Vatican City, Jul 6, 2018 / 03:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia at the age of 15, offering his suffering for the pope and for the Church, was among four laypeople whose heroic virtues were recognized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on Thursday.

Pope Francis authorized the congregation to promulgate the decree July 5, which advances Acutis' cause and names him Venerable.

Vatican City, Jul 5, 2018 / 11:50 am (CNA).- Most mayors do not live in unheated monastic cells, deliver candy from Orthodox patriarchs to the pope, or become ambassadors for international peace.

Giorgio La Pira was not like most mayors.

The cause for sainthood for Giorgio La Pira, the “holy mayor” of Florence, was moved forward on July 5 as Pope Francis authorized the decrees of “heroic virtue” for the Italian politician, along with three other “Servants of God.”

Vatican City, Jul 4, 2018 / 10:50 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Almost 50 years after the Church published the new Rite of Consecrated Virginity, the Vatican has issued an instruction on the state of life, its discipline, and the responsibilities of diocesan bishops toward the vocation of consecrated virgins.
 

Vatican City, Jul 3, 2018 / 11:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his latest prayer video, Pope Francis asked Catholics to dedicate the month of July to giving a spiritual gift to their pastors by praying for them, especially the priests who are tired or lonely.

“The tiredness of priests...Do you know how often I think about it?”

This is the opening line of Pope Francis' newest prayer video, published July 3 and dedicated to his intention for the month.