Pope Francis

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-we-can-always-praise-god-whose-love-never-fails.html
Pope at Audience: We can always praise God, whose love never fails
13 January 2021, 09:36

Continuing his catechesis on prayer at the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis reflects on “the prayer of praise”, which is possible in every circumstance because God is always faithful.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis reflected on the dimension of praise in prayer, at the General Audience on Wednesday, taking as his starting point “a critical moment in the life of Jesus.”

At the beginning of His ministry, when He had already begun to preach the Kingdom of God and perform miracles, “the mission of the Messiah goes through a crisis,” the Pope said: John the Baptist expresses doubts, while the people to whom He had preached showed hostility to Jesus and His message.

But “precisely in this disappointing moment,” Pope Francis said, “Jesus does not lift up a lament to the Father, but rather a hymn of jubilation… in the midst of a crisis, Jesus blesses the Father, He praises Him.”
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/iraq-papal-visit-logo-unveiled-amid-uncertainty-over-pope-francis-march-trip

Iraq: Papal visit logo unveiled amid uncertainty over Pope Francis’ March trip
By Hannah Brockhaus

Rome Newsroom, Jan 13, 2021 / 12:00 pm MT (CNA).- More information has been released about the papal visit to Iraq, as Pope Francis expressed doubt this week about whether the trip would take place as planned in March.

In a television interview on Sunday, the pope said that he had canceled two international trips in 2020, “because in conscience I cannot cause gatherings, can I? Now I don’t know if the next trip to Iraq will take place,” he told the news program Tg5.

Meanwhile, local organizers of the visit released on Monday the logo and motto of the visit.

The logo for the trip depicts Pope Francis in front of an outline of Iraq, with the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and a palm tree. There is also a dove carrying an olive branch flying over the Vatican and Iraqi flags.

The motto -- “You are all brothers,” taken from Matthew 23:8 -- is written above in Arabic, Chaldean, and Kurdish.

The Vatican announced in December that the pope’s March 5-8 trip would include stops in Baghdad, Erbil, and Mosul.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-01/vatican-begins-vaccination-campaign.html

Vatican begins vaccination campaign
13 January 2021, 14:38

The Vatican began its program of vaccination on Wednesday, starting with the elderly and others in high-risk categories.
By Vatican News

Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, has confirmed that the Vatican’s vaccination campaign against Covid-19 began on Wednesday in the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City. As already noted by the Governorate’s Directorate of Health and Hygiene, priority is being given to health care and public safety personnel, the elderly, and those persons most frequently in contact with the public.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-benedict-xvi-covid-19-vaccine.html

Pope Francis and the Pope emeritus receive Covid-19 vaccine
14 January 2021, 12:08

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI receive their first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in the Vatican.
By Vatican News

The vaccination campaign against Covid-19 in the Vatican which began on Wednesday continues with both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI receiving their first doses of the vaccine.

“I can confirm that as part of the vaccination program of the Vatican City State, as of today, the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and to the Pope Emeritus,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office in response to journalists’ questions.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/benedict-xvi-the-pandemic-first-christmas-without-his-brother.html
Benedict XVI, the pandemic, first Christmas without his brother
14 January 2021, 12:45

Archbishop Georg Gänswein shares how the Pope emeritus, who was vaccinated on Thursday morning, is living through these difficult times.
By Vatican News

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/what-changes-to-the-vatican-may-the-replacement-of-the-archpriest-of-st-peters-basilica-bring-62052

What changes to the Vatican may the replacement of the Archpriest of St Peter's Basilica bring
By Andrea Gagliarducci

Vatican City, Jan 14, 2021 / 05:45 pm MT (CNA).- Pope Francis might soon choose a new Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, to replace Cardinal Angelo Comastri, who turned 77 in September. His replacement, according to Vatican observers, may bring a broader generational change that could involve at least five Vatican dicasteries.

Comastri, who had a private audience with Pope Francis on Jan. 11, is a well-known preacher whose books are good sellers. During the lockdown due to the pandemic, Cardinal Comastri began to pray the rosary at noon in St. Peter's Basilica.

St. John Paul II appointed Comastri as his general vicar for the Vatican City State, President of the Fabric of St. Peter, and coadjutor Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica in 2005. In 2006, Benedict XVI appointed Comastri Archpriest of the St. Peter's Basilica. He succeeded Cardinal Francesco Marchisano.

One clue of Comastri's upcoming retirement is Pope Francis' decision to postpone the election of the members of the Chapter of St. Peter, the college of priests that governs the Basilica under the guidance of the archpriest. The elections were supposed to take place at the end of the summer or during the fall, but the Pope asked to hold them after Jan. 11
 
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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-01/vatican-museums-reopening-february-barbara-jatta.html

Vatican Museums looking towards reopening in February
14 January 2021, 18:25

The Director of the Vatican Museums says that, conditions permitting, the intention is to open the Museums to the public as from 1 February.
By Paolo Ondarza

The current Covid-19 situation in Italy does not allow for certainties but "The intention is to reopen the Vatican Museums on 1 February.”

This is according to Vatican Museums Director, Barbara Jatta, who told Vatican Radio that it has proved necessary to extend the current closure of the Museums for an extra 15 days, after having previously set 16 January as a possible date for re-opening

Jatta explained that this is in accordance with decisions taken by the board of administrators of the Governorate of the Holy See and in line with Italian government indications.

She noted that the seven-kilometre itinerary that has been mapped out through the Vatican Museums for small numbers of visitors, in compliance with anti-Covid precautions, “does not constitute a health problem or a vehicle for infection.”

“So it would be a very nice message to be able to reopen our collections to the public,” she said.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-condolences-prayers-indonesia-earthquake-telegram.html

Pope prays for quake-struck Indonesians
15 January 2021, 20:10

Pope Francis expresses his closeness and assures his prayers to all those affected by an earthquake in the Indonesian island of Sulawesi where search and rescue operations are underway.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis said he is saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and of the destruction caused by the violent earthquake that has struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

In a telegram sent on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope expressed his “heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this natural disaster and said he is praying for the repose of the deceased, the healing of the injured and the consolation of all who grieve.”
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-ambassador-callista-gingrich-has-farewell-meeting-with-pope-francis-15717

Vatican ambassador Callista Gingrich has farewell meeting with Pope Francis
By Hannah Brockhaus

Vatican City, Jan 15, 2021 / 12:40 pm MT (CNA).- The United States ambassador to the Holy See, Callista Gingrich, met with Pope Francis Friday as she prepares to leave Rome in tandem with the end of Donald Trump’s presidency.

She will leave the post Jan. 20 to return to the United States. Deputy Chief of Mission Patrick Connell will be Chargé d’ Affaires until a new ambassador is appointed, an embassy official confirmed to CNA.

Gingrich was nominated for the position by President Trump in May 2017, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate the following October.

During her three years in Rome, Gingrich, wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, drew attention to issues such as human trafficking, Christian persecution, and religious freedom, by hosting symposiums and other events.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-angelus-catechesis-disciples.html

Pope at Angelus: Finding God means finding love
17 January 2021, 12:15

Pope Francis reflects on the day's Gospel during his Sunday Angelus, inviting the faithful to accept God's call, responding to it with only love.
By Vatican News staff writer

Marking the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel of the day, which presents the meeting between Jesus and His first disciples.

Speaking from the Vatican's Apostolic library during the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis recounted the scene, which unfolds along the Jordan River the day after Jesus's baptism. It is John the Baptist himself, he explains, "who points out the Messiah to the two, with these words: 'Behold, the Lamb of God!'" The two, trusting the Baptist’s testimony, follow Jesus. He realises this and asks the disciples what it is they are looking for. When asked where Jesus was staying, He responds by telling them, "Come and you will see". 
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-the-greatest-joy-for-every-believer-is-to-respond-to-gods-call-26476
Pope Francis: The greatest joy for every believer is to respond to God’s call

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-prays-victims-earthquake-indonesia.html
Pope prays for victims of Indonesia earthquake and plane crash
17 January 2021, 12:10

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-angelus-christian-unity-dialogue.html
Pope: Unity is always higher than conflict
17 January 2021, 12:44

Video, with English commentary, at the link below--
POPE'S ANGELUS OF 17 JANUARY 2020
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/angelus/2021-01/pope-s-angelus-of-17-january-2020.html

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-secretary-causes-saints-fabio-fabene.html

Pope names new Secretary of Congregation for Causes of Saints
18 January 2021, 12:07

Pope Francis appoints Bishop Fabio Fabene as the new Secretary of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.
By Vatican News staff writer

On Monday, Pope Francis named a new Secretary of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.

Bishop Fabio Fabene, the titular bishop of Montefiascone, had served since 8 February 2014 as the Under-Secretary of the Synod of Bishops.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-message-martin-luther-king-commemoration-peace-equality.html

Pope Francis upholds Martin Luther King's nonviolent legacy
18 January 2021, 17:09

Pope Francis sends a message to participants at a Commemorative Service honouring the life and achievements of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, and encourages all children of God to be artisans of peace.
By Vatican News staff writer

Marking a Commemorative Service honouring the life and the achievements of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Pope Francis sent a message on Monday to participants at the ceremony in which he recalled Dr King’s peaceful activism for harmony and equality for all people.

The “Beloved Community Commemorative Service” on 18 January is the culminating event of a weeklong celebration of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy.

In his message, the Pope sends his “cordial greetings and good wishes” to all taking part in the event.

“In today’s world, which increasingly faces the challenges of social injustice, division and conflict that hinder the realization of the common good, Dr King’s dream of harmony and equality for all people, attained through nonviolent and peaceful means, remains ever timely,” he writes.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-congratulates-spezia-football-team-on-win.html

Pope Francis congratulates Spezia football team on win
20 January 2021, 11:52

Pope Francis greets the Italian based Spezia Calcio football team in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, before the weekly General Audience
Vatican News

Spezia Calcio is a professional football club based in La Spezia, Liguria in Italy.

The club is playing in the Serie A for the first time in its history, after being promoted to the top tier for the first time after play-offs in the 2019-20 season.

Greeting the team in the Vatican on Wednesday morning, Pope Francis offered his congratulations on their big win on Tuesday.

“In Argentina we dance the tango, and the tango is the two-by-four music [it is based on two-quarter time]. You are 4 to 2 today [referring to the previous night's victory], that's good. Congratulations and courage.”
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-general-audience-christian-unity-grace.html
Pope at Audience: Christian unity achieved only through God’s grace
20 January 2021, 09:33

In his catechesis at the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis reminds Christians that unity is achieved only with the grace of God, and not through our own force of will.
By Devin Watkins

As Christians around the world observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Francis reflects on Jesus’ invitation to overcome discord and sow reconciliation.

Speaking in the catechesis portion of his weekly General Audience, the Pope reminded everyone that Jesus did not command His disciples to be united, but rather prayed that they might be.

This, said the Pope, “means that we are not able to achieve unity with our own strength. Unity is above all a gift, a grace to be requested through prayer.”
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-appeal-treaty-prohibition-nuclear-weapons.html
Pope Francis urges nations to eliminate nuclear weapons
20 January 2021, 10:50

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-prayer-audience-manaus-covid.html
Pope prays for inhabitants of Amazon city hard-hit by covid
20 January 2021, 10:51

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-01/spiritual-exercises-roman-curia-retreat-coronavirus.html

Pope invites Curia to organize private Lenten Spiritual Exercises
20 January 2021, 12:00

The Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia this year takes place from 21- 26 February, the first week of Lent. Due to the coronavirus health emergency, Pope Francis invites Heads of Dicasteries and Superiors of the Roman Curia to make private arrangements for their annual retreat.
By Vatican News

The annual Lenten retreat for the Roman Curia is scheduled for 21 – 26 February 2021. This year, however, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, those normally invited to take part will not be able to gather together in person.

“Given the persistence of the current health emergency,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement on Wednesday, “this year it will not be possible to have the Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia communally at the Casa Divin Maestro in Ariccia.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-message-joe-biden-peace-united-states-world.html

Pope to Biden: foster peace and reconciliation in the US and the world
20 January 2021, 18:15

Pope Francis sends a message to President Joe Biden, urging him to be a bringer of peace and reconciliation to the United States and to the whole world.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis opened his message to US President Joe Biden saying, "On the occasion of your inauguration as the fourty-sixth President of the United States of America, I extend cordial good wishes and the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high office".
 

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Hmmm...

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/vatican-orders-us-bishops-to-hold-back-statement-condemning-bidens-plan-to-pursue-evil-policies
Vatican orders US bishops to hold back statement condemning Biden’s plan to pursue ‘evil’ policies

The statement pointed out Biden's pledge to pursue anti-life and anti-family policies that would advance 'moral evils' in the areas of 'abortion, contraception, marriage, and gender.'
Wed Jan 20, 2021 - 12:20 pm EST

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 20, 2021 (LifeSiteNews) — The Vatican ordered the U.S. bishops’ conference (USCCB) to hold back a statement on incoming President Joe Biden that called attention to his pledge to pursue anti-life and anti-family policies that would advance “moral evils” in the areas of “abortion, contraception, marriage, and gender.”

The statement was to be released today, Wednesday, at 9 AM. Bishops were informed by USCCB officials, however, that the statement remained embargoed, reported The Pillar.

“Sources in the Vatican Secretariat of State, others close to the U.S. bishops’ conference, and sources among the U.S. bishops have confirmed to The Pillar that the statement was spiked after intervention from the Vatican Secretariat of State, hours before it was due to be released,” The Pillar reported. Cardinal Pietro Parolin is the Vatican’s Secretariat of State.

The “Statement on the Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden” was penned by conference president Archbishop José Gomez. It was already released by some dioceses, including the Diocese of Tucson (which subsequently deleted the statement).
 

The full text of the USCCB statement at the link below--
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/us-bishops-offer-prayers-pledge-to-engage-with-biden-administration-49655
UPDATED: US bishops release prepared statement on Biden inauguration

Washington D.C., Jan 20, 2021 / 07:04 am MT (CNA).- After initially withholding from publication a prepared statement on Joe Biden's inauguration as president, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) eventually released the statement early Wednesday afternoon.

Although it was expected to be released at 9 a.m. Eastern time Wednesday, the statement was not published by the bishops' conference at that time. According to The Pillar, Vatican Secretariat of State officials stepped in to prevent its publication.

CNA published the prepared remarks when the 9 a.m. embargo lifted. The conference published the full statement shortly after noon.
 

https://www.usccb.org/news/2021/usccb-presidents-statement-inauguration-joseph-r-biden-jr-46th-president-united-states
USCCB President's Statement on the Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., as 46th President of the United States of America
JANUARY 20, 2021 BY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

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Hmmm...from Vatican news

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-01/usccb-archbishop-gomez-statement-inauguration-biden.html
USCCB President on Biden Inauguration: My prayers are with new President
20 January 2021, 22:09

Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, issues a statement on Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th President of the United States, saying he looks forward “to working with President Biden and his administration.”
By Christopher Wells

“My prayers are with our new President and his family today,” wrote Archbishop José Gomez, President of the USCCB, in a statement on the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. “I am praying that God grant him wisdom and courage to lead this great nation, and that God help him to meet the tests of these times, to heal the wounds caused by this pandemic, to ease our intense political and cultural divisions, and to bring people together with renewed dedication to America’s founding purposes, to be one nation under God committed to liberty and equality for all.”

The USCCB President said he is looking forward to working with the Biden administration and with the new Congress, noting, “as with every administration, there will be areas where we agree and work closely together and areas where we will have principled disagreement and strong opposition.”
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-recognizes-heroic-virtues-of-pioneering-french-geneticist-jrme-lejeune-89746

Pope Francis recognizes heroic virtues of pioneering French geneticist Jerome Lejeune

Vatican City, Jan 21, 2021 / 06:30 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis recognized on Thursday the heroic virtues of Jérôme Lejeune, the French geneticist who discovered the extra chromosome that causes Down syndrome.

The step, announced on Jan. 21, means that Lejeune can now be referred to as “Venerable.”

Heroic virtue is one of the requirements for beatification in the Catholic Church. A verified miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession is also usually required.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-telegram-iraq-suicide-attack-prayers.html

Pope deplores Iraq bomb attacks and prays for the victims
21 January 2021, 15:43

Pope Francis has condemned a twin suicide bombing in the Iraqi capital that killed at least 32 people and injured over 100 others.
By Linda Bordoni & Nathan Morley

Pope Francis on Thursday condemned a twin bomb attack in a Baghdad market, and described the attacks as “a senseless act of brutality.”

At least 32 people were killed in the suicide bombings and over 100 others wounded.

In a telegram, sent on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope said he is praying “for the deceased victims and their families, for the injured and for the emergency personnel in attendance."

He went on to say he hopes that Iraq will continue to work to overcome violence with "fraternity, solidarity and peace," and he invoked the Lord’s blessing upon the nation and its people.

Pope Francis is scheduled to make the first Apostolic Visit ever to Iraq from 5 to 8 March, visiting Baghdad and four other towns.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-telegram-spain-madrid-explosion-priest.html
Pope expresses sorrow for victims of Madrid explosion
21 January 2021, 09:17

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-01/ior-embezzlement-vatican-tribunal-ruling.html

Vatican Tribunal rules in embezzlement case against former IOR head
22 January 2021, 12:07

The Tribunal of the Vatican City State on Thursday convicted Angelo Caloia, former head of the Insitute of Works for Religion (IOR) on charges of embezzlement and money laundering. The court also convicted Italian lawyer, Gabriele Liuzzo, and his son Lamberto Luizzo.
By Vatican News staff writer

In a ruling on Thursday, the Tribunal of the Vatican City State concluded the trial instituted against the former president of the Institute for Works of Religion (IOR) Prof. Angelo Caloia, and lawyer Gabriele Liuzzo concerning the sale of 29 properties owned by the IOR and a subsidiary company, SGIR s.r.l.

In a statement, the Holy See Press Office said that the Tribunal found Caloia and Luizzo “guilty of several counts of embezzlement from the IOR, and others of aggravated embezzlement from SGIR s.r.l., as well as of the crime of self-laundering.” Both men were sentenced to a total of eight years and eleven months of imprisonment and a fine of 12,500 euros each.