Vatican News

Is the Pope a socialist?

Vatican City, Jul 22, 2015 / 03:31 am (CNA).- Pope Francis’ recent trip to Latin America has rekindled questions about whether he endorses socialism, or even communism.

The gift of a “communist crucifix” from Bolivia’s president Evo Morales and uncertainty over the Pope’s response fueled controversy for several days, while Morales told the Associated Press after the visit that he thought that the Pope’s emphasis on a world without exclusion amounts to socialism.

Ebola deaths are still happening – and the Vatican is aiming to stop them

Vatican City, Jul 21, 2015 / 06:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Although two of the three countries hardest hit by last year’s Ebola outbreak have been declared free of the virus, they aren’t out of the woods yet.

Deaths related to the massive Ebola outbreak that swept across western Africa last year continue to take place, even in Liberia, which was declared “Ebola free” by the World Health Organization (WHO) May 9.

Pope Francis entrusts South America to Mary

Vatican City, Jul 19, 2015 / 09:14 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis entrusted his recent tri-nation voyage to South America to Our Lady of Guadalupe – praising the deeply-rooted Christianity in these countries, but also noting the social and economic challenges.

“To the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary, whom the whole of Latin America venerates as Patron by the title Our Lady of Guadalupe, I entrust the fruits of this unforgettable Apostolic journey,” the pontiff said.

Corruption, threats, torture – we need justice in the mining industry, Pope says

Vatican City, Jul 18, 2015 / 12:03 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Continuing his theme on protecting both the environment and human rights, Pope Francis pointed to various injustices in the mining industry and called for collaboration in fostering change.

All involved in the field of mining “are called upon to adopt behavior inspired by the fact that we constitute a single human family, everything is interconnected,” Francis said July 18.

The Vatican's helicopter: Transporting popes, saving kid's lives

Vatican City, Jul 18, 2015 / 04:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- One of Europe's best pediatric hospitals, Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital in Rome, can now use the Vatican’s helicopter to transport patients, personnel and medical equipment in emergencies. 

 

The agreement was announced July 17th by the hospital and the Governatorate of the Vatican City State, and is part of a bigger initiative to use the helicopter within a regional network for emergency management. 

 

Heroic virtue of Ukrainian bishop who sheltered hundreds of Jews recognized

Vatican City, Jul 17, 2015 / 03:12 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- On Thursday, Pope Francis authorized a decree recognizing the heroic virtue of Archbishop Andrey Sheptytsky, who was head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church from 1900 to 1944, and who personally protected dozens of Jews from Nazi occupiers during World War II.

The Pope's July 16 audience with the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints also recognized the heroic virtue of seven other potential saints, who will now be called 'Venerable'.

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