Pope Francis

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-message-archbishop-vilnius-grusas-catholic-days.html

Pope: May the walls of Europe become gateways
18 March 2022, 10:00

Pope Francis writes to the Archbishop of Vilnius and President of the CCEE to mark the opening of the European Catholic Social Days, and highlights the importance of protecting, accompanying and integrating as European countries accept so many vulnerable people fleeing war.
By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis welcomed the opening of the European Catholic Social Days - being held in Bratislava, Slovakia, from 17 to 20 March - with a letter to Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, Presidedent of the Council of the Conference of European Bishops, (in latin Consilium Conferentiarum Episcoporum Europae, CCEE).

The Pope noted that to mark the third event of its kind, which is organised by the CCEE together with the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Slovakian Bishops' Conference "I would like to address my cordial greetings to you, dear Brother, and to all the participants".
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250719/pope-francis-to-europe-s-catholic-bishops-the-blood-of-ukrainian-children-stirs-our-consciences
Pope Francis to Europe’s Catholic bishops: The blood of Ukrainian children stirs our consciences
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Mar 18, 2022 / 05:58 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2022.index.html
Pontifical Messages 2022
Message of the Holy Father Francis to Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius and President of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe for the opening of the European Catholic Social Days [Bratislava, 17-20 March 2022] (15 March 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-invites-bishops-to-join-him-in-consecration-of-russia.html

Pope invites bishops to join him in consecration of Russia and Ukraine
18 March 2022, 14:12

The Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be pronounced by the Pope on the afternoon of Friday 25 March in St Peter's Basilica. The act of consecration will be performed in communion with the local Churches throughout the world.
By Vatican News

In response to questions from journalists, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, has confirmed, “Pope Francis has invited the bishops of the whole world, along with their priests, to join him in the prayer for peace and in the consecration and entrustment of Russia and of Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

The Pope will make the prayer in the afternoon of Friday, 25 March – the Solemnity of the Annunciation – in St Peter’s Basilica, on the occasion of the Celebration of Penance, scheduled to begin at 5 pm. The same act, on the same day, will be undertaken by all the bishops of the world. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, will perform the act of consecration at Fatima as the envoy of the Pope.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250722/vatican-confirms-pope-francis-is-inviting-world-s-bishops-to-join-in-ukraine-russia-consecration
Vatican confirms Pope Francis is inviting world’s bishops to join in Ukraine-Russia consecration
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Mar 18, 2022 / 09:10 am

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Full text of the USCCB memorandum and letter from the Apostolic Nuncio at the link

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/nuncio-alerts-u-s-bishops-to-prepare-for-consecration-of-russia-and-ukraine/
Pope’s US representative alerts bishops to prepare for consecration of Russia and Ukraine
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, extended a formal invitation to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to participate in the March 25 consecration.
Matt Gaspers
Thu Mar 17, 2022 - 10:34 pm EDT

(Catholic Family News) — In a letter dated March 17 and addressed to USCCB President Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, current Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, provides formal notice about the upcoming papal consecration of Russia and Ukraine and asks Archbishop Gomez “to inform the members of the USCCB and, through them, the priests of the various dioceses and eparchies of the country … ”

“In the context of the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine,” writes Archbishop Pierre, “the Holy Father, Pope Francis will lead an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25th next.”

The Nuncio goes on: “The Holy Father intends to invite each Bishop, or equivalent in law, together with his priests, to join in this act of consecration, if possible, at an hour corresponding to 5pm Rome time. In the coming days, the Holy Father will address a letter of invitation to the Bishops, enclosing the text of the Prayer of Consecration in the various languages. I write now, asking you to inform the members of the USCCB and, through them, the priests of the various dioceses and eparchies of the country, about the Holy Father’s invitation.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-03/archbishop-pezzi-moscow-russia-consecration-mary-ukraine.html

Moscow Archbishop on consecration of Russia and Ukraine to Mary
18 March 2022, 13:46

The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow welcomes Pope Francis' decision to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, saying it is an invitation to conversion and to rediscover hope and peace.
By Amedeo Lomonaco

On Friday, March 25, Pope Francis will preside at the Penitential Celebration in St. Peter's Basilica. During the ceremony, he will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Speaking to Vatican News, the Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow says this act of consecration is an invitation to light the flame of hope in a time of darkness. The meaning of this consecration, Archbishop Pezzi adds, is "to convert our hearts to Christ."

The Pope has decided to put everything into Mary’s hands. What does this entrustment to Our Lady mean?

It is a dark period. What is needed when there is darkness? We need lights, at least small flames. The consecration is an invitation to light this flame of hope that has never been extinguished in our hearts, that has never been extinguished. This is also why the Pope can freely and forcefully address the whole Church and ask, in particular, that these flames of hope be rekindled in the peoples of Russia and Ukraine.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-video-message-religious-education-congress-los-angeles.html

Pope: Proclaim the Lord’s mercy, tenderness, love in action
18 March 2022, 18:20

With a video message on Friday Pope Francis kicked off the Religious Education Congress in Los Angeles, United States, March 18-20.
By Robin Gomes

Amid the social crisis triggered by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, our hope lies is in the Lord who invites us to proclaim his mercy, tenderness and love, “not with fine words, but with genuine acts”. 

Pope Francis made the point in a video message to the participants in the 4-day Religious Education Congress that kicked off on Friday in Los Angeles, United States.  “Living Waters of Hope” is the theme of the March 18-20 congress, sponsored by the Office of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The event is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the world.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2022.index.html
Pontifical Messages 2022
Video Message of the Holy Father to the participants in the Religious Education Congress sponsored by the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese (18 March 2022)

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https://www.ncregister.com/news/catholic-leaders-and-theologians-laud-pope-s-upcoming-consecration-of-russia-and-ukraine

Catholic Leaders and Theologians Laud Pope’s Upcoming Consecration of Russia and Ukraine
Edward Pentin
March 18, 2022

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ decision to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Solemnity of the Annunciation comes at a crucial time for the Church and the world and should be carried out explicitly in union with all the world’s bishops, Church leaders and theologians have said.

The Vatican announced March 15 that the Holy Father will make the act of consecration at 5pm on March 25 during a celebration of penance in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican also confirmed on Friday that Pope Francis had invited all “the bishops of the whole world and their priests” to join him in the act of consecration and in praying for peace.
 
Benedict XVI’s Participation

As well as having all the bishops taking part, Mazza believes it is vital that Benedict XVI also be publicly involved “because Benedict is visibly still papal: He dresses in white; he gives apostolic blessings; he is still called His Holiness; he still lives in the Vatican, and he calls himself Pope Emeritus, not bishop emeritus.”

The Register asked the Holy See Press Office and Benedict’s personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, if the Pope Emeritus would be visibly taking part in the consecration, but neither has so far responded. 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-bambino-gesu-pediatric-hospital-ukraine-children.html

Pope visits Bambino Gesù hospital to meet Ukrainian children receiving treatment
19 March 2022, 10:35

Pope Francis travels to the Vatican’s Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital to visit a group of Ukrainian children receiving treatment after fleeing the war in their home country.
By Benedetta Capelli and Fabio Colagrande

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine disrupts routine medical care in much of the country, the Bambino Gesù hospital has stepped into the breach to assist children in need of treatment.

Around 50 children have arrived from Ukraine to the Pope’s hospital—19 of whom are hospitalized—to receive quality care.

Pope Francis visited the group of Ukrainian children, along with all other patients in the Vatican's pediatric hospital, on Saturday afternoon, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The children are receiving treatment for various pathologies, including in the oncology and neurology departments.

"The Pope stopped in the rooms, and visited all the little ones present, before returning to the Vatican," said the Press Office statement.

Pope's gratitude

Separately, on Friday, the Pope expressed his gratitude for this service in a brief, hand-written message to Mariella Enoc, the hospital’s president.

“Thank you for your service, charity, and love for wounded Ukrainian children. I am close to you.”
 

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Video at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-choir-antoniano-song-ukraine-war.html
Pope: ‘Music can give hope, even amid difficult times of war’
19 March 2022, 12:36

Pope Francis dedicates an audience with the Little Choir of Antoniano to children in Ukraine, and urges young people to listen to the wisdom and experiences of their grandparents.
By Devin Watkins

As the Church marked the feast of St. Joseph on Saturday, Pope Francis met with young choristers from the Little Choir of Antoniano, which is based in the Italian city of Bologna.

The Pope told the children that he wished to dedicate their encounter to “the children of Ukraine”.

He said their songs can give hope, “even in difficult moments like the ones we are experiencing now due to the war.”

“This is a difficult moment. Did you know that several children who were wounded by the war have already been brought to Rome at the Bambino Gesù Hospital? Let us pray for them. We here in Rome can help them heal.”

Treasure of uniting generations

Pope Francis then reflected on the power of song to unite generations, saying children, parents, and even grandparents sing the same songs.

"We need to unite various generations, especially to favor dialogue between the elderly and the young, between grandparents and grandchildren," he said.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-to-josephites-seek-to-understand-and-respond-to-today.html

Pope to Josephites: Seek to understand and respond to today's needs
19 March 2022, 10:38

In a letter to the Superior General of the Congregation of St. Joseph, Pope Francis offers his best wishes to members of the Institute, also know as the Josephites of Murialdo, as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of their foundation.
By Thaddeus Jones

Pope Francis has sent a letter to the Superior General of the Congregation of St. Joseph, offering his congratulations to the members of the Istitute as they begin the 150th anniversary of their foundation in Turin by Saint Leonard Murialdo on 19 March 1873.

The Pope wrote that going back to the sources of their foundation can help the religious men draw new energies for the future, while also recalling the Lord's blessings on them. He encouraged them to pray for the Lord's continued blessings to give them strength to respond in ever new ways to their charism of educating young people.
 

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New apostolic constitution, Praedicate evangelium, means “Preach the Gospel” in Latin

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-promulgates-constitution-praedicate-evangelium.html
Pope Francis promulgates Apostolic Constitution on Roman Curia 'Praedicate Evangelium'
19 March 2022, 13:05

Pope Francis promulgates the text of the Apostolic Constitution 'Praedicate Evangelium', which gives a more missionary structure to the Roman Curia so it can be better at the service of the local churches and the task of evangelization.
By Andrea Tornielli & Sergio Centofanti

On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Pope Francis promulgated the new Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia, entitled "Praedicate evangelium". The text, which governs the Roman Curia, will enter into force on 5 June 2022, the Solemnity of Pentecost.

The Constitution marks the outcome of a lengthy listening process that began with the General Congregations that preceded the Conclave of 2013. The new Constitution replaces "Pastor bonus", which Pope St. John Paul II promulgated on 28 June 1988 and in force since 1 March 1989 and consisting of 250 articles.

On Monday, 21 March at 11:30 a.m., Praedicate evangelium will be presented at the Holy See Press Office by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Bishop Marco Mellino, Secretary of the Council of Cardinals, and Jesuit Father Gianfranco Ghirlanda, canonist and emeritus professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

The text, as mentioned, is the result of lenghty collegial work, which took its cue from the 2013 pre-conclave meetings, and involved the Council of Cardinals with meetings from October 2013 to last February, taking place under the guidance of Pope Francis and with various contributions from the local Churches around the world.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249964/praedicate-evangelium-pope-francis-reforms-roman-curia-with-launch-of-vatican-constitution
Praedicate evangelium: Pope Francis reforms Roman Curia with launch of Vatican constitution
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Mar 19, 2022 / 05:20 am

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2022/03/19/0189/00404.html
Costituzione Apostolica “Praedicate evangelium” sulla Curia Romana e il suo servizio alla Chiesa e al Mondo, 19.03.2022

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250733/how-praedicate-evangelium-changes-the-vatican-s-dicasteries-a-cna-explainer
How Praedicate evangelium changes the Vatican’s dicasteries: A CNA Explainer
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Mar 19, 2022 / 13:00 pm

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-at-angelus-may-we-welcome-the-urgent-call-to-conversion.html
Pope at Angelus: May we welcome the Lord's urgent call to conversion
20 March 2022, 12:18

Pope Francis encourages us to accept the Lord's urgent call to conversion by turning from sin and welcoming with open hearts the logic of the Gospel, because where love and fraternity reign, evil has no more power.
By Vatican News staff reporter

In his reflections before leading the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Francis focused on the Sunday Gospel reading when people are discussing with Jesus tragic events of the past, including those who died when a tower collapsed on them and when Pilot had some Galileans killed.

The people, said the Pope, seemed to ask who was to blame for their terrible deaths and who was guiltier.

The Pope pointed out that these questions are asked today as well regarding bad news situations, and people wonder whether it is divine punishment that caused a war or a pandemic, and why the Lord does not appear to intervene.
 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-ukraine-war-inhuman-sacrilegious.html
Pope: ‘War of aggression against Ukraine is inhuman and sacrilegious’
20 March 2022, 12:39

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250735/pope-francis-appeal-to-end-ukraine-war
Pope Francis pleads for an end to 'abhorrent' war in Ukraine
By Shannon Mullen
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 20, 2022 / 05:28 am
 
Also on Sunday, Pope Francis also called on the faithful to join him on March 25 in praying for the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. EWTN will broadcast the consecration ceremony at 12 noon EST.

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2022.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2022
Angelus, 20 March 2022

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250738/pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-consecration-russia-ukraine

Will Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI join in the consecration of Russia and Ukraine? Here's the answer
By CNA Staff
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 20, 2022 / 10:30 am

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will join with Pope Francis and the bishops of the world in praying for the consecration of Russia and Ukraine on March 25.

It is expected that he will do so privately, however, and not be present at the consecration ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica.

CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language sister news agency, confirmed those details Sunday with the retired pope’s personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-discourse-i-was-thirsy-association-world-water-day.html

Pope: Spending money on weapons 'stains humanity'
21 March 2022, 12:19

Pope Francis addresses an organisation of volunteers promoting access to clean drinking water, and urges nations to put aside conflict over resources and instead join forces to confront universal problems.
By Francesca Merlo

Addressing members of the organisation of volunteers "I was thirsty" on Monday, ten years since its foundation, Pope Francis thanked the members for their "clear and urgent goal: to bring drinking water to those who do not have it."
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/march.index.html
Speeches 2022 March
Members of the voluntary organization “Ho avuto sete” (“I was thirsty”) (21 March 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-audience-president-lebanon.html

Pope Francis meets with Lebanese President Aoun
21 March 2022, 14:14

Pope Francis holds a private audience with Michel Aoun, the President of Lebanon, discussing the Middle Eastern nation’s serious socio-economic problems and political reforms.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Lebanese President Michel Aoun met with Pope Francis in the Vatican on Monday.

The roughly 30-minute meeting highlighted the good diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Lebanon, which are marking their 75th anniversary this year.

A statement from the Holy See Press Office said the talks were “cordial”, adding that the two leaders discussed various interests of common concern.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-03/praedicate-evangelium-presented-at-holy-see-press-office.html

'Praedicate Evangelium' presented at Holy See Press Office
21 March 2022, 15:58

Vatican experts present Pope Francis' long-awaited Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia 'Praedicate Evangelium' on Monday at the Holy See Press Office.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Church leaders and experts involved in the work on the new Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia presented 'Praedicate Evangelium' to journalists onhand both at the Holy See Press Office, as well as those watching online during a two and half hour press conference.

The text of the document was released just two days earlier, on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, when Pope Francis had the Apostolic Constitution promulgated.
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2022/03/vatican-explains-new-reform-of-roman-curia-with-evangelization-at-its-core
Vatican explains new reform of Roman Curia, with evangelization at its core
By Inés San Martín
Mar 21, 2022

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250739/praedicate-evangelium-things-you-might-have-missed-in-the-new-vatican-constitution
Praedicate evangelium: Things you might have missed in the new Vatican constitution
By Andrea Gagliarducci
Vatican City, Mar 21, 2022 / 06:00 am

Hmmm...

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250742/praedicate-evangelium-vatican-blames-editing-error-for-extraordinary-form-reference-in-new-constitution
TLM typo: Vatican says ‘extraordinary form’ mention in new constitution was a mistake
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Mar 21, 2022 / 11:15 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/ukraine-president-pope-telephone-conversation-prayers-peace.html

Ukraine: Pope and Zelensky speak again by phone
22 March 2022, 14:39

The Ukrainian President addresses the Italian Parliament after having spoken by telephone with Pope Francis.
By Linda Bordoni

Addressing the Italian Parliament via video link on Tuesday morning, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky referred to a telephone conversation he had with Pope Francis, whom he said, had very important words.

The conversation took place as the war, defined by the Pope on Sunday as “inhuman” and “sacrilegious” continues to escalate.

Zelensky, in video connection with the Italian Parliament, said his country was on the brink of surviving its war with Russia and repeated his appeal for more sanctions to be imposed on the Kremlin.

He opened his address saying that he had spoken, by telephone, to the Pope whom, he said, "Had some very important words." As for himself, Zelensky said he spoke to the Pope about the resistance of the Ukrainian people "who became an army when it saw evil."

Zelensky also offered news of the telephone call through his official Twitter account: “Talked to @Pontifex. Told His Holiness about the difficult humanitarian situation and the blocking of rescue corridors by Russian troops. The mediating role of the Holy See in ending human suffering would be appreciated. Thanked for the prayers for Ukraine and peace.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250751/ukraine-war-president-zelenskyy-tells-pope-francis-he-would-welcome-vatican-mediation
In new phone call, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy tells Pope Francis he would welcome Vatican mediation
22 March 2022, 14:39

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250752/vatican-cardinal-parolin-urges-negotiation-to-find-a-win-win-solution-to-ukraine-war
Cardinal Parolin urges negotiation to find a ‘win-win solution’ to war in Ukraine
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Mar 22, 2022 / 08:00 am

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250756/vatican-pope-francis-text-for-march-25-consecration-prayer

Vatican releases text for March 25 consecration prayer for Ukraine, Russia
By CNA Staff
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 22, 2022 / 10:41 am

The Vatican has sent bishops around the world the text of the prayer that Pope Francis will lead on March 25 for the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Here is the full text of the prayer obtained by CNA:

O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, in this time of trial we turn to you. As our Mother, you love us and know us: no concern of our hearts is hidden from you. Mother of mercy, how often we have experienced your watchful care and your peaceful presence! You never cease to guide us to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Yet we have strayed from that path of peace. We have forgotten the lesson learned from the tragedies of the last century, the sacrifice of the millions who fell in two world wars. We have disregarded the commitments we made as a community of nations. We have betrayed peoples’ dreams of peace and the hopes of the young. We grew sick with greed, we thought only of our own nations and their interests, we grew indifferent and caught up in our selfish needs and concerns. We chose to ignore God, to be satisfied with our illusions, to grow arrogant and aggressive, to suppress innocent lives and to stockpile weapons. We stopped being our neighbour’s keepers and stewards of our common home. We have ravaged the garden of the earth with war and by our sins we have broken the heart of our heavenly Father, who desires us to be brothers and sisters. We grew indifferent to everyone and everything except ourselves. Now with shame we cry out: Forgive us, Lord!
 

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Full Video of the General Audience at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-at-audience-the-elderly-irreplaceable-in-passing-on-the-fa.html
Pope at Audience: Elderly are irreplaceable in passing on the faith
23 March 2022, 09:38

Continuing his catechesis at the Wednesday General Audience on the meaning and value of old age, Pope Francis turns his attention to the special vocation of the elderly to hand on to new generations their personal experience of the Church’s faith.
By Vatican News staff reporter

In his continuing catechesis on the meaning and value of old age, Pope Francis took inspiration from the Bible’s account of the death of the elderly Moses.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250763/pope-francis-my-grandfather-taught-me-to-loathe-war
Pope Francis: My grandfather taught me to loathe war
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Mar 23, 2022 / 05:30 am

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-telegram-china-air-crash.html
Pope prays for victims of air crash in southern China
23 March 2022, 10:00

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022.index.html
Audiences 2022
General Audience of 23 March 2022 - Catechesis on Old Age

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-prayer-act-consecration-russia-ukaine-mary.html

Pope’s Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to Our Lady
23 March 2022, 10:40

The Holy See Press Office releases the official text of the Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which Pope Francis will pray on Friday, 25 March.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis—united to all the Bishops and Catholic faithful around the world—will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, the feast of the Annunciation.

The Act of Consecration will be prayed during the "24 Hours for the Lord" Lenten penitential service in St. Peter’s Basilica, which begins at 5 PM Rome time.

The Pope will pray the Act of Consecration around 6:30 PM, and has asked all Bishops and priests to join him spiritually in this prayer, which will be broadcast across our Vatican News channels - radio, website, YouTube, and Facebook - with English-language commentary.

Here below is the official translation of the Act of Consecration:
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-letter-bishops-consecration-russia-ukraine.html
Pope to Bishops: Consecration of Russia and Ukraine ‘to implore peace’
23 March 2022, 10:56
 
Letter 0f Pope Francis to the bishops at the link--
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250762/pope-francis-asks-all-catholics-to-take-part-in-consecration-of-russia-ukraine-to-immaculate-heart-of-mary
Pope Francis asks all Catholics to take part in consecration of Russia, Ukraine to Immaculate Heart of Mary
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Mar 23, 2022 / 04:18 am

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250768/want-to-join-in-the-consecration-of-russia-and-ukraine-heres-how
Want to join in the consecration of Russia and Ukraine? Here's how
By Jonah McKeown
Denver Newsroom, Mar 23, 2022 / 11:00 am

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Hmmm...

https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/pope-francis-consecration-of-russia-is-an-ecclesial-earthquake
Pope Francis’ Consecration of Russia Is an Ecclesial Earthquake

Courtesy of Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill’s support for Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine, the religious landscape of the 21st century has shifted significantly.
Father Raymond J. de Souza   Commentaries   March 24, 2022

Why now?

Why 105 years after the Fatima apparitions, and 93 years after Sister Lucia had the message from Our Lady confirmed in 1929, is the Holy Father explicitly consecrating Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in union with the bishops of the world?

The war is the reason, and not just the fighting in Ukraine.

Kyiv is still standing but Kirill of Moscow has already fallen.

The Holy See released Wednesday the text of the Act of Consecration, to be made by Pope Francis in Rome on the Feast of the Annunciation and by his envoy, Cardinal Konrad Krajewksi, in Fatima at the same time. It will truly be universal — translations were issued in Tigrinya, the major language of Eritrea, and Malayalam, the language of the ancient St. Thomas Christians of Kerala.

The relevant part reads: “To your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine.”

Since 1929, the Roman Pontiffs have repeatedly made consecrations to the Immaculate Heart, and the 1984 consecration by St. John Paul II was judged by Sister Lucia to have fulfilled the request made by Our Lady of Fatima.

However, this time is different. Russia is explicitly mentioned, and all the bishops have been asked, as well as parish priests, to unite themselves to the Holy Father’s act.

The request to Sister Lucia, the sole surviving Fatima visionary by 1929, specified the explicit consecration of Russia, so “that Russia would convert” and peace would be achieved.

Yet even in 1984, St. John Paul II did not, in advance or in his official text, mention Russia. It was said that he did so when making the actual consecration.

The Vatican was reluctant to be so explicit for two reasons.
 
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