beginning with its resonance in the liturgy which places us in living and permanent dialogue with God.”

It adds that the day is also "a good opportunity to reread some ecclesial documents, especially the Praenotanda of the Ordo Lectionum Missae."
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-congregation-for-divine-worship-stresses-importance-of-sunday-of-the-word-of-god-77280
Vatican’s liturgy congregation stresses importance of Sunday of the Word of God

Vatican City, Dec 19, 2020 / 05:00 am MT (CNA).- The Vatican’s liturgy congregation issued a note Saturday encouraging Catholic parishes around the world to celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God with new vigor.
 
The annual observance takes place on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, which fell on Jan. 26 this year and will be celebrated on Jan. 24 next year.
 

The "NOTE ON THE SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD" at the link below--
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2020/12/19/0676/01579.html#en
Nota della Congregazione per il Culto Divino e la Disciplina dei Sacramenti sulla Domenica della Parola di Dio, 19.12.2020

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-angelus-catechesis-mary-annunciation.html
Pope at Angelus: Christmas 2020 ‘a chance to help others without complaining’
20 December 2020, 12:15

Ahead of the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Francis reflects on Mary’s “yes” to God’s invitation, and warns against allowing consumerism to distract our hearts from the true spirit of Christmas.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis led the prayer of the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on the fourth and final Sunday of Advent.

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel of the Annunciation (Lk 1:26-38), the Pope said the invitation to become the Mother of the Messiah carried with it both pure joy and great trial.

According to the Gospel, Mary was betrothed to Joseph, and faced the death penalty if found to be pregnant.

“Certainly, the divine message would have filled Mary’s heart with light and strength,” said the Pope. “Nevertheless, she found herself faced with a crucial decision: to say ‘yes’ to God, risking everything, even her life, or to decline the invitation and to continue her ordinary life.”
 

Short video at the ink
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-maritime-personnel-nativity-scene-vatican.html
Pope: 100 Nativity Scenes exhibition ‘great catechesis in our faith’
20 December 2020, 12:59

Pope Francis invites pilgrims in Rome to visit the “100 Nativity Scenes” exhibition, and prays for maritime personnel who are stuck at sea due to the pandemic.
By Devin Watkins

https://zenit.org/2020/12/20/pope-at-angelus-recalls-marys-response-at-annunciation-full-text/
Pope at Angelus Recalls Mary’s Response at Annunciation (Full Text)
DECEMBER 20, 2020 14:49  JIM FAIR

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https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2020/12/popes-deep-pocket-friends-may-explain-sangfroid-about-money-woes/

Pope’s deep-pocket friends may explain sangfroid about money woes
John L. Allen Jr.  Dec 20, 2020
News Analysis

ROME – Sometimes when two apparently unrelated stories happen at the same time, the intersection offers a reminder that neither development can truly be understood without the other. Such has been the case in recent days with regard to the fairly bleak situation facing Vatican finances.

On Tuesday, the Vatican’s Council for the Economy held an online meeting to discuss not only the 2020 deficit, which is expected to be more than $60 million, in part due to coronavirus-related shortfalls but also the looming crisis in unfunded pension obligations. That conversation came just a few days after a new partnership was announced called the “Council for Inclusive Capitalism with the Vatican,” featuring business leaders joining forces with Pope Francis for reform of the global economic order.

In effect, the latter story helps explain why the former doesn’t keep Vatican potentates awake at night.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-audience-christmas-vatican-employees.html

Pope tells Vatican employees to be witnesses to the joy of faith
21 December 2020, 12:30

Pope Francis greets Vatican employees and their families during the traditional Christmas greeting audience, thanking them for their service and reminding them of their mission to proclaim the Good News of the birth of Jesus.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis on Monday expressed his appreciation to Vatican employees for their work in a spirit of service towards the Church, during the annual pre-Christmas audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.

He set the tone of his address noting that the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused “not only a critical health situation but also many economic difficulties for many families and institutions”, has also affected the Holy See, which he said “is making every effort to deal with this precarious situation in the best way possible.”

“It is a question of meeting the legitimate needs of you employees and those of the Holy See: we must meet each other's needs, and we must all strive to overcome this critical moment with good will and patience,” he said.
 
https://zenit.org/2020/12/21/pope-greets-employees-of-holy-see-and-vatican/
Pope Greets Employees of Holy See and Vatican
DECEMBER 21, 2020 14:50

Video at the link below--
21 December 2020 Audience employees of Vatican City State Pope Francis
https://www.youtube.com/user/vatican

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-curia-christmas-message-crisis-conflict.html
Pope to Curia: crisis helps renewal, conflict creates discord
21 December 2020, 12:59

In his annual meeting with the Roman Curia, Pope Francis reflects on how a crisis can be beneficial to us, but says it should not be turned into a conflict, which creates discord and enemies.
By Vatican News staff writer

A crisis, such as the current pandemic, “can prove beneficial to us all”, if we make it an opportunity for conversion and renewed authenticity, by allowing ourselves to be led by the Spirit with courage and humility.  On the other hand, if the crisis is seen as a conflict, it will create discord, competition and enemies.

Pope Francis made the point on Monday, in his address to members of the Roman Curia, the various departments of the Holy See and the central body in the Vatican.  In the traditional pre-Christmas meeting with them, he noted that in “contemplating the mystery of the Incarnation, before the child lying in a manger, but also the Paschal Mystery, in the presence of the Crucified One, we find our proper place only if we are defenceless, humble and unassuming”.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-urges-roman-curia-to-confront-the-ecclesial-crisis-62413
Pope Francis urges Roman Curia to confront the 'ecclesial crisis'

The full address at the limk below--
https://zenit.org/2020/12/21/pope-tell-curia-a-time-of-testing-also-a-time-of-renewal/
Pope Tells Curia a Crisis a Time of Testing and Renewal
‘This is the Christmas of the pandemic, of the health, economic, social, and even ecclesial crisis that has indiscriminately struck the whole world’
DECEMBER 21, 2020 15:42  JIM FAIR

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-12/vatican-cdf-note-covid-vaccine-morality-abortion.html

Vatican CDF says use of anti-Covid vaccines “morally acceptable”
21 December 2020, 12:18

A note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which was approved by Pope Francis, gives the green light during the pandemic to the use of vaccines produced with cell lines derived from two fetuses aborted in the 1960s.
By Vatican News

“It is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.”

Due to the situation of the ongoing pandemic, “all vaccinations recognized as clinically safe and effective can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that the use of such vaccines does not constitute formal cooperation with the abortion from which the cells used in production of the vaccines derive.”

The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) made these statements in a note signed by the Prefect, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, and the Secretary, Archbishop Giacomo Morandi. The text was explicitly approved by Pope Francis on 17 December and released on Monday.
 
https://zenit.org/2020/12/21/just-in-vatican-publishes-note-on-morality-of-covid-19-vaccines/
JUST IN: Vatican Publishes Note on Morality of Using COVID-19 Vaccines
In Pope Approved Letter, Explains What Would or Could Be Moral Acceptability & Why
DECEMBER 21, 2020 12:49  DEBORAH CASTELLANO LUBOV

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/causes-for-canonization-advanced-with-publication-of-decrees.html

Pope advances causes for canonization with publication of Decrees
22 December 2020, 14:43

The Church recognizes the martyrdom of Rosario Angelo Livatino, killed “in odium fidei” (in hatred of the faith) by the Mafia in 1990; as well as the heroic virtues of seven other Servants of God.

During an audience granted to Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis authorized the publication of Decrees regarding:

 - the martyrdom of the Servant of God Rosario Angelo Livatino, layman; born 3 October 1952 at Canicatti, Italy; killed, in hatred of the faith, on the highway between Canicatti and Agrigento on 21 September 1990;