Vatican News

How papal diplomacy began a new approach in 1914

Vatican City, Aug 6, 2018 / 03:09 pm (CNA).- Pontifical diplomacy took on a new approach in 1914, with the election of Benedict XV as pontiff. The viewpoint of that moment is captured in a snapshot: a report from the Secretariat of State on papal diplomacy, drafted at the time of Benedict XV’s election.
 
That report was is published in a new book, “From Pius X to Benedict: Pontifical Diplomacy in Europe and Latin America in 1914”, written by Church historians Roberto Regoli and Paolo Valvo.
 

Francis again visits Blessed Paul VI's tomb on anniversary of his death

Vatican City, Aug 6, 2018 / 10:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis made a private visit Monday morning to pray at the tomb of Bl. Paul VI, on the 40th anniversary of his death.

Francis made a similar visit to Bl. Paul VI's tomb last year.

Pope Francis’ visit to the tomb took place in an absolutely private manner, said vice-director of the Holy See press office, Paloma Garcia.

Pope Francis offers prayers for earthquake victims in Indonesia

Vatican City, Aug 6, 2018 / 09:22 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis sent his prayers and condolences to the people of Indonesia Monday, after nearly 100 people were killed and thousands evacuated in the aftermath of a strong earthquake Sunday.

“Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy,” stated the Aug. 6 telegram from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Pope Francis and the death penalty: a change in doctrine or circumstances?

Washington D.C., Aug 3, 2018 / 01:30 pm (CNA).- Catholic theologians have weighed in on changes Pope Francis has made to the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s teaching on the death penalty, pointing to some unresolved questions about what, exactly, the changes mean.

On August 2, Pope Francis ordered a revision to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, updating it to describe the death penalty as “inadmissible” and an “attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.”

Vatican changes Catechism teaching on death penalty, calls it ‘inadmissible’

Vatican City, Aug 2, 2018 / 04:57 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Thursday the Vatican changed the Catechism’s teaching on the permissibility of the death penalty, which the Church has taught is legitimate in extreme cases, stating it is ‘inadmissible,’ and its elimination will be sought.

A new draft of paragraph 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church was issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Aug. 2, after Pope Francis approved it in May.

Idols blind us to love, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Aug 1, 2018 / 04:52 am (CNA/EWTN News).- When a person puts an object or a philosophy above God, it not only destroys happiness, it hinders the ability to experience real love, Pope Francis said Wednesday.

“Attachment to an object or an idea makes us blind to love. Carry this in your heart: idols rob us of love, idols make us blind to love; and to truly love we must be free from every idol...” the pope said Aug. 1.

Pope Francis to altar servers: Holiness is not for the lazy

Vatican City, Jul 31, 2018 / 02:05 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Everyone is called to pursue sainthood through living the Works of Mercy, though it is not for the weak of heart, Pope Francis told more than 60,000 young altar servers in St. Peter’s Square Tuesday.

“It is true, it is not easy, but remember – I will say it again – the way of holiness is not for the lazy,” the pope said July 31.

Pope accepts resignation of Australian archbishop convicted of not reporting abuse

Vatican City, Jul 30, 2018 / 05:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis accepted Monday the resignation of Archbishop Philip Wilson following calls for the prelate’s removal as head of the Archdiocese of Adelaide. Wilson was convicted in May of failing to report allegations of child sexual abuse disclosed to him in the 1970s.

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