Pope Francis

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-francis-at-angelus-rekindle-the-flame-of-faith.html
Pope Francis at Angelus: 'Rekindle the flame of faith'
14 August 2022, 12:20

At the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis says the Gospel provokes change and invites us to conversion, like a fire that warms us with God's love, burning away our selfishness and moving us to share His love with others.
By Vatican News staff writer

Greeting pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis looked at the expression in the Gospel of today's liturgy when Jesus says, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Lk 12:49); a powerful phrase that challenges us.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-francis-calls-for-attention-to-the-mortal-danger-facing-s.html
Pope Francis calls for attention to the "mortal danger" facing Somalia
14 August 2022, 12:46

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252034/pope-francis-faith-is-like-fire-not-a-lullaby
Pope Francis: Faith is like fire, not a lullaby
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Aug 14, 2022 / 05:23 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2022.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2022
Angelus, 14 August 2022

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252036/the-sistine-chapel-was-consecrated-to-our-lady-of-the-assumption-5-things-to-know

The Sistine Chapel was consecrated to Our Lady of the Assumption: 5 things to know
By Joe Bukuras
Boston, Mass., Aug 14, 2022 / 06:47 am

On August 15, 1483, Pope Sixtus IV consecrated the Sistine Chapel to Our Lady of the Assumption. Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, let’s take a closer look at this historic chapel.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Vatican City, it is known for its magnificently frescoed ceilings, but it also serves an important function as the place where the cardinals meet to elect a new pope. Here are five things to know:

1. Where did the chapel get its name?

The chapel derives its name from the man who consecrated it: Pope Sixtus IV, who served as the Roman Pontiff from 1471 to 1484. He commissioned the restoration of the Cappella Magna, the chapel that stood where the Sistine Chapel stands today.
 

[grace-land]

Hmmm...

https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2022/08/a-guide-to-navigating-election-season-in-the-catholic-church
A guide to navigating ‘election season’ in the Catholic Church
By John L. Allen Jr.
Aug 14, 2022

ROME – By now, Pope Francis has denied that he’s on the brink of resigning so often that it’s virtually become part of his verbal “Greatest Hits” collection, akin to his rhetoric on the evils of clericalism or the dignity of migrants.

Although he’s 85 and suffering from acute pain in the right knee related to osteoarthritis, Francis just wrapped up a grueling week-long trip to Canada, and he’s preparing for a consistory to create new cardinals later this month, followed by two days of intense meetings with all the cardinals of the world.

In between he’s heading to L’Aquila in central Italy on Aug. 28. In September he’s already committed to beatifying Pope John Paul I on the 4th and traveling to Kazakhstan the 13th to the 15th – and all that is if he doesn’t go to Kyiv first, for possibly the most high-wire act of his entire papacy.

In other words, this doesn’t feel like a pope getting ready to quit.

Still, by common consensus, we’re closer to the end of this papacy than the beginning. Pope John Paul II died at 84 and Benedict XVI resigned at 85. Indeed, over the last 100 years, covering eight papacies, the average age at which a papal reign ended was 78.

Granted, Francis is a remarkably robust and energetic octogenarian, but even so, he’s arguably operating on borrowed time.

Vatican-watchers know all this, meaning that preparations for when the time comes are already well underway. As we speak, executives from the world’s major TV networks are shuttling in and out of Rome, finalizing contracts for locations and personnel for whenever the “big show” occurs, and journalists are dusting off both their papal obituaries and their handicapping lists of papabili, meaning possible papal candidates.
 

[grace-land]

Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-francis-angelus-address-on-feast-of-assumption-of-mary.html
Pope on Assumption: Mary takes us by the hand, inviting us to rejoice
15 August 2022, 12:10

During Angelus address on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis reminds faithful that the Blessed Mother takes each of us by the hand, and invites us to rejoice as we follow her trusting, faithful and 'radical' example.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Mary, our Mother, takes us by the hand, accompanies us, and invites us to rejoice. Pope Francis gave this reassurance during his Angelus address on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday.

As the Church observes the Solemnity on 15 August, the Holy Father remembered that today's Gospel offers us the dialogue between her and her cousin Elizabeth, telling the faithful to recognize Mary's active role and presence in every moment of their lives.

In a special way, he encouraged us to learn from her example, and ask ourselves if we are capable of seeing God's closeness and letting it empower us.

“Am I able to discern the work of God who, through gentleness and smallness, achieves great things?”

On this Solemnity, the Pope encouraged, "Mary sings of hope and rekindles hope in us."
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-francis-invites-all-to-visit-marian-shrine-appeals-ukraine.html
Pope invites faithful to visit Our Lady in a Marian shrine and to remember Ukraine
15 August 2022, 12:20

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2022.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2022
Angelus, 15 August 2022, Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252056/pope-francis-an-alliance-between-old-and-young-will-save-the-family

Pope Francis: An alliance between old and young will save the family
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Aug 17, 2022 / 06:19 am

Pope Francis Wednesday emphasized the family’s need for healthy relationships and dialogue between the young and the elderly.

“The alliance — and I am saying alliance — the alliance between the elderly and children will save the human family,” the pope said at his weekly audience Aug. 17. “If this dialogue does not take place between the elderly and the young, the future cannot be clearly seen.”

Near the end of the pope’s general audience, which took place in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, a young boy approached Francis while sitting on the stage.

Pope Francis spoke to him in Italian, greeting him and asking his name, though the little boy did not respond. “During the audience, we spoke of the dialogue between the elderly and the young,” the pope said to those watching, as he gestured to the boy. “He was courageous, this one.”

The sandy-haired child stood next to Francis for the remainder of the audience, including the singing of the Our Father in Latin and the pope’s final blessing. Afterward, Francis traced a cross on the boy’s forehead.

The 85-year-old Pope Francis, who usually stands for the prayer and blessing, remained seated on Aug. 17. He has been suffering from a knee injury forcing him to use a wheelchair or walk with a cane for several months.

While the pope was greeting the different language groups toward the end of the audience, one of two Swiss Guards on stage with him appeared to lose his balance and fall toward the floor momentarily. The Swiss Guard immediately got back up, according to photographer Pablo Esparza, who witnessed the event.
 

[grace-land]

Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-francis-general-audience-prophet-daniel-old-age.html
Pope at Audience: ‘Alliance between youth and elderly will save humanity’
17 August 2022, 09:11

Pope Francis continues his catechesis on the meaning and value of old age at the weekly General Audience, and encourages young people to overcome the generational gap to embrace the ‘credible witness’ of the elderly.
By Devin Watkins

At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on the value of old age, focusing on Daniel’s prophetic dream about the Ancient of Days (Dan 7:9-10).

The Pope said the vision—known as a theophany—highlights the connection between old age and youth.

Everything about the man in the vision is full of “vigour, strength, nobility, beauty, and charm”. Yet, noted the Pope, the man is described with hair as white as snow, like an old man.

“The snow-white hair is an ancient symbol of a very long time, of time immemorial, of an eternal existence,” he said.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-my-thoughts-always-go-to-war-torn-ukraine-francis-audience.html
Pope Francis: 'May Mary guide the destiny of Europe and the world'
17 August 2022, 10:24

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022.index.html
Audiences 2022
General Audience of 17 August 2022: Catechesis on Old Age - 17. The "Ancient of days". Old age is a reassurance regarding the destination to a life that never dies again

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252055/what-you-need-to-know-about-pope-francis-next-consistory

What you need to know about Pope Francis’ next consistory
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Aug 17, 2022 / 05:31 am

On Saturday, Aug. 27, Pope Francis will place a red biretta on the heads of 18 bishops and two priests, declaring them to be cardinals “to the glory of almighty God and the honor of the Apostolic See.”

Here’s what you need to know:

What is a consistory?

A consistory is a formal meeting of the College of Cardinals. The pope can convene them for several different reasons.

One of the most common reasons for a consistory is to create new cardinals. The ceremony in which the pope makes cardinals is an ordinary public consistory.

In addition to the red biretta, at the Aug. 27 ceremony, Pope Francis will also place a ring on the hand of each new cardinal while saying: “Receive this ring from the hand of Peter and know that, with the love of the Prince of the Apostles, your love for the Church is strengthened.”

The pope will also assign each new cardinal a church in the Diocese of Rome, called a “titular church.” This further links the cardinal to Rome and to the pope, who is the Bishop of Rome.

The other members of the College of Cardinals, clergy, Catholics, and members of the public may all attend a consistory to create cardinals.

Another consistory the pope may convene is an ordinary consistory to vote on the causes of new saints, the last step before a formal canonization can take place.

There are also extraordinary consistories, which every cardinal is expected to take part in, barring a serious reason.

The three consistories of August
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-francis-telegram-condolences-egypt-church-fire-giza.html

Pope Francis sends condolences for Coptic church fire in Egypt
18 August 2022, 19:57

Pope Francis offers his condolences to the Coptic Orthodox Church in the wake of a fire at a church in Giza, Egypt, which killed at least 41 people, including a bishop and several children.
By Devin Watkins

A deadly blaze broke out during Mass on Sunday in the Coptic Orthodox church of Abu Sefein in Giza, killing at least 41 people.

Bishop Abdul Bahkit was among those who died, along with many children.

Pope Francis sent his condolences to Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, on Thursday, in a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

The Pope said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the tragic event, especially the death of the bishop and the many children.

Pope Francis offered his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of his spiritual closeness to the injured and those affected by this tragedy”.

He also entrusted the victims and their families “to the merciful love of almighty God” and invoked upon all “consolation and strength in the Lord.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/ouellet-pope-finds-insufficient-grounds-for-canonical-process.html

Ouellet: Pope finds insufficient grounds for canonical investigation
18 August 2022, 17:26

Pope Francis' decision not to open a canonical investigation is based on a preliminary investigation by a Jesuit priest into the allegations of sexual assault more than ten years ago, made by a woman against Cardinal Ouellet.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis has determined "there are insufficient grounds to open a canonical investigation for sexual assault by Cardinal Ouellet regarding person ‘F’.”

This is what the director of the Holy See's Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said in a statement on Thursday concerning accusations made by a woman against the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

The accusations, which came to light in recent days, concern events that took place more than ten years ago, when Ouellet was Archbishop of Quebec City.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252063/vatican-will-not-take-cardinal-ouellet-to-trial-for-sex-abuse-allegation
Vatican will not take Cardinal Ouellet to trial for sex abuse allegation
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Aug 18, 2022 / 10:11 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/interview-cardinal-malcolm-ranjith-colombo-sri-lanka.html

Cardinal Ranjith reacts to Pope Francis' 100,000 Euro gift for Sri Lanka's families
18 August 2022, 11:21

In an interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, expresses gratitude to Pope Francis for - 'out of his own volition' - giving 100,000 Euros to support some 400 families who were affected by the 2019 deadly Easter church bombings which claimed 269 lives.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Sri Lanka is grateful to Pope Francis for, taking the initiative to send 100,000 Euro to help families of victims and survivors of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

In an interview with Vatican News, as the country's ongoing economic, political and financial crises reach new heights, the Archbishop of Colombo, who served in the Vatican for many years, reflects on the Holy Father's generosity which is destined to reach some 400 families at the targeted Catholic and Evangelical Churches where suicide bombers claimed 269 lives.

The Cardinal also discusses whether the security concerns for the local church have been addressed, and whether this remains a constant cause for concern, and offers Vatican News his view of what is required for Sri Lanka to escape from its political, economic, and social crises.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252061/why-the-vaticans-secretariat-of-state-is-set-to-face-a-trial-in-the-uk-over-the-london-property-deal

Why the Vatican's Secretariat of State is set to face a trial in the UK over the London property deal
By Andrea Gagliarducci
Rome Newsroom, Aug 18, 2022 / 07:31 am

Can a department of the Vatican, a sovereign state, be forced to defend itself in a British court? Following a ruling by the British Court of Appeal, the Vatican’s Secretariat of State is set to face a trial about the purchase of the Sloane Avenue building in London — in a lawsuit brought by the businessman Raffaele Mincione.

The ruling also means there can now be a parallel case to the Vatican’s “trial of the century” — in which the same Mincione is defending allegations of financial crimes, including embezzlement and money laundering.

The London deal

First of all, a quick recap: In 2014, the Vatican’s Secretariat of State entrusted Mincione with money which was then intended for a real estate investment in London: A former Harrod’s warehouse at 60 Sloane Avenue in Chelsea was to be turned into a luxury property.

After four years, the Secretariat of State decided to remove the management of the property from Mincione and entrust another businessman with the project, Gianluigi Torzi.

Subsequently, the Secretariat of State decided to take complete control of the property. This, however, is a different aspect of the saga, and one the Vatican trial is also dealing with.

In July, the Vatican finally confirmed the sale of the property — incurring a loss of about 140 million euros, according to Reuters.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-rimini-meeting-friendship-peoples-message-pietro-parolin.html

Pope to Rimini meeting: Spread in the world a passion for the person
19 August 2022, 12:10

Pope Francis invites the faithful to collaborate on the path of promoting friendship among peoples and to spread a passion for the person, in his message to the 43rd Meeting of Friendship Among Peoples, taking place from 20 - 25 August.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has conveyed Pope Francis greetings and closeness to Bishop Francesco Lambiasi of Rimini, on the occasion of the 43rd Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples holding from 20-25 August.

Every year since 1980, this Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples takes place in the northern Italian city of Rimini in the month of August. The theme for the 2022 meeting is “A passion for the person.”

In the message sent on Friday, the Pope noted that on the centenary of the birth of the Servant of God Luigi Guissani, the organizers of the Meeting intend to remember his apostolic zeal which prompted him to meet and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to so many people.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-08/pope-francis-vitae-summit-vatican-art-media.html

Pope Francis to attend first-ever ‘Vitae’ Summit in the Vatican
19 August 2022, 10:01

The Vitae Global Foundation announces plans for its first-ever summit to take place in the Vatican with the participation of Pope Francis, gathering together world-renowned artists to help start a cultural transformation to benefit the common good.
By Devin Watkins

The Vatican announced on Friday that the Vitae Global Foundation will hold its first summit meeting at the Casina Pio IV on 31 August and 1 September.

Pope Francis is expected to take part in a portion of the summit, which also enjoys the support of Queen Sofia of Spain.

A press statement said internationally-renowned artists and entertainers will gather to discuss how to “leverage the arts, media, and entertainment to trigger a cultural transformation that promotes the common good, universal values, and an encounter between people.”
 

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Hmmm...

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252070/how-pope-francis-is-changing-the-shape-of-the-roman-curia
How Pope Francis is changing the shape of the Roman Curia
By Andrea Gagliarducci
Rome Newsroom, Aug 19, 2022 / 04:50 am

The new round of promotions and demotions in the Vatican is the consequence of two decisions recently taken by Pope Francis: Firstly, the publication of the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, which regulates the functions and tasks of the Roman Curia. And secondly, the publication of Traditionis Custodes. This motu proprio restricts the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass after Benedict XVI had liberalized it.

As a result of the reform of the Curia, several priests who served in the Vatican’s dicasteries no longer have a position there. Others are called to leave Rome because they have completed the reform's five-year mandate, and their role has not been renewed.

On the other hand, the question of Traditionis Custodes is more complex. Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken of the risk of "backwardness" (looking backward, in Italian 'indietrismo') and defended his decision to restrict the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) as a “necessity.”

In other words, the pope argued he was restricting the celebration of the ancient liturgy to avoid what he sees as a tendency to go “backward.” This thinking appears to guide his choice of appointments in the Vatican.

In fact, these two criteria are dominating the reshuffle of the Roman Curia.
 

[grace-land]

Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-angelus-enter-the-narrow-door-by-serving-god-and-others.html
Pope at Angelus: Enter the 'narrow door' by serving God and others
21 August 2022, 12:23

Reflecting on the Sunday Gospel reading before leading the Angelus, Pope Francis encourages us to "strive to enter through the narrow door," meaning that to enter into God’s life and salvation, we need to pass through Him, to welcome Him and His Word.
By Vatican News staff writer

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square for the Angelus, Pope Francis recalled the day's Gospel reading for the Sunday liturgy when someone asks Jesus if only a few people will be saved and He responds, “Strive to enter through the narrow door” (Lk 13:24).  This image of a narrow door could scare us, implying that only a few elect or perfect can be saved, the Pope suggested; but, he said, Jesus confirms that people from everywhere will "recline at table in the kingdom of God," thereby affirming that while the door is narrow, it is open to everyone.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-expresses-sorrow-for-nicaragua.html
Pope expresses sorrow for Nicaragua, says dialogue should be basis for a respectful coexistence
21 August 2022, 13:36

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-expresses-closeness-to-ukraine-experiencing-immense-cruelty.html
Pope expresses closeness to Ukraine experiencing immense cruelty
21 August 2022, 14:02

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2022.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2022
Angelus, 21 August 2022

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252086/pope-francis-names-new-bishop-for-melkite-greek-catholic-church-in-us

Pope Francis names new bishop for Melkite Greek Catholic Church in U.S.
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Aug 21, 2022 / 08:24 am

Pope Francis Saturday gave his assent to the new leader of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in the United States.

The Melkite Greek Catholic Synod elected Father Francois Beyrouti, 51, eparchial bishop of Newton, the eparchy overseeing Melkite Greek Catholics in the U.S., in June. Pope Francis approved the election Aug. 20.

Pope Francis has also accepted the resignation of the 78-year-old Bishop Nicholas James Samra, who was bishop of the Eparchy of Newton since 2011.
 

[grace-land]

Hmmm...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-08/cardinal-becciu-to-participate-in-the-next-consistory.html
Cardinal Becciu to participate in the next consistory
22 August 2022, 17:57

Cardinal Angelo Becciu has revealed that he has received an invitation from the Pope to take part in the meeting of cardinals on 27 August.
By Salvatore Cernuzio

Cardinal Angelo Becciu will participate in the Consistory convoked by Pope Francis for the creation of new cardinals and in the discussions in the following days on the reform of the Roman Curia. The news was revealed by the cardinal himself, who in September 2020 renounced the rights of the cardinalate, following a series of legal actions. During a Mass in the Italian town of Golfo Aranci in Sardegna, where he has been vacationing, Cardinal Becciu said he received the invitation to participate from Pope Francis.

Sources in the Holy See have noted that the rights of the cardinalate do not refer to participation in the life of the Church; Christians are called upon to take part in it, according to their state. In the case of cardinals this may include an invitation - sometimes personal - to attend certain meetings reserved for them.
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2022/08/invite-for-accused-cardinal-doesnt-necessarily-imply-rehabilitation-vatican-source-says
Invite for accused cardinal doesn’t necessarily imply rehabilitation, Vatican source says
By Elise Ann Allen
Aug 22, 2022

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252088/cardinal-becciu-reported-to-participate-in-consistory
Cardinal Becciu 'reinstated' by Pope Francis?
By Andrea Gagliarducci
Rome Newsroom, Aug 22, 2022 / 05:19 am

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252089/theologian-at-academy-for-life-claims-one-may-dissent-from-church-teaching-on-contraception

Theologian at Academy for Life claims one may dissent from Church teaching on contraception
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Aug 22, 2022 / 11:25 am

The Pontifical Academy for Life has published an interview with a theologian who says Catholic teaching on contraception is open for “theological discussion, within the Church, and even the possibility of dissent.”

The interview with Father Maurizio Chiodi, a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life since 2017, was published in Italian and English and shared on the pontifical academy’s Twitter page. It was conducted by Fabrizio Mastrofini, the communications and social media manager of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

The Pontifical Academy for Life presented the interview with Chiodi as a clarification of the work of a 2021 seminar on ethics in which theologians debated a “basic text.”

A Vatican-published book synthesizing the three-day conference recently came under fire for suggesting that the Catholic Church’s constant opposition to the use of contraception in marriage — clarified in the encyclical Humanae vitae — could change.
 
https://www.academyforlife.va/content/dam/pav/documenti%20pdf/2022/Etica%20Teologica/interviste_interventi/CHIODI_DEF_ENG.pdf
Infallibility on moral issues?
By Fabrizio Mastrofini
This interview is published on August 19, 2022.
Original text: Italian. Translation by Leonardo Stefanucci.
http://www.settimananews.it/teologia/infallibilita-sulle-questioni-morali

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252090/archbishop-weakland-dies-at-age-95

Archbishop Weakland dies at age 95
By Carl Bunderson
Denver Newsroom, Aug 22, 2022 / 13:50 pm

Archbishop Rembert Weakland, a Benedictine who served as archbishop of Milwaukee from 1977 to 2002, died overnight on Monday.

Weakland died after a long illness the night of Aug. 21–22 at Clement Manor in Greenfield, a Milwaukee suburb.

The archbishop was a progressive who had advocated for the priestly ordination of women.

His resignation as Milwaukee’s archbishop came after revelations that the archdiocese had paid $450,000 to silence Paul J. Marcoux, an adult male seminarian with whom he had a sexual relationship.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-francis-appeals-peace-ukraine-war-logic-arms.html

Pope Francis at the service of peace
23 August 2022, 13:58

As Ukraine prepares to mark six months of war, we recall Pope Francis' countless appeals for peace and the promotion of human fraternity over conflict, even at a time when the "diabolical and perverse logic" of weapons seems to prevail.
By Paolo Ondarza

Those who wage war forget humanity. During these six months of conflict in Ukraine, Pope Francis' appeals for peace and to avert the risk of global catastrophe have been unceasing.

A defeat for everyone

Pope Francis has not missed an opportunity to remind the world, with a gaze that extends beyond the context of the geographic borders where fighting is taking place, that “every war, represents a defeat for every one” (Angelus March 27, 2022 ). He has also urged a change in perspective in order to “defeat war” (General Audience March 23, 2022).

“Our imagination” the Pope said, “appears increasingly concentrated on the representation of a final catastrophe that will extinguish us. What happens with an eventual nuclear war” (General Audience March 16, 2022). “Faced with the danger of self-destruction, may humanity understand that the moment has come to abolish war, to erase it from human history, before it erases humans from history”. “What victory is there,” he asked, “in planting a flag on a pile of rubble?” (Angelus, April 10, 2022). “May the Spirit of the Lord free us all from this self-destructive need.”