Pope Francis

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2019-06/vatican-document-on-gender-yes-to-dialogue-no-to-ideology.html

Vatican document on gender: Yes to dialogue, no to ideology
10 June 2019, 15:30

The new document from the Congregation for Catholic Education, "Male and Female He Created Them: Towards a path of dialogue on the question of gender theory in education"
The Congregation for Catholic Education has published “Male and Female He Created Them: Towards a path of dialogue on the question of gender theory in education”. The new document is intended as an instrument to help guide Catholic contributions to the ongoing debate about human sexuality, and to address the challenges that emerge from gender ideology.
By Debora Donnini

The objective of the document — entitled "Male and Female He Created Them: Towards a path of dialogue on the question of gender in education” — is to support those engaged in the education of the younger generations to address “methodically”, in light of the broader horizon of education in love, the issues most debated today on human sexuality.

In particular, it is addressed to Catholic schools and to those who, inspired by a Christian vision, work in other schools; to parents, students, and staff; but also to bishops, priests, and religious, as well as ecclesial movements and associations of the faithful. The Congregation for Catholic Education, which prepared the text, speaks of “an educational crisis”, in particular on the themes of affectivity and sexuality, in the face of “challenges emerging from varying forms of an ideology that is given the general name ‘gender theory’, which 'denies the difference and reciprocity in nature of a man and a woman',” and considers them as “merely the product of historical and cultural conditioning.” Identity would then “become the choice of the individual, one which can also change over time “. The text speaks of an anthropological disorientation that characterizes the cultural climate of our time, contributing to “the destabilization of the family.” Quoting Amoris laetitia, the document says that, among other things, this ideology “leads to educational programmes and legislative enactments that promote a personal identity and emotional intimacy radically separated from the biological difference between male and female”. This is the context of the new document, which aims to promote a methodology “based on three guiding principles” of listening, reasoning, and proposing.
 
Full document at the link below--
https://zenit.org/articles/new-vatican-document-provides-schools-with-guidance-on-gender-issues/
New Vatican Document Provides Schools with Guidance on Gender Issues 
‘Male and female he created them. For a path of dialogue on the issue of gender in education’
June 10, 2019 17:23•Jim Fair

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A link to an 8-page document is in the article...

http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/new-declaration-of-truths-affirms-key-church-teachings

Vatican |  Jun. 10, 2019
New ‘Declaration of Truths’ Affirms Key Church Teachings
The document, whose signatories include Cardinal Raymond Burke, upholds key doctrines in areas ranging from the Eucharist and marriage to capital punishment and clerical celibacy.
Edward Pentin

VATICAN CITY — Cardinal Raymond Burke and Bishop Athanasius Schneider are among a small group of cardinals and bishops to sign a “declaration of truths” reaffirming key Church teachings at a time they describe as “almost universal doctrinal confusion and disorientation.”

Published on June 10, Pentecost Monday, and entitled “Declaration of the Truths Relating to Some of the Most Common Errors in the Life of the Church of Our Time,” the eight-page document reaffirms the Church’s perennial teaching on a range of key doctrines, from the Eucharist and marriage, to capital punishment and clerical celibacy.

The document is just the latest in a series of declarations, filial petitions and corrections from bishops, academics, priests and laity concerned about the ambiguity of teaching and associated confusion that have arisen during the current pontificate.
 

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Update--Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta, Argentina

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/zanchetta-to-stand-trial-in-argentina-for-sexual-abuse-of-seminarians-83134
Zanchetta to stand trial in Argentina for sexual abuse of seminarians

Pope Francis meets with Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta. Credit: Vatican Media.
Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jun 10, 2019 / 09:30 am (CNA).- Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta has been criminally charged with sexually assaulting two seminarians before a court in Argentina. The bishop has been barred from leaving the country and ordered to undergo a psychological examination.

The decision to charge Zanchetta was made June 6. The bishop arrived in Argentina earlier last week, having been in Rome and Spain. The court-ordered examination is expected to take place on Wednesday, June 12. 

A Vatican trial of the allegations against Zanchetta is also underway.

Zanchetta, bishop emeritus of Orán, Argentina, was first accused of sexually inappropriate behavior in 2015. At that time, it was discovered that his cell phone contained various sexual images, including nude selfies. The bishop claimed his phone and computer had been hacked, and that the accusations were motivated by people who did not support Pope Francis.

Zanchetta and Pope Francis have been close for years, and one of the pope’s first acts in office was to appoint him as a bishop.

None of the alleged pornographic images on his phone are reported to be of minors
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2019-06/pope-francis-mass-santa-marta-serve-love-give-freely.html

Pope at Mass: ‘Serve others freely, as God freely loves you’
11 June 2019, 12:23

Pope Francis celebrates Mass on Tuesday morning  (Vatican Media)
In his homily at Mass in the Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis reminds us that our relationship with God is completely gratuitous and requires only that we open our hearts to His grace.
By Devin Watkins

“Give freely that which you have received freely,” Pope Francis said at Mass on Tuesday morning.

Focusing his remarks on the Christian’s relationship with God, the Pope noted that we are called to serve and love our brothers and sisters in the same way that God has done with us.

Vocation to serve, not to make use of others

Taking his cue from the day’s Gospel (Mt 10:7-13) in which Jesus commissions the disciples to go out on mission, Pope Francis said Christians cannot remain stationary, since our way of life impels us to “hit the road, always”.

He said Jesus has already given us our mission: “As you go, make this proclamation: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.”

“Christian life is for service. It saddens us to find Christians who at the beginning of their conversion, or awareness of being Christian, serve and are open to serve the people of God, but who later end up making use of the people of God. This causes much harm to God’s people. Our vocation is to ‘serve’, not to ‘make use of’.”
 

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https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/11777/vatican-bank-reports-decreased-profits-in-2018

11 June 2019, The Tablet
Vatican bank reports decreased profits in 2018
by Catholic News Service

The Institute for the Works of Religion, often referred to as the Vatican bank, made a profit of 17.5 million euros in 2018, just over half the profit reported in the previous year, according to its annual report.

The bank, which had made a profit of 31.9 million euros in 2017, said the decrease was due "to the strong turbulence of the markets throughout the year and the persistence of interest rates which are still very low."

The institute held assets worth 5 billion euros at year's end, which included deposits and investments from close to 15,000 clients -- mostly Catholic religious orders around the world, Vatican offices and employees, and Catholic clergy.

In a statement released by the Vatican June 11, the institute said it continued to provide financial services to the Catholic Church present in the whole world and Vatican City State.
 

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https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/11778/knights-of-malta-head-forbids-use-of-latin-mass-for-order-members-

11 June 2019, The Tablet
Knights of Malta head forbids use of Latin Mass for order members
by Catholic News Service

Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre, left, leader of the Knights of Malta, and other knights walk in procession May 2, 2018
Photo: CNS photo/Paul Haring
The grand master of the Sovereign Order of Malta has reminded members that all liturgical celebrations within the order must be celebrated according to the ordinary form of the Roman rite, not the extraordinary form, known as the Tridentine rite.

In a letter dated June 10 and addressed to leaders of the worldwide order, Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre said it was his duty to ensure the communion that unites all members of their religious family "is present in every aspect of our order's life."

"Among all the elements which constitute our spiritual life, the question of the liturgy to use in our celebrations has a particular significance," he wrote.

When Pope Benedict XVI eased restrictions on use of the 1962 Roman Missal, known as the Tridentine rite, in 2007, the papal instruction permitted the major superior to decide the matter for religious institutes or societies.

"I have thus decided, as supreme guarantor of the cohesion and communion of the order ... that henceforth all the liturgical ceremonies within our order must be performed according to the ordinary rite of the church -- rite of St. Paul VI -- and not the extraordinary rite -- Tridentine rite," Fra' Dalla Torre wrote.

He asked that all members, chaplains and volunteers be informed of the decision and ensure that the decision be "immediately put into practice" and respected.

Despite the way the letter was worded, the letter was meant to reaffirm existing guidelines of the order, and was not an announcement of a new decision, Marianna Balfour, the order's diplomatic public affairs and press officer, told Catholic News Service June 11.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-06/pope-francis-general-audience-acts-apostles.html

Pope at Audience: 'communion overcomes divisions'
12 June 2019, 14:45

Pope Francis at the Wednesday General Audience   (Vatican Media)
Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of community and the reconciling power of God’s love during his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.
6 bBy Linda Bordoni

Speaking to the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis explained that communion and ‘freedom from oneself’ are part of the Christian DNA.

In his catechesis, which continues a new cycle dedicated to the Acts of the Apostles, the Pope warned against the temptation of being self-referential and invited the faithful never to fear diversity.

He reflected on the fact that Christ’s choice of twelve Apostles shows the continuity between the Church and the people of Israel. After the defection of Judas, the Apostles, he said, were conscious that his place in the Twelve had to be taken by another.

So, he explained, guided by Peter, the community as a whole joined in prayer to discern the Lord’s choice of Matthias.
 
Safeguard life in every moment

During his greetings to a group of Polish pilgrims who participated in a ‘Procession for Life’ on Sunday, the Pope issued an appeal to always respect and safeguard the sanctity of life.

“Life is sacred because it is a gift from God,” he said, urging Christians “to defend and serve life” from the moment of conception until “old age, when it is marked by infirmity and suffering”.

“It is not lawful to destroy life, to make it the object of experiments or false conceptions,” he said.

https://zenit.org/articles/popes-general-audience-on-the-acts-of-the-apostles-full-text/
Pope’s General Audience: On the Acts of the Apostles (Full Text) 
‘In the Acts of the Apostles, the Twelve manifest the Lord’s style. They are accredited witnesses of Christ’s work’
June 12, 2019 13:23

Video at the link below--
Pope Francis - General Audience 2019-06-12
https://www.youtube.com/user/vatican

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2019-06/pope-declares-heroic-virtue-of-eight-prospective-saints.html

Pope declares heroic virtue of eight prospective saints
12 June 2019, 12:54

Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints  (AFP or licensors)
Pope Francis receives in audience Cardinal Angelo Becciu, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorizes the promulgation of decrees regarding eight causes for canonization.
By Vatican News

The decrees advance the causes of the following eight individuals on their path to eventual sainthood by declaring:

- The martyrdom of the Servants of God Pilar Gullón Yturriaga and 2 Lay Companions, killed in odium fidei (in hatred of the Faith) in Pola de Somiedo (Spain) on October 28, 1936;

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Augustine Tolton, Diocesan Priest; born in Brush Creek (United States of America) on April 1, 1854 and died in Chicago (United States of America) on July 9, 1897;
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-06/from-slave-to-priest-pope-recognizes-heroic-virtue-of-tolton.html
From slave to priest: Augustus Tolton one step closer to sainthood
12 June 2019, 13:23

Venerable Augustus Tolton

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Update--Archbishop Carlo Viganò

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2019/06/12/as-vatican-ambassadors-meet-in-rome-vigano-steals-spotlight-with-interview/

(Credit: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File.)
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/archbishop-vigano-criticizes-pope-francis-handling-of-mccarrick-case
Jun. 11, 2019
Archbishop Viganò Criticizes Pope Francis’ Handling of McCarrick Case

In a new Washington Post interview, the former nuncio calls on the Holy Father to “acknowledge and end the coverups” over McCarrick and other abuse cases.
Edward Pentin

ROME — In comments sent via email to The Washington Post, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has accused Pope Francis of “deliberately concealing” evidence on Theodore McCarrick, “blatantly lying” to cover up his own actions  and doing “absolutely nothing” to expose cover-up and wrongdoing because it would be “disastrous for the current papacy.”

But in his first lengthy interview since his testimony last year, the former nuncio to the United States told the newspaper June 10 that nothing would make him “happier” than for Francis to “acknowledge and end the coverups” over McCarrick and other abuse cases and to “reconcile himself with God.” 
 

Link to the extended interview with The Washington Post--
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/archbishop-carlo-maria-vigano-gives-his-first-extended-interview-since-calling-on-the-pope-to-resign/2019/06/10/00205748-8b79-11e9-b08e-cfd89bd36d4e_story.html?utm_term=.da6fd435698e

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Photo gallery at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-06/pope-meets-with-papal-representatives.html
Pope Francis meets with Papal Representatives
13 June 2019, 12:09

Pope Francis is greeted by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at a meeting with papal representatives  (Vatican Media)
Pope Francis dialogues with Pontifical Representatives in an audience at the Vatican on Thursday, and shares with them a "mediation" on the role of a papal Nuncio.
By Christopher Wells

More than one hundred pontifical representatives – Apostolic Nuncios and Permanent Observers – met with Pope Francis on Thursday in the Vatican. The Holy Father convened similar Meetings of Pontifical Representatives in 2013 and 2016, and has expressed his desire that the triennial gatherings should continue in the future.
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2019/06/13/francis-to-vatican-ambassadors-dont-criticize-pope-behind-his-back/
Francis to Vatican ambassadors: Don’t criticize pope ‘behind his back’
Inés San Martín   Jun 13, 2019

ROME – Just days after the former papal representative to the United States renewed his criticism of the pope, Pope Francis told around 100 apostolic nuncios that it is “irreconcilable” to have the job and criticize the pope “behind his back.”

Though he didn’t give any names, Italian Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò was most likely on the pope’s mind as he said this. The prelate made headlines last August, when he released an open letter calling on Francis to resign for allegedly disregarding restrictions placed on ex-cardinal and now ex-priest Theodore McCarrick.

Francis’s words came in the prepared remarks he handed to the nuncios gathered in Rome for what has become a once every three years meeting between the pope and the heads of the Vatican’s diplomatic missions around the world. However, he decided to let the prelates read the speech, and instead spoke to them off-the-cuff behind closed doors. The speech wasn’t broadcast, and the Vatican press office said it didn’t expect a transcript of the encounter to be released.

On Wednesday, Alessandro Gisotti, the Vatican spokesman, confirmed to Crux that Viganò is not attending the June 12-15 meeting, though retired nuncios were invited to participate on Friday.
 
https://zenit.org/articles/the-decalogue-pope-francis-full-address-to-meeting-of-papal-representatives/
‘The Decalogue’ for Nuncios (Pope Francis’ Full Address to Meeting of Papal Representatives) 
June 13, 2019 21:08

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-06/pope-to-pilgrims-from-panama-thank-you-for-your-nobility.html

Pope to pilgrims from Panama: thank you for your “nobility”
13 June 2019, 16:28

Pope Francis with Pilgrims from Panama  (ANSA)
Pope Francis meets a group of pilgrims from Panama and thanks them for the “nobility” he experienced during the celebration of World Youth Day.
By Vatican News

World Youth Day in Panama took place in late January this year. But the event is still clearly very much alive in the Pope’s memory.

Meeting with a group of pilgrims from Panama in the Vatican on Thursday, Pope Francis thanked them for all the work that went into making WYD 2019 such a success. “It's good to thank each other”, he said, because “it's a word we often forget”.
 
https://zenit.org/articles/may-the-virgin-mary-defend-nobility-of-us-latin-americans-prays-pope-francis/
‘May the Virgin Mary Defend Nobility of Us Latin Americans,’ Prays Pope Francis 
June 13, 2019 20:23•Deborah Castellano Lubov

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-06/pope-the-poor-save-us-because-they-show-us-the-face-of-christ.html

Pope: The poor save us because they show us the face of Christ
13 June 2019, 12:08

Pope Francis has lunch with people in need   (ANSA)
Pope Francis’ message for the Third World Day of the Poor was released on Thursday. The day will be observed on Sunday 17th November.
By Lydia O'Kane

The theme for this year’s World Day of the Poor message is “The hope of the poor shall not perish forever”, taken from the Book of Psalms.

The Pope writes that these words “express a profound truth that faith impresses above all on the hearts of the poor, restoring lost hope in the face of injustice, sufferings and the uncertainties of life.”

Pope Francis points out that down through the centuries there have always been rich and poor. Today too, he adds, “we must acknowledge many new forms of bondage that enslave millions of men, women, young people and children.”
 
https://zenit.org/articles/popes-message-for-3rd-world-day-of-the-poor-full-text/
Pope’s Message for 3rd World Day of the Poor (Full Text) 
June 13, 2019 15:15

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-06/pope-francis-romania-meeting-with-jesuits.html

Pope to Jesuits in Romania: Indifference is one of today’s great temptations
14 June 2019, 14:51

Meeting of Pope Francis with the Jesuits in Romania on 31 May
Pope Francis took time during his visit to Romania to speak with the Jesuits working in the country. In an hour-long encounter, Pope Francis touched on various topics, including indifference, Eastern Catholic Churches, and accompanying couples in difficult marriages.
By Christopher Wells

At the end of the first day of his recent Apostolic Journey to Romania, Pope Francis met with the twenty-two Jesuits working in the country, speaking with them in a relaxed and family atmosphere. The transcript of the conversation was published on Thursday in the Jesuit periodical, La Civiltà Cattolica.
 
You can read the full transcript of Pope Francis' conversations with the Jesuits in Romania, in an English translation, on the website of La Civiltà Cattolica.
____________
Link to the website of La Civiltà Cattolica-- https://laciviltacattolica.com/stir-up-indifferent-conversation-with-jesuits-in-romania/

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-06/pope-declares-climate-emergency.html

Pope on climate crisis: Time is running out, decisive action needed
14 June 2019, 14:10

Pope meets with oil CEOs attending Vatican Dialogue Summit  (Vatican Media)
Pope Francis on Friday meets with participants attending a summit entitled, “The Vatican Dialogues: The Energy Transition and Care for our Common Home”. In comments to the group, he warns that today’s ecological crisis, especially climate change, “threatens the very future of the human family” and asks oil CEOs for a "radical energy transition".
By Lydia O’Kane

Addressing those attending the summit, which included multinational oil companies, the Pope spoke on an issue very close to his heart: The Care for our Common Home.

Pope Francis told those gathered that this second year of Dialogue in the Vatican was taking place at a “critical moment.”

Today’s ecological crisis, especially climate change, he said, “threatens the very future of the human family
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2019-06/hong-kong-interreligious-dialogue-group-in-rome.html

Hong Kong interreligious group meets Pope Francis
14 June 2019, 11:16

Pope Francis with leaders of 6 religions in Hong Kong  (Vatican Media)
Religious leaders from Hong Kong visit the Vatican and receive Pope Francis’ blessing, as they strive to improve interreligious relations.
By Devin Watkins

The leaders of 6 religions in Hong Kong are in Rome this week to mark the 40th anniversary of an organization dedicated to improving interreligious ties.

Pope Francis met the “Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders of Hong Kong” briefly on the sidelines of his Wednesday General Audience. He told them: “Upon all of you I invoke joy and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless you!”

Vatican Radio caught up with members of the Colloquium on Thursday during their visit to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-06/hong-kong-cardinal-tong-calls-for-peaceful-dialogue.html
Hong Kong Cardinal asks for prayers, condemns violence
13 June 2019, 16:43
With tensions running high in Hong Kong, Cardinal John Tong asks Catholics to pray for the situation in the city, and calls for mutual respect and dialogue between the government and protesters.
By Devin Watkins

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-secretary-of-state-marks-25-years-of-diplomatic-relations-with-israel-35049

Vatican Secretary of State marks 25 years of diplomatic relations with Israel
By Courtney Grogan

Rome, Italy, Jun 14, 2019 / 06:56 am (CNA).- Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin marked the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Israel Thursday by calling for a shared commitment to religious freedom and combatting anti-Semitism.

“The peace process and the future of the region are in the heart of the pope and the Holy See,” Parolin said June 13 at a ceremony commemorating the anniversary in the Great Synagogue of Rome.
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2019/06/14/diplomatic-notes-concert-marks-anniversary-of-israel-vatican-ties/
Diplomatic notes: Concert marks anniversary of Israel-Vatican ties
Cindy Wooden  Jun 14, 2019
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

(Credit: Robert Duncan/CNS.)

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Photos at the link

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-uk-and-ireland/2019/06/14/the-pope-brings-drama-of-benedict-and-francis-to-stage/
“The Pope” brings drama of Benedict and Francis to stage
Charles Collins   Jun 14, 2019

NORTHAMPTON, United Kingdom - In 2013, the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the subsequent election of Pope Francis shocked the world, and the contrast in styles between the two men just added to the drama.

The story seems perfect for the stage: The German former doctrinal chief and the Argentinian Jesuit bishop of the slums, each representing competing visions of the Church.

It’s finally happened. “The Pope” opened June 8 at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton, England, and runs until June 22.

New Zealand’s Anthony McCarten seems perfect for the job of bringing the two popes to “life” on stage. Three of the last five Best Actor Oscars have gone to men playing historical figures in films written by McCarten: Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking in 2014’s “The Theory of Everything”; Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in 2017’s “Darkest Hour”; and Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in last year’s megahit “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
 
McCarten has not finished with “The Pope.” He wrote a book called The Pope: Francis, Benedict, and the Decision That Shook the World, released earlier this year. “The Pope” will also be a film- based on the book, not the play - starring Anthony Hopkins as Benedict and Jonathan Pryce as Francis scheduled for release on Netflix later this year.

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vaticans-doctrinal-office-expected-to-release-document-on-gender-theory-78350

Vatican’s doctrinal office expected to release document on gender theory
By Hannah Brockhaus

Vatican City, Jun 14, 2019 / 12:00 pm (CNA).- The Vatican’s doctrinal office is preparing a document which will address Church teaching and the anthropology of the human person in the context of so-called gender theory, according to a Vatican official.

According to a source, speaking to CNA on background, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is expected to publish in the coming months a more in-depth theological and anthropological text than the guide that was published by the Congregation for Catholic Education earlier this week.

With “Male and Female He Created Them,” issued June 10, the Congregation for Catholic Education did not intend to give a detailed treatment of the topic of gender in all areas, but to provide a guide for those in Catholic school and university environments on how to approach and engage with the advancement of gender theory in contemporary society, the source said.

The document focuses on the educational context because it is the congregation’s competency, according to the source, though experts and other Vatican departments were consulted as is ordinary practice.
 

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Update:  Notre-Dame de Paris

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-europe/2019/06/14/small-donors-not-french-tycoons-foot-notre-dame-work-bills/

Small donors, not French tycoons, foot Notre Dame work bills
Thomas Adamson  Jun 14, 2019
ASSOCIATED PRESS

(Credit: Philippe Lopez/Pool via AP.)
PARIS - The billionaire French donors who publicly promised flashy donations totaling hundreds of millions to rebuild Notre Dame have not yet paid a penny toward the restoration of the French national monument, according to church and business officials.

Instead, it’s been mainly American and French citizens, via charitable foundations at Notre Dame, that have footed the bills and paid salaries for the up to 150 workers employed by the cathedral since the April 15 fire that devastated the cathedral’s roof and caused its masterpiece spire to collapse. This month they are handing over the first payment for the cathedral’s reconstruction of $4 million.

“The big donors haven’t paid. Not a cent,” said Andre Finot, senior press official at Notre Dame. “They want to know what exactly their money is being spent on and if they agree to it before they hand it over, and not just to pay employees’ salaries.”
 

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Photo at the link...

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/world/europe/notre-dame-mass.html

Worshiping in Hard Hats: Notre-Dame Offers First Mass Since Blaze
By Adam Nossiter
June 15, 2019

PARIS — Priests in robes and hard hats worshiped Saturday at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in the first Mass there since the French treasure was devastated by fire in April.

The priests were joined by a handful of workers and other worshipers, also in hard hats. The group was limited to about 30 for security reasons, and the solemn ceremony in Paris was shown live by a Catholic channel via YouTube.

The Mass was held in the Chapel of the Virgin, just off the choir. Visible as the camera panned across were a pile of charred timbers, all that remains of the attic’s interlocking wooden beams, and great gaping holes in the vault, caused in part by the spire’s fall.

Notre-Dame’s reconstruction is underway, though officials say the edifice is still being shored up. About 150 people now work at the site.
 
Video at the link below--
Notre Dame cathedral holds first Mass since April fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJLFNl1WTJE