Pope Francis

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-opens-marathon-of-prayer-with-rosary-in-vatican-basilica.html

Pope opens Marathon of Prayer with Rosary in Vatican Basilica
01 May 2021, 20:21

Pope Francis inaugurates the Marathon of Prayer for an end to the pandemic on Saturday by leading the faithful in the Holy Rosary from St Peter’s Basilica.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis led the faithful in the recitation of the Holy Rosary on Saturday to inaugurate a “Marathon of Prayer” for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a press release announcing the initiative, the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization explains that “in response to the Holy Father’s heartfelt wish, the month of May will be dedicated to a ‘marathon’ of prayer, to ask for the end of the pandemic, which has afflicted the world for more than a year now, and to ask for the resumption of social and work activities".
 
A special prayer intention for the various categories of people most affected by the pandemic has been proposed for each day. A full list of the various shrines and the daily intentions can be found on the website of the Pontifical Council.

http://www.pcpne.va/content/pcpne/en/news/2021-04-23.html
Guided by the Shrines around the world, all the faithful during the month of May unite in the recitation of the Holy Rosary to ask for the end of the pandemic and the resumption of social and work activities.

Video at the link below--
May 01 2021 Rosary Pope Francis
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7E-LYc1wivk33iyt5bR5zQ

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-05/pope-francis-litany-joseph-seven-invocations-congregation-worshi.html

Pope approves 7 new invocations to Litany of St. Joseph
01 May 2021, 17:47

On the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1, the Vatican added 7 new invocations to the Litany of St. Joseph, with the approval of Pope Francis.
By Robin Gomes

The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on Saturday introduced 7 new invocations to the litany in honour of St. Joseph. The initiative comes during the Year of St. Joseph which Pope Francis declared from 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021.

In a letter to the presidents of bishops’ conferences around the world, the Secretary of the Congregation, Archbishop Arthur Roche and Undersecretary, Father Corrado Maggioni, SMM, explained the reason behind the move. “On the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, published the Apostolic Letter Patris corde, with the aim ‘to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal’,” they wrote. “In this light, it appeared opportune to update the Litany in honour of Saint Joseph, approved by the Apostolic See in 1909, by integrating seven new invocations drawn from the interventions of the Popes who have reflected on aspects of the figure of the Patron of the Universal Church.”

The Congregation presented the new invocations to Pope Francis, who approved their integration into the Litany of Saint Joseph.

The new invocations, originally in Latin, are as follows: Custos Redemptoris, Serve Christi, Minister salutis, Fulcimen in difficultatibus, Patrone exsulum, Patrone afflictorum, Patrone pauperum. These could be translated as: Guardian of the Redeemer, Servant of Christ, Minister of salvation, Support in difficulties, Patron of exiles, Patron of the afflicted and Patron of the poor.

With these additions, the invocations in the Litany to St. Joseph now rise to 31
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2021/05/01/0264/00574.html
Nuove invocazioni nelle Litanie in onore di San Giuseppe, 01.05.2021

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-regina-coeli-catechesis-fifth-sunday-easter.html

Pope at Regina Coeli: A truly Christian life bears witness to Christ
02 May 2021, 12:08

Pope Francis addresses the faithful on the fifth Sunday of Easter and reflects on how in order to bear witness to Christ, it is necessary to be united with Him and abide in HIm actively,
By Linda Bordoni

Commenting on the Gospel of John (Jn 15, 1-8) in which the Lord presents himself as the true vine, and speaks of us as the branches that cannot live without being united to him, Pope Francis explained that just as we need the Lord, Jesus needs us.

Speaking during the Regina Coeli prayer in St Peter’s Square, the Pope said that “There is no vine without branches, and vice versa. The branches are not self-sufficient, but depend totally on the vine, which is the source of their existence.”

He noted that the Gospel reading of the day repeats the verb “to abide” seven times,

“Before leaving this world and going to the Father, Jesus wants to reassure his disciples that they can continue to be united with him,” the Pope explained, adding that “This abiding is not a question of abiding passively, of “slumbering” in the Lord, letting oneself be lulled by life.”

The abiding in him that Jesus proposes, he said, is abiding actively, and reciprocally.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-rosary-prayer-marathon-myanmar-peace-encounter-reconciliati.html
Pope Francis asks for prayers for peace in Myanmar
02 May 2021, 12:45

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-regina-coeli-orthodox-easter-israel-accident-beatification.html
Pope sends Easter greetings to Orthodox and Eastern Churches
02 May 2021, 13:32

Video at the link below--
May 02 2021 Regina Coeli prayer Pope Francis
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7E-LYc1wivk33iyt5bR5zQ

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247481/papal-foundation-announces-9m-in-grants-for-charitable-projects

Papal Foundation announces $9m in grants for charitable projects
By CNA Staff

Denver Newsroom, May 2, 2021 / 10:00 am America/Denver (CNA).

The Papal Foundation announced April 28 they will be distributing $9.2 million in grants to dioceses in 64 countries in the coming year.

This year’s grants will finance the construction and repair of church and school buildings, environmental initiatives and the education of children in need, among other projects. The organization cited Pope Francis’ call earlier this year to rebuild church buildings in the Middle East as a guiding factor in this year’s grants.

The Philadelphia-based Papal Foundation’s mission is to serve the Holy Father and the Roman Catholic Church through “faith, energy, and financial resources.”

“The Holy Father has identified urgencies throughout the world, and The Papal Foundation is committed to working diligently to address his priorities to house, educate, heal, and feed individuals in need,” said Cardinal Sean O’Malley, chairman of The Papal Foundation Board of Trustees, in a statement provided to CNA.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-iraq-fuad-hussein-minister-foreign-affairs.html

Pope Francis meets with Iraq’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
03 May 2021, 13:16

Pope Francis received in audience Iraqi Foreign Affairs Minister, Fuad Hussein, on Monday in the Vatican.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis met Monday with Mr. Fuad Hussein, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, according to Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office.

Responding to questions from journalists, Bruni said Pope Francis recalled with gratitude the welcome he received during his recent journey to Iraq, during the meeting which lasted around 30 minutes.

The Pope also “addressed an affectionate greeting to Iraq and to all its people, reiterating his hope that all people may ‘grow in solidarity and in the ability to acknowledge themselves as responsible for the vulnerabilities of others’”.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-bd-charles-de-foucauld-six-others-to-be-named-saints.html

Pope: Blessed Devasahayam Pillai, six others to be named saints
03 May 2021, 13:15

At a Consistory on Monday, Pope Francis confirms the vote of the Cardinals to proceed with the canonization of seven Blesseds, with the date of the forthcoming canonizations to be announced in due course.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis presided at an Ordinary Public Consistory for the Canonization of Blesseds on Monday morning, in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

During a Consistory, the Cardinals “assist the Supreme Pastor of the Church through collegial action” by offering their counsel on matters of particular importance to the whole Church.

At Monday’s Consistory, Pope Francis confirmed the vote of the Cardinals to proceed with the canonization of seven Blesseds, who will be raised to the altars in the coming weeks and months, according to a schedule to be set at a later time. Once canonized, the holy men and women will be recognised as Saints throughout the universal Church.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247500/pope-francis-presides-at-consistory-for-canonization-of-blesseds
Pope Francis presides at consistory for canonization of blesseds
CNA Staff, May 3, 2021 / 09:05 am America/Denver (CNA).

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-altar-servers-portugal-national-pilgrimage.html

Pope to altar servers: “Offer your hands, thoughts and time to Jesus"
03 May 2021, 12:07

Pope Francis sends a message for the 25th National Pilgrimage of the altar servers of Portugal, urging them to “put the enthusiasm of their age into the encounter of Jesus” and to “be original” as they bring forth the gifts and the unique personal talents the Lord has given them.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis has sent a message to the acolytes (altar servers) of Portugal for their 25th National Pilgrimage, which took place on Saturday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

In a letter addressed to the President of the Portuguese Bishops’ Commission for Liturgy and Spirituality, Bishop José Manuel Garcia Cordeiro of Brangança-Miranda, the Holy Father said that Our Lady will be happy to see the altar servers around her and that she will whisper to them in the same manner as she did the servants at the first miracle of Jesus at Cana: “Do whatever He tells you.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-italy-general-states-of-birth-conference.html

Pope Francis to open Italian demographics conference
03 May 2021, 13:03

The Vatican announces that Pope Francis will open a meeting on the demographic crisis facing Italy and other nations, entitled “General States of Birth”.
By Vatican News staff writer

The Covid-19 pandemic has only worsened a preexisting trend in declining birthrates in Italy, as the nation ages and policies to promote births have had little impact.

The Holy See Press Office announced on Monday that Pope Francis will open a meeting on the “General States of Birth”.

Organized by the “Forum for Family Associations”, the event will be held on 14 May at the Auditorium Conciliazione, just a stone’s throw away from the Vatican.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247499/pope-francis-to-open-event-on-italys-demographic-decline
Pope Francis to open event on Italy’s demographic decline
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, May 3, 2021 / 07:00 am America/Denver (CNA).

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247501/polish-catholic-shrine-leads-global-prayer-marathon-for-end-of-pandemic

Polish Catholic shrine leads global prayer marathon for end of pandemic
CNA Staff, May 3, 2021 / 12:00 pm America/Denver (CNA).

The Polish Catholic shrine of Jasna Góra led a global rosary marathon Monday for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.

The sanctuary in Częstochowa, southern Poland, is the third of 30 Catholic shrines worldwide chosen to lead the rosary during the month-long initiative launched by Pope Francis.

Fr. Samuel Pacholski, prior of Jasna Góra Monastery, which houses the revered icon of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, said: “We feel honored and privileged to take part in this prayer marathon.”

The pope began the prayer marathon on May 1, the start of the traditional month of Mary, when he led the rosary in St. Peter’s Basilica. The initiative will end on May 31 in the Vatican Gardens.

The first shrine to lead the event was Walsingham in England on May 1, followed by the shrine of Jesus the Savior and Mother Mary in Elele, Nigeria, on May 2.

The rosary took place at Jasna Góra at 6 p.m. local time and was live streamed. The Joyful Mysteries were recited in five languages.
 
Video at the link below--
Rosary praying for the end of the pandemic from Shrine of Black Madonna of Częstochowa 3 May 2021 HD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3S7tvBfvcEQ

http://www.pcpne.va/content/dam/pcpne/pdf/Eventi/rosario2021/Shrine%20List%20Ing.pdf
SHRINE LIST AND DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS

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https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/05/cardinal-burke-seven-others-rise-in-rank-in-college-of-cardinals/

Cardinal Burke, seven others rise in rank in College of Cardinals
Catholic News Service  May 3, 2021

ROME — With a consistory to approve the canonization of seven saints as a backdrop, eight cardinals — including U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke — moved from the rank of cardinal deacons to the rank of cardinal priests.

According to the Code of Canon Law, “through a choice made in consistory and approved by the Supreme Pontiff,” cardinals can move “from the diaconal order to another diaconia and if they have been in the diaconal order for 10 full years, even to the presbyteral order.”

The rankings have their roots in the ancient church when cardinal deacons handled charitable and administrative activities in the pope’s name and cardinal priests led the most important parishes in the Diocese of Rome. Today, most officials of the Roman Curia who become cardinals enter the college as cardinal deacons, while cardinals who head dioceses enter as cardinal priests.

The ranking and the date on which the prelate entered the College of Cardinals determines seniority and the cardinal’s place in processions and seating arrangements.

In addition to Burke, those become cardinal priests at the consistory May 3 were:

— Cardinal Angelo Amato, retired prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes.

— Cardinal Robert Sarah, retired prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.
 

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Video, with English text, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-may-2021-prayer-intention-sustainable-finance.html
Pope’s May prayer intention: ‘For the world of finance’
04 May 2021, 16:00

Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of May 2021, and calls for regulators to limit speculation in financial markets and protect ordinary people.
By Devin Watkins

“The true economy, the one that creates work, is in crisis.”

Pope Francis launched his prayer intention for the month of May 2021 with this warning.

In “The Pope Video”, released on Tuesday, he lamented the apparent disconnect between the lives of ordinary people and the froth currently evident in several financial markets.

“How many people are now unemployed!” he said. “But the financial markets have never been as inflated as they are now.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-rosario-angelo-livatino-book-bertolone-vincenzo.html

Pope pens preface to book on Rosario Angelo Livatino
04 May 2021, 14:16

Pope Francis writes the preface to a book on Servant of God, Rosario Angelo Livatino, an Italian judge killed “in hatred of the faith” in 1990 by gunmen linked to the Sicilian Mafia. Rosario Livatino will be beatified on Sunday, 9 May.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has written the preface to a book authored by Vincenzo Bertolone entitled “Rosario Angelo Livatino. Dal ‘martirio a secco’ al martirio di sangue” (roughly translated as “Rosario Angelo Livatino. From ‘dry martyrdom’ to the martyrdom of blood”).

The publication recounts the story of Rosario Angelo Livatino (3 October 1952 – 21 September 1990), an Italian magistrate from Canicatti, Sicily, who was hated “for his Christian and professional consistency” by the “men of the mafia that dominated the Sicilian territory in the eighties.” He was tragically shot in by killers paid by the heads of the Sicilian organized crime groups Stidda and Cosa Nostra.

Servant of God Rosario Angelo Livatino will be beatified on Sunday, 9 May, in the Cathedral of Agrigento, Sicily.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-myanmar-mass-may16-ascension.html

Pope to celebrate Mass for Rome's Myanmar Catholics on May 16
04 May 2021, 15:33

The Pope’s gesture follows several appeals for dialogue and peace in Myanmar, which has been in turmoil since the 1 February military coup that ousted the country's elected government.
By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Mass this month for Myanmar Catholics living in Rome. He will celebrate the Mass at 10.00 am on 16 May, the Solemnity of the Ascension, according to the Prefecture of the Papal Household. 

The Pope’s gesture for Myanmar comes during the current Marian month of May, during which he has dedicated the Marathon of Prayer, involving Marian shrines across the globe, for an end to the pandemic. On 1 May, the Pope inaugurated the marathon with the first stop in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Charles Bo of Myanmar has urged Catholics to pray the rosary and participate in Eucharistic adoration during this month, for peace, justice and human dignity in the country.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247511/rosary-marathon-nazareths-basilica-of-the-annunciation-leads-prayer-for-expectant-women-and-unborn

Rosary marathon: Nazareth’s Basilica of the Annunciation leads prayer for expectant women and unborn
CNA Staff, May 4, 2021 / 04:00 am America/Denver (CNA).

The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth will lead the global rosary marathon for an end to the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday.

Catholics gathering May 4 at the basilica, which marks the spot where tradition holds that the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, will offer the rosary “for all expectant women and their unborn babies.”

The church in Israel is the fourth of 30 Catholic shrines around the world to lead the rosary during the month-long initiative introduced by Pope Francis.

The pope launched the prayer marathon on May 1, when he led the rosary in St. Peter’s Basilica. The initiative will end on May 31 with a rosary in the Vatican Gardens.

The first shrine to lead the event was Walsingham in England on May 1, followed by the shrine of Jesus the Savior and Mother Mary in Elele, Nigeria, on May 2 and Jasna Góra in Poland on May 3.

The rosary at the Basilica of the Annunciation is due to take place at 7 p.m. Jerusalem time and will be live-streamed.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-general-audience-contemplative-prayer-action.html

Pope at Audience: Contemplative prayer ‘a guide along path of love’
05 May 2021, 09:34

At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis focuses his catechesis on contemplative prayer, and says contemplation helps guide us in following Jesus along the path of love.
By Devin Watkins

Continuing his catechesis on Christian prayer at the weekly General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on contemplative prayer.

He said every human person has a “contemplative dimension” which is like salt that gives flavor to our day. We can contemplate birds chirping, the sun rising, or art and music.

“To contemplate is not primarily a way of doing, but a way of being,” said the Pope.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247526/pope-francis-at-the-general-audience-the-contemplative-dimension-of-being-human-gives-life-flavor
Pope Francis at the general audience: The contemplative dimension of being human gives life flavor
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, May 5, 2021 / 04:35 am America/Denver (CNA).

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2021/documents/papa-francesco_20210505_udienza-generale.html
POPE FRANCIS
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Library of the Apostolic Palace
Wednesday, 5 May 2021

Video at the link below--
May 05 2021 General Audience Pope Francis
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7E-LYc1wivk33iyt5bR5zQ

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247527/pope-francis-to-issue-apostolic-letter-on-ministry-of-catechist

Pope Francis to issue apostolic letter on ministry of catechist
By CNA Staff

Vatican City, May 5, 2021 / 06:20 am America/Denver (CNA).

Pope Francis will issue an apostolic letter next week on the ministry of catechist.

The Holy See press office said May 5 that the papal letter, issued motu proprio (“on his own impulse”), would be presented at a press conference on May 11.

It described the apostolic letter, Antiquum ministerium, as the means “by which the ministry of catechist is instituted.”

The Italian section of the Vatican News website said: “The motu proprio therefore will formally establish the ministry of catechist, developing that evangelizing dimension of the laity called for by Vatican II.”
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247531/pope-francis-confirms-ex-management-consultant-as-vaticans-auditor-general

Pope Francis confirms ex-management consultant as Vatican’s auditor general
By CNA Staff

Vatican City, May 5, 2021 / 08:05 am America/Denver (CNA).

The Vatican announced Wednesday that Pope Francis has confirmed a former management consultant as the Vatican’s auditor general.

The Holy See press office said May 5 that the pope had named Alessandro Cassinis Righini, who has served as acting auditor general since June 2017, to the role.

On his publicly accessible LinkedIn page, the auditor general lists the start date of his new position as March 2021.

He succeeds Libero Milone, who served as auditor general from 2015 to 2017.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-05/pontifical-missions-to-celebrate-200-years-since-foundation.html

Pontifical Mission Societies gear up for 200th anniversary celebrations
05 May 2021, 11:27

The Pontifical Mission Societies begin preparations to mark the 200th anniversary of their foundation, which takes place on 3 May 2022.
By Vatican News staff writer

Preparations have begun for next year, when on 3 May 2022, the Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio) will mark the 200th anniversary of their official foundation as the "Association for the Propagation of the Faith". It also marks the 100th anniversary of the Motu Proprio Romanorum Pontificum, with which Pope Pius XI declared this a "Pontifical" society.

The Pontifical Mission Societies has begun preparing for the 2022 celebrations, looking back to the sources of their founding charism, which began with the laywoman Pauline Jaricot.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-05/archbishop-neary-tuam-ireland-knock-shrine-prayer-initiative.html

Archbishop of Tuam welcomes inclusion of Knock Shrine in prayer marathon
05 May 2021, 16:04

The Archbishop of Tuam in Ireland, Michael Neary, welcomes Pope Francis’ invitation to the International Shrine at Knock to join in May’s marathon prayer initiative for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Just two months ago, Pope Francis recognised the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock as an International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine.

Now, in another important milestone, the Pope has invited this sanctuary to join the ongoing marathon prayer initiative in May to implore an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The International Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, located in the west of Ireland, is one of thirty shrines around the world to be included in the prayer initiative where the Rosary is recited at 6:00 pm (CET) each day.

Welcoming the invitation, the Archbishop of Tuam, Michael Neary said, “The International Shrine of Our Lady of Knock welcomes the Holy Father’s heartfelt wish that the month of May will be dedicated to a ‘marathon’ of prayer, to ask for the end of the pandemic, which has afflicted the world for more than a year now.” 

The Archbishop also commended Pope Francis’ wish “to involve all the Marian shrines around the world in this initiative, so that they may become vehicles of the prayer of the universal Church.”
 
It will be live streamed on the Knock Shrine website https://www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live/ and on the Knock Shrine Facebook page, as well as across Vatican News’ platforms.

The marathon of prayer initiative is being promoted by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization.

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-india-message-covid19-gracias.html

Pope’s closeness to India as it struggles against Covid-19
06 May 2021, 13:58

Pope Francis has sent a message to Cardinal Oswald Gracias expressing his closeness with the people severely hit by record infections and deaths.
By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis has expressed his solidarity and closeness to the people of India, ravaged by the second wave of Covid-19 infections that has overwhelmed its healthcare system. “At this time when so many in India are suffering as a result of the present health emergency, I am writing to convey my heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness to all the Indian people, together with the assurance of my prayers that God will grant healing and consolation to everyone affected by this grave pandemic,” the Pope wrote in a message to Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).