Pope Francis

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Video at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-francis-at-general-audience-reflecting-virtue-17-april-2024.html
Pope at Audience: Temperance won't rob our joy, but will fill us with happiness
17 April 2024, 09:30

During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis focuses on the fourth and final cardinal virtue of temperance, saying that our ability to have power over ourselves will help us savour all we have in life, in a much more meaningful and joyful way, akin to sipping a glass of wine, rather than drinking it all at once.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Our ability to master ourselves and moderate our passions, can lead us toward true happiness....

Pope Francis offered this reminder during his weekly General Audience on Wednesday in St. Peter's Square.
This week, the Pope continued his catechetical series on vices and virtues. After months dedicated to the vices, he transitioned to discussing virtues, thus far focusing on prudence, patience, justice, fortitude, and, now, temperance.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-general-audience-appeal-prisoners-war-torture.html
Pope Francis appeals for release of prisoners of war
17 April 2024, 10:32

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2024.index.html
Audiences 2024
General Audience of 17 April 2024 - Cycle of Catechesis. Vices and Virtues. 15. Temperance

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/council-of-cardinals-discusses-global-synod-role-of-women.html

Council of Cardinals discusses global situation, Synod, role of women in Church
16 April 2024, 20:42

The meetings took place from 15-16 April at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. Discussions focused on a number of areas, including the global situation, prayers for end to conflicts in different parts of the world, especially the Middle East and Ukraine. The Council of Cardinals with Pope Francis expressed hopes that efforts to find paths of negotiation and peace would be strengthened.
Vatican News

The meeting of the Council of Cardinals that began on Monday 15 April concluded the following day in the afternoon at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. Tuesday's session began with a report by Cardinal Mario Grech and Msgr. Piero Coda on the current Synod, according to a Holy See Press Office comunique. The meeting concluded "after a reflection on the implementation of the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium in diocesan curias, and with reports by each Cardinal on the social, political and ecclesial situation of the different regions of origin." During the meetings "there were references - and prayers on several occasions - dedicated to realities of war and conflict" in different parts of the world, "particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine." The Council members and the Pope "expressed concern about what is happening and the hope that efforts to find paths of negotiation and peace will be strengthened."

15 April session

On Monday 15 April the Cardinals discussed "the role of women in the Church" and listened to the reflections of Sister Regina da Costa Pedro of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Immaculate, "who shared real life stories and thoughts of a number of Brazilian women," and Professor Stella Morra of the Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University who spoke about the way various cultures appreciate the role of women in different parts of the world.
 

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Re: Synod on Synodality

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/257408/rome-to-host-world-meeting-of-parish-priests-in-preparation-for-synod-on-synodality
Rome to host World Meeting of Parish Priests in preparation for Synod on Synodality
By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
ACI Prensa Staff, Apr 17, 2024 / 05:00 am

The World Meeting of Parish Priests for the Synod on Synodality will be held April 29–May 2 in Sacrofano, Rome, and will reflect on the theme “How to Be a Synodal Local Church in Mission.”

With a view to the second and last session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will be held at the Vatican next October, the General Secretariat of the Synod has invited a number of parish priests to travel to Rome.

Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín, undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod and coordinator of the initiative, explained that it is “a meeting of listening, prayer, and discernment promoted by the General Secretariat of the Synod and the Dicastery for the Clergy, together with the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.”

The meeting also responds “to the recommendations of the participants in the first session of the Synod of Synodality, held in October 2023, who suggested listening more to the voice of the parish priests.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-encourages-prayerful-service-of-descalced-carmelite-nuns.html

'Get caught up in God's love,' Pope urges Discalced Carmelites
18 April 2024, 11:50

Pope Francis invites Discalced Carmelites to immerse themselves entirely in the Lord's presence in order to be filled with joy and love.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"The path of contemplation is inherently a path of love," that "makes us witnesses of the love we have received," Pope Francis observed when welcoming superiors and delegates of Discalced Carmelites in the Vatican on Thursday.

Serving "as a ladder that raises us up to God," contemplation, the Pope said, is not about separating one from the world, but grounding us more deeply in it.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/april.index.html
Speeches 2024 April
To Superiors and Delegates of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns (18 April 2024)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-prays-for-visible-unity-among-all-christians.html

Pope encourages deepening of faith and communion for building Christian unity
18 April 2024, 20:00

In his greetings shared with participants at the Fourth World Gathering of the Global Christian Forum taking place in Accra, Ghana, Pope Francis encourages everyone to deepen their faith and revitalize fraternal love, reflecting the unity to which Christians are called as they discuss the challenges facing the global Christian community.
By Thaddeus Jones

Pope Francis has sent his greetings to participants meeting for the Fourth World Gathering of the Global Christian Forum from 15 to 20 April in Accra, Ghana. The global gathering brings together Christians from around the world of various traditions for a special time of prayer, worship, dialogue, and mission.

The theme, “That the World May Know,” will explore how to bear witness to Christ in today’s world to better proclaim the love and truth of Jesus Christ to the nations, with the aim "together, let’s make a difference for God’s glory."
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2024.index.html
Messages Pontifical Messages 2024
Message of the Holy Father to mark the 4th Global Gathering of the Global Christian Forum (18 April 2024)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-asks-children-to-be-artisans-of-peace.html

Pope asks children to be “artisans of peace”
19 April 2024, 10:30

Pope Francis asks Italian children to pray for their peers in Ukraine and Gaza, and encourages them to be “artisans of peace” as he meets with students and teachers of the Italian National Network of the Schools of Peace to the Vatican.
By Christopher Wells

More than 6000 Italian girls and boys connected with the Italian National Network of Schools of Peace visited the Vatican on Friday morning for a special encounter with Pope Francis.

During a lively speech in which he repeatedly called for responses from the children, Pope Francis made a special appeal to remember children who afflicted by war and conflict, especially the children of Ukraine “who have forgotten how to smile”, and for the children of Gaza, “gunned-down” and suffering from hunger.

The Network of Schools of Peace was conceived after years of work at promoting the permanent education for peace and human rights in the curricula of all schools at every level. The Network is committed to educating young people about peace, justice, citizenship, human rights, and responsibility.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/april.index.html
Speeches 2024 April
Audience with students and teachers of the National Network of “Schools for Peace” (19 April 2024)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-francis-modifies-judicial-norms-with-new-motu-proprio.html

Pope modifies Vatican judicial norms with new motu proprio
19 April 2024, 12:37

With a new Apostolic Letter issued 'motu proprio,' Pope Francis modifies laws governing the Vatican's judicial system, especially regarding remuneration and pensions for judges.
By Vatican News

Years of experience have "highlighted the need" for a series of changes to Vatican judicial regulations related "to the professional dignity and economic treatment of ordinary judges of the Tribunal and the Office of the Promoter of Justice."

This is how Pope Francis explained his decision to make changes to certain aspects of the Vatican judicial system, at the beginning of his Apostolic Letter in the form of a motu proprio, released on Friday.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio.index.html
Motu Proprio
Apostolic Letter issued “Motu Proprio” by the Supreme Pontiff Francis to amend the Law on the Judicial Order, to the Law on Provisions for the Professional Dignity and Economic Treatment of Ordinary Magistrates of the Court and the Office of the Promoter of Justice and the General Regulations of the Pension Fund (27 March 2024)

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/257433/pope-francis-issues-motu-proprio-on-vatican-judiciary-retirement-age-and-benefits
Pope Francis issues motu proprio on Vatican judiciary retirement age and benefits
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Apr 19, 2024 / 10:07 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-04/vatican-charity-komen-italia-women-breast-cancer-screening.html

Vatican offers free cancer screening for homeless women in Rome
19 April 2024, 09:29

Under the Colonnade of St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Dicastery for the Service of Charity runs a clinic offering dozens of homeless women free screening for breast cancer, as part of an initiative with the Komen Italy association.
By Benedetta Capelli

Self-care is a thought that often does not cross the minds of people living on the streets.

It is even worse for women facing financial difficulties who are unable to access healthcare services, sometimes even to wash.

Since the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis has recognized this need, and responded through the Papal Almoner by creating facilities such as showers under the Colonnade of St. Peter’s, accommodations like the “Gift of Mercy” on Via dei Penitenzieri, and the “Mother of Mercy” clinic under the Colonnade.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-calls-historians-to-be-experts-in-and-servants-of-humanity.html

Pope calls historians to be experts in and servants of humanity
20 April 2024, 10:55

Pope Francis receives members of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences on the 70th anniversary of the Committee’s foundation.
By Christopher Wells

Historians have “a specific contribution” to make in the dialogue between the Church and the modern world, Pope Francis said on Saturday, quoting his predecessor St Paul VI.

Addressing members of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences during their plenary meeting, the Holy Father highlighted their “international dimension and multicultural dynamic” as well as their “commitment to the search for historical truth on global scale.”

He said the “enriching” approach of the Committee can contribute to the “cultural diplomacy” necessary in the face of ongoing global conflict, and called upon members to “open horizons of dialogue where you can bring the light of the hope of the Gospel.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/april.index.html
Speeches 2024 April
To the members of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences (20 April 2024)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-to-seminarians-be-shepherds-with-christ-heart.html

Pope to future priests: Become shepherds with Christ's loving heart
20 April 2024, 12:02

With Christ's loving heart, open arms and with a smile, be shepherds to your people, suggests Pope Francis when addressing seminarians of Seville, Spain, on the eve of Good Shepherd Sunday.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"With your hearts in God, with open hands, and a big smile, share the joy of the Gospel with all those you encounter. "

This was the suggestion Pope Francis gave seminarians of the Metropolitan and "Redemptoris Mater" Seminaries of Seville, Spain, when receiving them Saturday in the Vatican, as he urged them to become shepherds, who care tenderly for their people, with the heart and love of Christ.

The Pope began his remarks by pointing out that their encounter fell on the eve of "a very significant day," Good Shepherd Sunday, which is celebrated tomorrow.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/april.index.html
Speeches 2024 April
To the Community of the Seminary of Seville (Spain) (20 April 2024)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-remembers-pius-vii-a-man-of-communion-in-difficult-times.html

Pope remembers Pius VII, a man of communion in difficult times
20 April 2024, 12:55

Pope Francis invites Italian pilgrims from the Dioceses of Cesena-Sarsina, Savona, Imola and Tivoli Pope Francis to heed the legacy of the Servant of God Pope Pius VII, a courageous witness of the Gospel in times of struggles and divisions.
By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis on Saturday paid tribute to the unwavering faith and dedication to the Church of the Servant of God Pope Pius VII (1742-1823) , who was elected to the Papacy in 1800 in one of the most turbulent years of Europe’s and the Church’s history, marked by the French Revolution and Napoleon's rule.

A Benedictine monk and a renowned theologian, Pius VII, born Barnaba Niccolò Maria Luigi Chiaramonti, is remembered along with his predecessor Pius VI for his unyielding opposition to Napoleon's attempts to subjugate the Church that cost him his arrest and imprisonment in 1809.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/april.index.html
Speeches 2024 April
To pilgrims from the dioceses of Cesena-Sarsina, Tivoli, Savona-Noli and Imola to mark the bicentenary of the death of Pope Pius VII (20 April 2024)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-francis-receives-prime-minister-of-belize.html

Pope Francis receives Prime Minister of Belize
20 April 2024, 14:49

Pope Francis receives John Briceño, the Prime Minister of Belize, at an Audience in the Vatican on Saturday
Holy See Press Office

This morning, Saturday 20 April 2024, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Prime Minister of Belize, His Excellency Mr. John Briceño, was received in audience by His Holiness Pope Francis. He subsequently met with His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial discussions which took place at the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between Belize and the Holy See. The parties focused in particular on the commitment of the Holy Church in the fields of education and care for migrants.
 

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-at-regina-coeli-jesus-good-shepherd-awaits-us-open-arms.html
Pope at Regina Coeli: Jesus the Good Shepherd awaits us with open arms
21 April 2024, 12:24

At the Regina Coeli on Good Shepherd Sunday, Pope Francis reminds us that Jesus loves us without limit, giving His life for us. He prays that we may go meet the Lord and allow ourselves "to be welcomed and lifted up by the loving arms of our Good Shepherd."
By Thaddeus Jones

Greeting the crowds in Saint Peter's Square for the midday Regina Coeli, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel reading for this Fourth Sunday of Easter dedicated to Jesus the Good Shepherd. The Lord repeats three times that "the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep," the Pope observed, underscoring that He loves each and every one of us without limit and sacrificed his life for us.

A shepherd during Christ's time required spending entire days and nights caring for the sheep, not just a few hours a day, the Pope explained. And the good shepherd knows each one of his sheep, looking out for them, searching for them if they are lost, ensuring their safety and needs are met by living in symbiosis with them.

Jesus not only shares the life of the flock, knowing each person by name, searching for us when we go astray until He finds us, but is "the Good Shepherd who has sacrificed His life for us and has given us His Spirit through His resurrection," the Pope continued.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-francis-prayer-palestine-israel-ukraine-peace-ivory-coast.html
Pope prays for dialogue over conflict in the Middle East
21 April 2024, 12:48

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2024.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2024
Regina Caeli, 21 April 2024

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-to-la-mennais-brothers-be-fathers-to-those-you-serve.html

Pope to La Mennais Brothers: be fathers to those you serve
22 April 2024, 10:39

On the occasion of their General Chapter, Pope Francis urges the Brothers of Christian Instruction of Ploermel – known as the La Mennais Brothers – to be “fathers who reflect the loving and compassionate face of God”.
By Christopher Wells

Highlighting their charism of the evangelization of children and young people through education, Pope Francis encouraged the La Mennais Brothers “to be fathers to those t whom you are sent, fathers who reflect the loving and compassionate face of God.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/april.index.html
Speeches 2024 April
To participants in the 48th General Chapter of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (22 April 2024)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/on-earth-day-pope-urges-responsibility-for-our-common-home.html

Earth Day: Pope Francis urges responsibility for our common home
22 April 2024, 14:25

On World Earth Day 2024, Pope Francis reminds everyone of our duty to protect the planet and safeguard peace.
By Lisa Zengarini

As the world marked Earth Day on Monday, April 22, Pope Francis reiterated his urgent plea for bold action for our common home and for world peace.

The international Day was established in 1970 to raise awareness about the critical environmental challenges facing our planet, and to mobilize efforts to address them.
The observance provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to come together and engage in activities to repair and heal ecosystems, combat climate change, and preserve biodiversity so as to preserve the planet for future generations.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-04/grandparents-and-grandchildren-to-gather-with-pope-francis.html

Grandparents and grandchildren to gather with Pope Francis for April event
22 April 2024, 18:28

At a press conference hosted by the Holy See Press Office, organizers unveiled a 27 April event sponsored by Italy's "Fondazione Età Grande" (Old Age Foundation) that will bring together grandparents and grandchildren to the Vatican's Paul VI Hall as a way to promote the role and contribution of the elderly in today's world.
By Tiziana Campisi

Fostering dialogue between generations and enhancing the Third Age in social and cultural spheres are the goals of the 27 April event, "The Caress and the Smile" that will take place in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall.

Some six thousand grandparents, seniors, and grandchildren will meet with Pope Francis. The meeting was presented on Monday morning at the Holy See Press Office with the organizers, including Italy's Fondazione Età Grande (Old Age Foundation). The event draws on Christian values that highlight and sensitize the rights of the elderly and the corresponding duties of the community.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/257467/pope-francis-to-meet-with-thousands-of-grandparents-and-their-grandchildren-at-the-vatican
Pope Francis to meet with thousands of grandparents and their grandchildren at the Vatican
By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
ACI Prensa Staff, Apr 22, 2024 / 17:00 pm

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/happy-name-day-well-wishers-greet-pope-on-feast-of-st-george.html

‘Happy Name Day’: Well-wishers greet Pope on feast of St George
23 April 2024, 12:45

Friends and supporters from around the world offer prayers and best wishes to Pope Francis on the feast of his heavenly patron, St George.
By Salvatore Cernuzio

Messages of support and gratitude for Pope Francis are pouring in from all over the world on the feast of St George, the Pope’s Name Day.

Baptised Jorge [George] Mario Bergoglio, the pontiff takes his name from the Christian martyr born in Cappadocia and and martyred, according to some sources, in 303 A.D. in Lidda, now Lod, Israel. The saint suffered for refusing to deny the faith during the anti-Christian persecutions unleashed by the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

“Happy Name Day, Pope Francis!”

The reigning Pope’s “Name Day” is customarily a public holiday in the Vatican, with Pope Francis himself instituting the current holiday in April 2016, in Article 50 of the General Regulations of the Roman Curia.

Well-wishers from around the world are sending their greetings to Santa Marta, while also expressing feelings of affection and gratitude and assuring the Pope of their prayers on social media.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/257438/did-st-george-really-slay-a-dragon
Did St. George really slay a dragon?
By Kelly Marcum
Washington D.C., Apr 23, 2024 / 04:00 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-francis-message-visit-our-lady-of-fatima-in-termoli.html

Pope: Open the door to Our Lady
24 April 2024, 11:00

Pope Francis sends a video message to the Diocese of Termoli-Larino in southern Italy, that will welcome the statue of Our Lady of Fatima from April 27 to May 5, 2024. In it, the Pope encourages the faithful to open their doors and hearts to the Mother of God.
By Sr. Francine-Marie Cooper

Pope Francis has sent a video message to the Church in Termoli in the southern Italian region of Molise, where from April 27 to May 5, 2024, the statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be visiting the Parish of San Timoteo in the Diocese of Termoli-Larino.

In his message, released on Wednesday, the Holy Father spoke in a very cordial way to the people of Termoli, encouraging them to “open the door to Our Lady.”

Pope Francis described how Mary “is very polite, she doesn't burst in, no; knock-knock, she knocks on the door.” Yet, “Each one of you must answer,” he added, “she knocks on the door of your heart, your conscience, your home, your family.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-francis-meets-with-vice-president-of-ghana.html

Pope Francis meets with Ghana's Vice President
24 April 2024, 11:27

Pope Francis receives Ghana's Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the Vatican.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Before the Pope's Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis received the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the “auletta,” or small study, of the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, according to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office.

After his encounter with the Pope, Dr. Bawumia met with the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

According to the statement, the talks at the Secretariat of State were "cordial" and highlighted "the good relations between the Holy See and Ghana."
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-04/cisco-pontifical-academy-life-rome-call-ethics-pope-audience.html

Cisco signs the "Rome Call for AI Ethics"
24 April 2024, 15:44

Cisco, the multinational digital communications technology company, signs the Pontifical Academy for Life’s “Rome Call for AI Ethics” committing to an ethical approach to artificial intelligence in the areas of Ethics, Education and Rights.
By Linda Bordoni

Expressing satisfaction that the Multinational Digital Communications Technology – Cisco – has joined other major companies involved in AI, in pledging to adhere to ethical guidelines, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, underscored the fact that artificial intelligence is “no longer a topic just for experts” and that the ethics of its development is more urgent than ever.

The President of the Pontifical Academy for Life (PAV) was speaking at an event on Wednesday morning during which the CEO of Cisco System Inc., put his signature to The Call for AI Ethics, a document promoted by the Pontifical Academy and by its RenAIssance Foundation (that supports the anthropological and ethical reflection of new technologies on human life) and has already been endorsed by the likes of Microsoft, IBM, FAO and the Italian Ministry of Innovation.

The signing ceremony in the Vatican followed the audience of Cisco CEO and President, Chuck Robbins and a delegation, with Pope Francis before the General Audience.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/257485/cisco-ceo-meets-pope-francis-signs-ai-ethics-pledge-at-vatican
Cisco CEO meets Pope Francis, signs AI ethics pledge at Vatican
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Apr 24, 2024 / 11:06 am