Vatican News

Vatican publishes book of Pope Francis' pandemic homilies

Vatican City, Jul 23, 2020 / 08:56 am (CNA).- A print book which includes Pope Francis’ homilies during the coronavirus lockdown in Italy has been published by the Vatican.

“Strong in the Face of Tribulation: The Church in Communion – A Sure Support in Time of Trial,” collects Pope Francis’ homilies, prayers, and other messages delivered from March 9 to May 18, 2020.

Pontifical Academy for Life expresses concern over pandemic aggravating inequalities

Vatican City, Jul 22, 2020 / 06:30 am (CNA).- The Pontifical Academy for Life released a document Wednesday that expresses concern that the coronavirus pandemic is aggravating global inequalities.

“Though all, rich and poor, are vulnerable to the virus, the latter are bound to pay the highest price, and to bear the long-term consequences of lack of cooperation,” states the Vatican document published July 22.

Vatican says Pope Francis did not intervene in Franco exhumation in Spain

Vatican City, Jul 21, 2020 / 08:45 am (CNA).- The Vatican stated Tuesday that Pope Francis did not intervene in last year’s controversy over the exhumation of the body of Francisco Franco from the Valley of the Fallen in Spain.

In a statement sent July 21, the Vatican said that the Holy See had urged dialogue between the family of Franco and the government, but never “made any declaration on either the exhumation or the place of burial, because it is not part of its competency.”

Pope Francis makes surprise visit to Vatican sports camp

CNA Staff, Jul 21, 2020 / 03:30 am (CNA).- Pope Francis made a surprise visit Monday to a sports camp for the children of Vatican employees.

The Holy See press office said July 20 that the pope met with the young people shortly after 9 a.m., while they were having breakfast in the Paul VI Audience Hall.

After greeting the children at each of the tables, he visited the play areas within the hall, which include an inflatable slide. 

Vatican issues new guidelines for parishes: 5 things you need to know

Denver Newsroom, Jul 20, 2020 / 01:20 pm (CNA).- The Congregation for Clergy on Monday published new guidelines for the world’s parishes, which aim to encourage parishes to think of themselves as missionary communities of evangelization.

The guidelines do not publish new norms or policies for parish life, but they do encourage Catholics to think prayerfully about what their parishes are, and what they’re for.

Here are a few themes and takeaways:

Pope Francis calls for peaceful resolution to clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Vatican City, Jul 19, 2020 / 06:23 am (CNA).- Pope Francis Sunday said he is praying for the families of victims of clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and hopes differences can be resolved peacefully.

“I am following with concern the recovery in recent days of armed tensions in the Caucasus region, between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” the pope said after leading the Angelus prayer July 19.

Pope Francis sends condolences after death of Cardinal Grocholewski

Vatican City, Jul 17, 2020 / 07:00 am (CNA).- Pope Francis offered his condolences after Polish Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski died early Friday at the age of 80.

The cardinal had worked closely with popes St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI as the former prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. The Polish bishops’ conference announced the cardinal’s death July 17.

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