Pope Francis

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2020-05/pope-francis-mass-joseph-work-dignity-just-wage.html
Pope at Mass: May no one be without work, dignity, a just wage
01 May 2020, 08:36

Pope Francis offered his Mass on Friday for all workers as the Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, and reflects on the importance of dignity and justice in the world of work.
By Devin Watkins

At the start of Mass in the Casa Santa Marta on the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, Pope Francis prayed for workers around the globe.

“Today, on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and the day dedicated to workers, let us pray for all workers, so that no one might be without work and all might be paid a just wage. May they benefit from the dignity of work and the beauty of rest.”

A special statue of St. Joseph the Worker was present in the chapel as the Pope celebrated Mass.

Continuing God’s work of Creation

In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the day’s reading (Gen 1:26-2:3) which recounts the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-05/saint-joseph-worker-statue-acli-pope-francis-mass.html
Saint Joseph: A statue connecting Pope Francis and Pius XII
01 May 2020, 07:51

https://zenit.org/articles/on-feast-of-st-joseph-the-worker-pope-appreciates-good-businessmen-who-protect-workers-like-children-full-text/
On Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, Pope Appreciates ‘Good Businessmen Who Protect Workers Like Children’ (FULL TEXT)
Prays to St. Joseph to Help Us Fight for Dignity of Work
May 01, 2020 17:08  Deborah Castellano Lubov

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-04/pope-encourages-faithful-to-pray-rosary-at-home.html

Pope encourages faithful to pray Rosary at home
25 April 2020, 12:01

Pope Francis writes a letter to all the faithful, encouraging them to pray the Rosary, especially during the month of May.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis is encouraging the faithful to pray the Rosary during the month of May, “when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary”.

In a Letter for the Month of May, published on the feast of St Mark the Evangelist (25 April), the Pope notes that it is a tradition to pray the Rosary at home with the family during this month. This year, he continues, “the restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this 'family' aspect, also from a spiritual point of view”.

That is why he is proposing to everyone to “rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May”, whether individually or as a group, “making the most both opportunities”.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-04/letter-on-the-month-of-may-full-text.html
Letter on the Month of May - Full text, including prayers
25 April 2020, 12:01

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-04/canada-and-us-bishops-reconsecration-nation-to-virgin-mary.html
Canada and US Bishops reconsecrate their nations to Mary
29 April 2020, 17:00

The Bishops of Canada and the United States join in prayer on 1 May to reconsecrate their respective nations to the Virgin Mary.
By Vatican News

On Friday, May 1, the bishops of Canada and the United States reconsecrated their respective nations to the care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Both Bishops’ Conferences have announced that their countries were reconsecrated to our Lady under the title “Mary, Mother of the Church”.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/bishops-will-consecrate-the-us-and-canada-to-mary-heres-what-that-means-67227
Bishops will 'consecrate' the US and Canada to Mary. Here's what that means

CNA Staff, Apr 30, 2020 / 02:23 pm MT (CNA).- The bishops of both the United States and Canada are set to consecrate their nations to Mary, Mother of the Church on May 1.

In fact, this will be a reconsecration, as both countries have been consecrated to Mary before— as has the entire world, several times. 

Reconsecrating the country, the US bishops said in an April 23 announcement, is meant to serve as a reminder to the faithful of Mary’s witness to the Gospel, and as a way of asking for Mary’s intercession before Jesus on behalf of those in need.

“Every year, the Church seeks the special intercession of the Mother of God during the month of May. This year, we seek the assistance of Our Lady all the more earnestly as we face together the effects of the global pandemic,” Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the US bishops, said in his April 22 letter announcing the consecration.
 
The EWTN network will air the brief liturgy and prayer of reconsecration at 3 p.m. ET, Friday, May 1, live from Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles.

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-05/pope-names-new-cardinal-bishops-vice-camerlengo.html

Pope names two new Cardinal-Bishops and Vice Camerlengo
01 May 2020, 15:38

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Beniamino Stella are the newest members of the Order of Bishops within the College of Cardinal, and Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari becomes the new Vice Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis has elevated Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle to the rank of Cardinal-Bishop.

The appointment was made in an audience granted to Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs for the Secretariat of State, on 14 April 2020. In naming Cardinal Tagle to the Order of Bishops, Pope Francis made him equal in all respects to those Cardinals with suburbicarian Churches.

Cardinal Tagle has served as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples since February 2020.

The Holy Father has also promoted Cardinal Beniamino Stella, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, to the Order of Cardinal-Bishops, granting him the “title” of the suburbicarian Church of Porto-Santa Rufina.

New Vice Camerlengo

The Vatican announced on Friday the appointment of Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari as Vice Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
 
The Vice Camerlengo assists the Camerlengo in carrying out his duties, which include the formal certification of the death of a reigning Pope, as well as the care and administration of the temporal goods of the Holy See during time of sede vacante (the period between the death of the Pope and the election of his successor).

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-05/pontifical-council-interreligious-dialogue-ramadan-message.html

Vatican urges Muslims and Christians to protect places of worship
01 May 2020, 12:18

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue releases its annual message for the Muslim month of Ramadan, and encourages everyone to protect all places of worship.
By Devin Watkins

As Muslims celebrate the month of Ramadan, the Vatican is urging both Muslims and Christians to protect places of worship.

In a message released on Friday for Ramadan and the feast of Eid al-Fitr, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue recalls the centrality of this month for Muslims.

“It is a time for spiritual healing and growth, of sharing with the poor, of strengthening bonds with relatives and friends,” reads the message.

The Council wishes all Muslims “prayerful best wishes and hearty congratulations”.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-05/cardinal-ayuso-interreligious-dialogue-ramadan-message.html
Cardinal Ayuso: Ramadan an opportunity to show interreligious solidarity
01 May 2020, 12:19

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2020-05/pope-homily-crisis-peace-choice-crisis-faith.html
Pope at Mass prays for government leaders taking care of their people during Covid-19
02 May 2020, 08:48

Pope Francis began Mass on Saturday praying that the Lord might help and give strength to government leaders at all levels, and reflected on how to live through moments of crisis.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

Pope Francis prayed for government leaders, heads of state, legislators, mayors, heads of regions on Saturday morning during Mass at the Casa Santa Marta. He prayed that the “Lord might help them and grant them strength because their work is not easy. When there are differences among them”, he prayed, “may they understand that in moments of crisis they must be very united for the good of their people because unity is superior to conflict”.

The First Reading and the Gospel provided the Holy Father the theme for his homily. He reflected on the fact that the Church, as well as all of us, live both moments of peace in our lives and moments of crisis. The First Reading (9:31-42) says that the early Church was at peace. The Gospel of John presents a moment of crisis when many disciples decided to follow Jesus no longer (6:31-42).
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-05/church-57th-annual-world-day-prayer-vocations.html

The Church celebrates the 57th World Day of Prayer for Vocations
02 May 2020, 14:35

As the Church observes the 57th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations on 3 May, dioceses throughout the world promote vocations in various ways.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, is the 57th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. On this day, Catholics are invited to promote vocations to the priestly, religious and consecrated life, and to offer special prayers for those nurturing such desires. This annual event was first introduced in 1963 by Pope St. Paul VI.

In view of this year’s observances, Pope Francis published a message on March 8. In it, he invited the Church to reflect on four key vocational words – pain, gratitude, encouragement and praise. He had also used these four words in his Letter to Priests in August last year.

All over the world, local churches are finding creative ways of marking the occasion amid the current coronavirus pandemic.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-05/higher-committee-human-fraternity-prayer-appeal-end-pandemic.html

Higher Committee of Human Fraternity calls for day of prayer
02 May 2020, 12:40

In response to the Covid-19 crisis, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity calls for a day of “prayer and supplication” to God for an end to the pandemic.
By Vatican News

The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity is calling for women and men to pray to God for an end to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

While recognizing the role of science in fighting the disease, the Committee says, “we should not forget to seek refuge in God, the All-Creator, as we face such a severe crisis”.

In calling for worldwide prayer, the Committee says, “Each one, from wherever they are and according to the teachings of their religion, faith, or sect, should implore God to lift this pandemic off us and the entire world, to rescue us all from this adversity”.

Their call also emphasizes the importance of asking God “to inspire scientists to find a cure that can turn back this disease, and to save the whole world from the health, economic, and human repercussions of this serious pandemic”.

A day for prayers and supplications

The Committee suggests Thursday, 14 May, as a day “for fasting, works of mercy, prayers, and supplications for the good of all humanity”.
 
The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity was established last year as a concrete response to the Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, during the Pope’s Apostolic Journey to the United Arab Emirates in February 2019.
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2020-05/pope-homily-doctors-priests-shepherd-pastor.html
Pope at Mass prays for doctors and priests laying down their lives
03 May 2020, 08:48

In praying for doctors and priests during Mass on Sunday at the Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis likened them to the Good Shepherd laying down their lives serving the flock.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

Pope Francis celebrated Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. He prayed in a special way for doctors and priests. citing the numbers of those who have died in Italy: over 100 priests and approximately 154 doctors. “May the example of these shepherds, priests and doctors, help us take care of the holy, faithful People of God”, the Pope prayed.

Pope Francis then reflected on the image of the Good Shepherd presented in the reading from the First Letter of Peter (2:20-25) and the Gospel of John (10:1-10).
 
https://zenit.org/articles/santa-marta-sunday-pope-prays-for-doctors-and-priests/
Santa Marta Sunday: Pope Prays for Doctors and Priests
‘May the example of these shepherds, priests, and doctors, help us take care of the holy, faithful People of God’
May 03, 2020 17:04  ZENIT Staff  Pope's Morning Homily

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-05/pope-regina-coeli-the-voice-of-god-brings-true-peace.html

Pope Regina Coeli: God's voice brings true peace
03 May 2020, 12:05

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, Pope Francis underlines the importance of being able to distinguish the voices of good and evil.
By Vatican News

On this the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Pope Francis delved into the Gospel of the day which is dedicated to Jesus the Good Shepherd.

Speaking during the Regina Coeli, the Pope recalled that the reading says that, “the sheep hear His voice, as He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (Jn 10: 3).
Pope emphasized that “The Lord calls us by name, He calls us because He loves us. But, the Gospel then tells us, there are other voices, not to be followed: those of strangers, thieves and brigands who want to harm to the sheep.”
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-05/regina-coeli-pope-prays-for-vocations-and-covid-sufferers.html
Regina Coeli: Pope prays for vocations and Covid sufferers
03 May 2020, 12:12

https://zenit.org/articles/regina-caeli-address-on-the-fourth-sunday-of-easter-dedicated-to-the-good-shepherd/
Regina Caeli Address: On the Fourth Sunday of Easter Dedicated to the Good Shepherd
May 03, 2020 16:54  Virginia Forrester

Video, with English commentary, at the link below--
Pope Francis's Regina Coeli of 3 May
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/regina-coeli/2020-05/pope-francis-regina-coeli-of-3-may.html

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/blood-of-st-januarius-liquefies-in-naples-under-lockdown-39191

Blood of St. Januarius liquefies in Naples under lockdown
By Courtney Mares

Rome Newsroom, May 3, 2020 / 08:30 am MT (CNA).- The liquefaction of the blood of the early Church martyr St. Januarius occurred Saturday amid the coronavirus lockdown, leading the Archbishop of Naples to bless the city with the miraculous relic.

“Dear friends, I have a big announcement to make: even in this time of coronavirus, the Lord through the intercession of St. Januarius has liquified the blood!" Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe said May 2.

Cardinal Sepe, the Archbishop of Naples, offered a Mass via video livestream from the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary to celebrate the recurring miracle, and then used the relic of the liquified blood to bless the city.

“How many times our saint has intervened to save us from the plague, from cholera. St. Januarius is the true soul of Naples,” he said in his homily.
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2020-05/pope-francis-homily-santa-marta-peace-family-unity-church.html
Pope at Mass prays peace in families, unity in the Church
04 May 2020, 08:03

In the Mass in Santa Marta, Pope Francis prays for families closed up in their homes because of the pandemic, and recalls that Jesus wants unity in the Church.
By Christopher Wells

In the Mass in Santa Marta on Monday, Pope Francis prayed for families closed up in their homes because of the pandemic. He acknowledged that families are trying to do many things they have never done before. Then, he mentioned the reality of domestic violence. “Let us pray,” he said, "for families, that they might persevere in peace with creativity and patience during this quarantine".

During his homily, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of unity despite differences. It revolved around two poles: the story of the criticism of St Peter by the early Church for eating with sinners, and the message of Jesus in the Gospel, “I am the shepherd of all”.
 
https://zenit.org/articles/during-pandemic-pope-prays-for-families-closed-up-in-homes-decries-domestic-violence-full-text/
During Pandemic, Pope Prays for Families Closed Up in Homes, Decries Domestic Violence (FULL TEXT)
May 04, 2020 13:51  Deborah Castellano Lubov

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-05/pope-francis-sends-letter-to-archbishop-of-lujan-feast-day.html

Pope sends gettings to Archbishop of Luján ahead of Feast Day
04 May 2020, 10:15

Pope Francis sends a letter to the Archbishop of Mercedes Luján ahead of the Feast Day of Our Lady of Luján.
By Vatican News

May 8 marks the Feast Day of Our Lady of Luján. Prior to this date, Pope Francis wrote a letter to Archbishop Jorge Scheinig of Luján. In it, the Pope assures the Archbishop that his “heart travels to Luján” for this celebration.

In the letter dated 4 May, the Pope writes that he will be there “spiritually” in Luján to visit Our Lady. There, he says, “I will look at her once more and, once again, I will let her look at me with that motherly gaze that renews you, takes care of you, gives you strength”.

The Pope adds that in doing so, he knows he will not be alone, “but together with the holy, faithful People of God who love her so much, a faithful and sinful people like me”.
Pope Francis then writes that he along with the faithful will tell Our Lady of their “worries” and their “joys”.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-joliet-bishop-conlon-59774

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Joliet Bishop Conlon

Vatican City, May 4, 2020 / 07:00 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Daniel Conlon of Joliet, who took a medical leave of absence from leadership of the Illinois diocese in December.

The Holy See press office announced May 4 that the pope had accepted Bishop Conlon’s request to be relieved of the pastoral governance of the diocese.
 
Conlon, 71, was appointed to Joliet in 2011. On Dec. 27, 2019, the diocese said that he would be taking a leave of absence because of an unspecified health problem.

Retired Bishop Richard Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, has served as apostolic administrator during Conlon’s absence.

In addition to accepting Conlon’s resignation, the pope appointed Pates as the apostolic administrator sede vacante, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said Monday.

In a statement May 4 Conlon explained that 2019 had been a challenging year for him.
 
“I experienced a lot of stress and fatigue, which I did not always handle well, along with some serious medical issues, plus the death of my best friend,” he said.
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2020-05/pope-francis-mass-coronavirus-victims-knowledge-jesus.html
Pope Francis prays at Mass for victims of Covid-19
05 May 2020, 08:36

Pope Francis offers Mass on Tuesday for the many people who have died with Covid-19, and reflects on several attitudes that keep us from knowing Jesus.
By Devin Watkins

At the start of Mass in the Casa Santa Marta on Tuesday, Pope Francis prayed for the victims of the novel coronavirus.

"Today we pray for the deceased who have died because of the pandemic. They have died alone, without the caresses of their loved ones. So many did not even have a funeral. May the Lord welcome them in His glory."

Stumbling blocks to faith

In his homily, the Pope reflected on the day’s Gospel (Jn 10:22-30), in which several Jews ask Jesus to say openly whether He is the Christ. Jesus responds that He has already told them so, yet they do not believe.

Pope Francis said the episode is an invitation to reflect on our own faith. “Do I believe? What makes me stop outside the door that is Jesus?”

He went on to consider several “prejudiced attitudes that prevent us from progressing in the knowledge of Jesus.”
 
https://zenit.org/articles/popes-morning-homily-to-be-free-close-to-christ-dont-be-lukewarm-nor-worldly-full-text/
Pope’s Morning Homily: To Be Free & Close to Christ, Don’t Be Lukewarm in Faith Nor Worldly (FULL TEXT)
May 05, 2020 12:46  Deborah Castellano Lubov

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-05/vatican-new-guidelines-for-internally-displaced-persons.html

Vatican provides pastoral guidelines to help internally displaced persons
05 May 2020, 11:30

The Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development provides new guidelines for responding to the challenges of assisting internally displaced persons.
By Christopher Wells

The Vatican on Tuesday presented guidelines for the Church’s response to the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). A new booklet from the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development identifies “new challenges posed by the present global scenario” and suggests “adequate pastoral responses”.

“Pastoral Orientations on Internally Displaced Persons” (POIDP) is intended “to provide a series of key considerations that may be useful… in pastoral planning and programme development for the effective assistance of IDPs”. It offers “suggestions and guidance for action based on four words: welcome, protect, promote, and integrate”.  Pope Francis has proposed these verbs with respect to migrants and refugees.
 

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Video, with English text, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-05/pope-francis-prayer-intention-may-2020-permanent-deacons.html

Pope's prayer intention for May: For deacons
05 May 2020, 17:00

Pope Francis on Tuesday releases a video message accompanying his prayer intention for May, which this month is that "deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church."

In his prayer intention for the month of May 2020, Pope Francis asks everyone to pray for permanent deacons, who live their vocation in and with their family.

It has become the custom of Pope Francis to release a video message detailing his prayer intention for each month.

The full text of his intention is below:
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-hails-st-john-paul-ii-as-a-great-witness-of-faith-58171

Pope Francis hails St. John Paul II's 'great witness' ahead of centenary
By Courtney Mares

Vatican City, May 5, 2020 / 11:00 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis said that he has looked up to St. John Paul II throughout his priesthood in a book foreword he wrote ahead of the 100-year anniversary of the Polish pope’s birth.

“St. John Paul II was a great witness of faith … Many times, in the course of my life as a priest and bishop I have looked to him, asking in my prayers for the gift of being faithful to the Gospel as he witnessed to us,” Pope Francis wrote in the forward of a recently published Italian book.

The book, “St. John Paul II: 100 Years. Words and images”, is being issued by the Vatican Publishing House to mark the centenary of Karol Wojtyła’s birth on May 18, 1920.

In his five-page foreword, Pope Francis wrote that St. John Paul II was “a great man of prayer who lived completely immersed in his time and constantly in contact with God, a sure guide for the Church in times of great change.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-05/causes-for-sainthood-go-forward-but-beatifications-postponed.html

Causes for sainthood go forward but beatifications postponed
06 May 2020, 12:05

Pope Francis recognises the heroic virtues of five new Venerables in the Church through the Decrees promulgated by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
By Vatican News

On 5 May, 2020, the Holy Father Francis received in audience Cardinal Angelo Becciu, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. During the Audience, Pope Francis authorised the same Congregation to promulgate the Decrees concerning:

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Francesco Caruso, Priest of the Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace; born in Gasperina, Italy, on December 7, 1879 and died there on October 18, 1951;
 
Upcoming beatifications postponed

Due to the necessary measures taken in response to the coronavirus emergency, and at the request of the bishops concerned, the beatifications for the following Venerable Servants of God have been postponed:

Lucia dell'Immacolata, born Maria Ripamonti (scheduled for 9 May 2020)
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-05/coronavirus-vatican-covid-12th-case-press-office-statement.html

Holy See Press Office announces 12th covid-19 case in Vatican
06 May 2020, 18:19

On Wednesday afternoon, the Holy See Press Office releases a statement saying a 12 person who works in the Vatican has tested positive for covid-19.

The Holy See Press Office released a statement on Wednesday afternoon. In it, Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Press Office, announced that a 12th person has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. This person is a Holy See employee.

Further details in the statement say that the person had begun working from home at the beginning of March. This person remained self-isolated at home at the onset of symptoms.

Prior to returning to the office to work, the person was tested. The analysis confirmed that the person is positive for coronavirus.