Pope Francis

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Video, with English text, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-06/pope-francis-world-day-grandparents-elderly-message.html
Pope to the elderly: God sends his angels to console your loneliness
22 June 2021, 11:45

Pope Francis reassures the elderly that God is always with them in his message for the first-ever World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. He also reminds them of their vocation to preserve our roots and to pass on the faith to the younger ones.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis on Tuesday released a message for the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly ahead of the date of the celebration which is scheduled for 25 July. The theme chosen by the Pope for the inaugural commemoration is “I am with you always” (Mt 28: 30).

The Holy Father addressed the theme from the Gospel of Matthew to all Grandparents and the elderly, reminding them that this is the promise the Lord made to his disciples before he ascended into heaven.

“The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!” the Pope said, identifying with the elderly, as one of them.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-06/plenary-indulgences-apostolic-penitentiary-world-day-grandparent.html
Pope to grant Plenary Indulgences on World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly
22 June 2021, 12:34

On the occasion of the First World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis grants Plenary Indulgences to grandparents, the elderly and all the faithful who participate “motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity.”
By Vatican News staff writer

In a note released on Tuesday, The Apostolic Penitentiary explains that “in order to increase the devotion of the faithful and for the salvation of souls,” grandparents, the elderly and the faithful will be able to obtain a Plenary Indulgence on the First World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly to be celebrated on 25 July 2021.

The note says that the Pope has granted this possibility after having listened to the request presented by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, marking the establishment of the World Day that will be observed every year on the fourth Sunday of the month of July.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-06/pope-francis-appointment-protection-minors-fr-small.html

Protection of Minors: New Secretary strengthens Church's commitment
22 June 2021, 12:01

Pope Francis appoints Fr Andrew Small from England as pro tempore Secretary for the Pontifical Council for the Protection of Minors.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has appointed Fr Andrew Small as new Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Fr Small is originally from Liverpool, England, and has served in parish ministry in Brazil and the United States. He was the US bishops' policy advisor for international economic development from 2004 to 2009, after which he coordinated the Church's recovery projects following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

In an interview with Vatican News' Mario Galgano, Fr Small talks about his recent nomination as Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248090/pope-francis-names-new-secretary-of-vatican-safeguarding-commission
Pope Francis names new secretary of Vatican safeguarding commission
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Jun 22, 2021 / 07:00 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-06/gambetti-masses-at-st-peter-s-attentive-to-needs-of-faithful.html

Gambetti: Masses at St. Peter's attentive to needs of the faithful
22 June 2021, 14:00

The Cardinal Archpriest of Saint Peter's Basilica outlines the recent norms on morning celebrations in the Vatican Basilica, recalling that liturgical services are not private functions and that it is more than appropriate for priests to concelebrate. He also clarifies exceptions and the need to accommodate legitimate requests from priests and groups of faithful, both for the Rite in its ordinary and extraordinary forms.
By Vatican News

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of Saint Peter's Basilica, has written an informative note that helps understand the latest dispositions regarding morning Masses celebrated in the Vatican Basilica. He looks at points in the communiqué issued by the Secretariat of State on March 12 to ensure that celebrations "take place in an atmosphere of recollection and liturgical decorum”.
 

English translation of the note at the link below--
https://www.ncregister.com/news/after-outcry-vatican-eases-restrictions-on-individual-masses-in-st-peter-s-basilica
After Outcry, Vatican Eases Restrictions on Individual Masses in St. Peter’s Basilica
In a note issued today, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, clarified some of the controversial restrictions that were imposed in March.
Edward Pentin  Vatican June 22, 2021

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248088/vatican-intervenes-in-proposed-anti-homophobia-law-in-italy

Vatican intervenes in proposed ‘anti-homophobia’ law in Italy
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Jun 22, 2021 / 04:35 am

The Vatican has intervened with the Italian state in a proposed “anti-homophobia” law, saying that the legislation as written violates freedoms of the Catholic Church in Italy.

According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, gave a formal diplomatic note to the Italian embassy to the Holy See on June 17, expressing concern about the text under debate.

Local media have called the Vatican’s action “unprecedented” in the history of the relationship between the two states.

The “anti-homophobia” bill, known by the name “Ddl Zan,” is being examined by the justice commission of the Italian Senate, after the text received initial approval from the House last November.

The bill seeks to prevent and oppose “discrimination and violence for reasons based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.”

Corriere della Sera reported that the Vatican note said that parts of the legislation reduce the freedom guaranteed to the Catholic Church by Article 2, paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Agreement for the revision of the Pact.

In 1984, Italy and the Holy See signed an agreement amending the Lateran Pacts of 1929. The agreement guarantees that the Italian Republic recognizes “the full freedom of the Catholic Church to carry out its pastoral, educational and charitable mission, of evangelization and sanctification.”

According to article 2, paragraph 3 of the agreement, “Catholics and their associations and organizations are guaranteed full freedom of assembly and expression of thought by word, writing and any other means of dissemination.”

The “note verbale” from Gallagher -- the Vatican’s equivalent of a foreign minister -- said that the proposed legislation, as currently written, violates this agreement and asked for its amendment.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-06/regulations-published-regarding-public-contracts-with-vatican.html

Regulations published regarding public contracts with Vatican
22 June 2021, 15:00

The Secretariat for the Economy publishes the Regulations for the implementation of the Apostolic Letter in the form of a Motu Proprio dated May 19, 2020, entitled "Norms on transparency, control and competition in the procedures for awarding public contracts of the Holy See and Vatican City State".
By Vatican News staff writer

New regulations have been issued on how to implement the Apostolic Letter in the form of a Motu Proprio dated 19 May 2020, regarding " Norms on transparency, control and competition in the procedures for awarding public contracts of the Holy See and Vatican City State." The Decree contains 49 articles and 7 annexes and was adopted on 22 June 2021 by Fr. Juan Antonio Guerrero Alves, Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy and Pontifical Delegate. The text interprets and gives direction on how to apply the Motu Proprio, also in light of other statements of the Magisterium. The regulations specify that "the activities related to the compilation of the plan for particular purchases and the preparation of the plan for general purchases are governed by directions given by the Secretariat for the Economy, in accord with the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, and consistent with the procedures established for the preparation of the budget."
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-06/pope-francis-paul-galatians-evangelization-general-audience.html

Pope at Audience: Evangelization requires us to follow unexpected paths
23 June 2021, 10:30

At the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis starts a new cycle of catechesis on themes from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians, highlighting the problems faced by the Christian communities in Galatia.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis began a new cycle of catechesis at the General Audience on Wednesday, dedicated to themes proposed by Apostle Paul in his Letter to the Galatians.

In the Epistle, noted the Pope, St. Paul makes many biographical references that allow us to understand his conversion and his decision to place his life at the service of Christ. He also touches on important subjects such as freedom, grace, and the Christian way of life – topics that “touch on many aspects of the life of the Church in our times.”

The Holy Father highlighted that it is an important and decisive letter, not only for getting to know St. Paul better, but above all, for showing the beauty of the Gospel.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248104/why-was-spider-man-at-pope-francis-general-audience
Why was Spider-Man at Pope Francis’ general audience?
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Jun 23, 2021 / 05:35 am

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248105/pope-francis-warns-against-preachers-who-sow-division-online
Pope Francis warns against preachers who sow division online
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Jun 23, 2021 / 06:35 am

Catechesis: Introduction to the Letter to the Galatians
and video, with English commentary, at the link below--
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2021/documents/papa-francesco_20210623_udienza-generale.html

POPE FRANCIS
GENERAL AUDIENCE
San Damaso courtyard
Wednesday, 23 June 2021
[Multimedia]

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-06/pope-francis-roaco-94th-plenary-session-address.html

Pope to ROACO: Care for living stones of the Church
24 June 2021, 11:53

Pope Francis greets participants in the plenary session of the Holy See’s humanitarian arm for the Oriental Churches, and encourages Catholics to care for the “living stones” that make up the Eastern-rites of the Church.
By Devin Watkins

The 94th plenary session of the agencies connected to the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches (ROACO) wrapped up their 4-day meeting on Thursday with a papal audience.

Speaking to participants, Pope Francis touched on the major topics and issues upon which the organization focused its attention.
 

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https://www.ncregister.com/news/pope-francis-receives-bishop-baetzing-reportedly-encourages-german-synodal-path

Pope Francis Receives Bishop Bätzing, Reportedly Encourages German Synodal Path
Edward Pentin  Vatican  June 24, 2021

VATICAN CITY — During a private audience this morning, Pope Francis urged the president of the German bishops’ conference to continue with a much-disputed Synodal Path for the Church in Germany.

According to a statement issued almost immediately by the German bishops’ conference after the meeting, Bishop Bätzing said the Pope “has encouraged us to continue on the Synodal Path we have chosen, to discuss the questions openly and honestly and to come to recommendations for a change in the way the Church operates.”

“At the same time,” he added, “he called for the Church in Germany to help shape the path of synodality that he has proclaimed towards the Synod of Bishops in 2023.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248120/pope-francis-encourages-us-to-continue-on-synodal-way-says-german-bishops-leader-after-audience
Pope Francis encourages us to continue on ‘Synodal Way,’ says German bishops’ leader after audience
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Jun 24, 2021 / 06:50 am

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248125/cardinal-cupich-to-conduct-visit-of-vatican-dicastery-on-behalf-of-pope-francis

Cardinal Cupich to conduct visit of Vatican dicastery on behalf of Pope Francis
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Jun 24, 2021 / 12:00 pm

Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago will conduct an apostolic visitation at the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Vatican said Thursday.

The inspection will begin in a few days, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told journalists June 24.

He said that the visit was taking place “in the context of a normal examination of the activity of the dicasteries, aimed at acquiring an updated representation of the conditions in which they operate.”

Cupich has been a member of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops since 2016.

The visitation will be the third to take place at offices of the Roman Curia in recent months.
 

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https://www.ncregister.com/cna/vatican-intervenes-in-proposed-anti-homophobia-law-in-italy

Vatican Intervenes in Proposed ‘Anti-Homophobia’ Law in Italy
The bill seeks to prevent and oppose “discrimination and violence for reasons based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.”
Hannah Brockhaus/CNA  Vatican  June 22, 2021

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has intervened with the Italian state in a proposed “anti-homophobia” law, saying that the legislation as written violates freedoms of the Catholic Church in Italy.

According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, gave a formal diplomatic note to the Italian embassy to the Holy See on June 17, expressing concern about the text under debate.

Local media have called the Vatican’s action “unprecedented” in the history of the relationship between the two states.

The “anti-homophobia” bill, known by the name “Ddl Zan,” is being examined by the justice commission of the Italian Senate, after the text received initial approval from the House last November.

The bill seeks to prevent and oppose “discrimination and violence for reasons based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.”

Corriere della Sera reported that the Vatican note said that parts of the legislation reduce the freedom guaranteed to the Catholic Church by Article 2, paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Agreement for the revision of the Pact.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248121/breaking-european-parliament-backs-extreme-abortion-report-despite-protests

Breaking: European Parliament backs ‘extreme’ abortion report despite protests
By CNA Staff
Brussels, Belgium, Jun 24, 2021 / 10:31 am

The European Parliament voted Thursday in favor of a report describing abortion as “essential healthcare” and seeking to redefine conscientious objection as a “denial of medical care.”

Members of the European Parliament, the EU’s law-making body, voted on June 24 by 378 votes in favor, 255 against and 42 abstentions, to adopt the text, known as the Matić Report, at a plenary session in Brussels, Belgium.

The report also declares that violations of “sexual and reproductive health and rights” are “a form of violence against women and girls.”
 
David Sassoli, president of the European Parliament, is expected to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican this weekend.

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-06/pope-francis-world-lutheran-federation-conflict-to-communion.html

Pope to Lutherans: Christ accompanies us on journey toward communion
25 June 2021, 11:56

Pope Francis meets with representatives of the Lutheran World Federation, and encourages Lutherans and Catholics to continue to tread the path from conflict to communion.
By Devin Watkins

On the 491st anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, the Pope met Friday with members of the Lutheran World Federation at an audience in the Vatican.

In his address to the representatives, Pope Francis took note of the anniversary, and thanked the delegation for coming to Rome “to foster our unity.”

The Augsburg Confession was an attempt to avoid a division in Western Christianity, and later became the primary Lutheran confessional document, describing what Lutherans believe, teach, and confess.

Pope Francis recalled that Catholics and Lutherans came together in 1980 to recognize our common faith expressed in the text, which focuses on “one body… one baptism, one God”.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248143/pope-francis-to-lutheran-leaders-jesus-feels-pain-at-our-divisions
Pope Francis to Lutheran leaders: Jesus feels pain at our divisions
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Jun 25, 2021 / 12:00 pm

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/june/documents/20210625-federazione-luterana.html
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
TO THE DELEGATION OF THE LUTHERAN WORLD FEDERATION
Friday, 25 June 2021

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-06/council-cardinals-meeting-pope-francis-24-june-2021.html

Council of Cardinals reviews synodal processes, financial supervision
25 June 2021, 16:29

Pope Francis on Thursday joined the online discussions of the Council of Cardinals from various parts of the world that reviewed a few issues of the Roman Curia and the Universal Church.
By Vatican News

In a virtual meeting held Thursday afternoon, the Council of Cardinals discussed the importance of synodal paths in the dioceses of the world, expressed satisfaction with the Moneyval report and progress in financial supervision, and updated itself on the state of the pandemic in the various continents.
 
Pope’s closeness to Myanmar

The Press Office said, “After a greeting by Pope Francis, the cardinals offered brief contributions to present the situation, also with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic, in the various continents. In this context, Cardinal Gracias thanked the Pontiff for the words and closeness expressed for the painful situation in Myanmar.”

Synodal process

Pope Francis “reiterated the importance of the synodal processes underway at the diocesan and national levels, and how they must be reflected in the broader movement initiated by the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops in recent weeks”.

All the participants expressed satisfaction with the recent Moneyval report and the progress made in the Holy See's economic and financial oversight methods.

The next meeting of the Council of Cardinals has been scheduled for September.

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248138/italys-anti-homophobia-law-vatican-request-sparks-church-state-debate

Italy’s ‘anti-homophobia’ law: Vatican request sparks Church-state debate
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome, Italy, Jun 25, 2021 / 04:45 am

From the prime minister to a famous rapper, many Italians have weighed in on the Vatican’s recent intervention in a possible new “anti-homophobia” law in Italy.

The bill proposes to criminalize “discrimination or violence based on sex, gender or disability,” and to add an annual day against “homophobia” and “transphobia” to the national calendar.

The proposed law, known as “Ddl Zan,” is being examined by the justice commission of the Italian Senate, after the text received initial approval from the lower house of parliament last November.

In a two-page letter leaked to the press this week, the Vatican Secretariat of State raised concerns that parts of the law, as currently written, are too vague and could lead to violations of freedoms of the Catholic Church as guaranteed by a 1984 agreement between the Vatican and Italy. It urged lawmakers to consider modifying the text.

The note verbale, a type of unsigned diplomatic letter, was reportedly given to Pietro Sebastiani, the Italian ambassador to the Holy See, by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s equivalent of a foreign minister, after a Vatican press conference on June 17.

Reactions to the leaked letter have been strong, with proponents of the “anti-homophobia” bill calling the note an undue “interference” by the Vatican in Italian politics, while right-wing politicians opposing the law said it was “yet another alarm bell.”
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/06/popes-top-aide-says-vatican-not-trying-to-block-anti-homophobia-bill/
Pope’s top aide says Vatican not trying to block anti-homophobia bill
Elise Ann AllenJun 25, 2021

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248155/pope-francis-meets-european-parliament-president-after-abortion-vote

Pope Francis meets European Parliament president after abortion vote
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Jun 26, 2021 / 06:57 am

Pope Francis met with the president of the European Parliament on Saturday, two days after the EU’s law-making body endorsed an “extreme” report on abortion.

The pope received David Sassoli in a private audience at the Vatican on June 26.

A European Parliament press release said: “The conversation with the Holy Father focused on the need to protect the weakest and most vulnerable: the rights of people are the measure of all things. The European recovery will only be successful if it produces a reduction in inequalities.”

Sassoli, a 65-year-old Italian politician, also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-06/lebanon-day-prayer-pope-francis-prayer-ecumenism-july1.html

Pope, religious leaders to pray for Lebanon on July 1
26 June 2021, 11:08

The day of prayer, sharing and ecumenical encounter aims to rekindle the light of hope in a land that is plagued by severe political and economic crises.
By Vatican News staff writer

The Day of Prayer and Reflection for Lebanon on July 1, called by Pope Francs is to help revive hope and peace in a country oppressed by years of political, economic and social crises, which came to a head in the violent explosion of August 2020 at Beirut port, which shattered the city. 

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches, who presented the July 1 initiative on Friday at the Vatican Press Office said the purpose of the day is to “walk together”.  He said the Christian community of Lebanon, represented by the heads of respective Churches and Ecclesial Communities, will question itself, reflect and pray together.  They will bring to Rome also the “cry of a people, who certainly accompany them in prayer”.

Cardinal Sandri said the day-long initiative will be spiritual in nature and will be brought to a close by a speech by the Pope which, he said, "will certainly contain recommendations and appeals that will emerge from the day’s discussions, which could be important for the future of Lebanon".
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-06/pope-francis-caritas-italiana-discourse.html

Pope to Caritas: may you be a gymnasium of life for young people
26 June 2021, 12:30

Pope Francis addresses members of Caritas Italiana on the occasion of their 50th anniversary, and offers them three paths to follow to continue their journey of service.
By Vatican News staff writer

Addressing members of Caritas Italiana in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall on Saturday, Pope Francis noted that each member is "a living part of the Church". You are "our Caritas", said the Pope quoting Paul VI who founded the organisation 50 years ago. Paul VI "encouraged the Italian Bishops' Conference to set up a pastoral body to promote the witness of charity in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, so that the Christian community would be a subject of charity. I confirm your task: in today's changing times there are many challenges and difficulties, there are more and more faces of the poor and complex situations in the territory", said the Pope.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248157/pope-francis-prays-for-victims-of-florida-building-collapse

Pope Francis prays for victims of Florida building collapse
By Matt Hadro
Washington D.C., Jun 26, 2021 / 13:01 pm

Pope Francis on Saturday offered prayers and condolences to all those affected by a deadly condominium building collapse in Florida this week.

Early on Thursday morning, the 12-story Champlain Towers beachfront condominium building in Surfside, Florida, partially collapsed. As of Saturday morning, four people had been declared dead and 159 people were still unaccounted for in the collapse, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said.

In a June 26 message of solidarity on behalf of Pope Francis to Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy Father wished to “express his deep sadness at the grievous loss of life” in the building collapse.

Pope Francis “offers heartfelt prayer that Almighty God will grant eternal peace to those who have died, comfort to those who mourn their loss, and strength to all those affected by this immense tragedy,” the Vatican stated.

“With gratitude for the tireless efforts of the rescue workers and all engaged in caring for the injured, the grieving families and those left homeless, Pope Francis invokes upon the entire community the spiritual gifts of consolation, fortitude and perseverance in every good,” the message stated.

The Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, transmitted the message to Archbishop Wenski.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/usccb-plenary-document-eucharist.html

US Bishops: No vote on banning politicians from receiving the Eucharist
26 June 2021, 14:44

The Catholic Bishops of the United States choose not to vote on whether or not to deny any individual or groups Holy Communion.
By Vatican News staff writer

During their Spring Plenary Assembly this month, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said they are drafting a teaching “Document on the Meaning of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church.”

A statement published on the bishops’ website explains that “there has been much attention on the vote taken to draft a document on the Eucharist” and that “the question of whether or not to deny any individual or groups Holy Communion was not on the ballot.”

The bishops also point out specifically that it was not up for debate to vote on banning politicians from receiving the Eucharist, nor is it their intention to issue a national policy on withholding Communion from politicians, regardless of whether they hold public office or not.
 
To help better understand the topic, the USCCB has published a document summing up a few commonly asked questions on the meeting and on this topic at issue.
-----------------

The Document website:  https://www.usccb.org/resources/Q&A%20on%20Eucharist%20Document.pdf

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248139/vatican-foreign-minister-doubts-speaking-out-on-hong-kong-would-make-any-difference-whatever

Vatican ‘foreign minister’ doubts speaking out on Hong Kong ‘would make any difference whatever’
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Jun 25, 2021 / 05:45 am

A senior Vatican official said Friday that he and many of his colleagues at the Secretariat of State have yet to be convinced that speaking out on the situation in Hong Kong “would make any difference whatever.”

When Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s equivalent of a foreign minister, was asked what made the civil unrest in Lebanon different to the Holy See than the protest movement in Hong Kong, he replied that the Secretariat of State did not see that it could make a positive contribution in Hong Kong.

“Obviously Hong Kong is the object of concern for us. Lebanon is a place where we perceive that we can make a positive contribution. We do not perceive that in Hong Kong,” Gallagher said at a Holy See press conference on June 25.