Javier Milei, who disparaged the pope while campaigning for president, is expected to travel to the Vatican next month, according to Argentine media, marking the first meeting between the Argentine leader and Pope Francis since Milei’s surprise election victory.
International News
Ukrainian Church Leaders Say Moscow’s Orthodox Church Encourages ‘Genocide’ of Ukrainians
Representatives of Christian churches in Ukraine strongly condemned the ideology of the “Russian world” (“Russkiy mir”) — as a “chauvinistic doctrine” that “denies the right of the Ukrainian nation to self-determination” and “sovereign development.”
Pope Calls for Investing in Preservation of Church’s Audiovisual Archives
There is a growing and urgent need to invest in and plan concrete initiatives to preserve and share the Catholic Church’s rich but fragile audiovisual heritage, Pope Francis said.
Northern Ireland Parents Strongly Reject Idea of Teaching About Access to Abortion in Schools
Almost three out of four people who responded to a public consultation have rejected a proposal by the British government that would require schools in Northern Ireland, including Catholic schools, to teach students how to access an abortion.
Canopy Over Main Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica to Undergo Restoration
The nearly 400-year-old sculpted canopy towering over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica will be surrounded by scaffolding for most of 2024 as it is washed, repaired and restored.
French Bishops’ Conference Supports ‘Fiducia’ After Some Voiced Doubts
Days after nine French prelates announced they would not authorize blessings to same-sex couples as requested by a recent Vatican declaration, the Permanent Council of the French Bishops’ Conference has said instead that such blessings should be given as a sign of “unconditional and merciful welcome.”
Pope’s Envoy Speaks to Ukraine Official About Kidnapped Children
Pope Francis’ personal peace envoy on Ukraine spoke by telephone Monday with a top Ukrainian official to discuss ongoing efforts to return children abducted by Russia amid the ongoing war sparked by its invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.
Relocation of Palestianians Cannot Be A Solution to Gaza Crisis, US Officials Say
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has insisted that Palestinians must not be pressured into leaving Gaza and must be allowed to return to their homes once conditions allow, Christians in the Holy Land worry the Israeli statements may threaten other small communities in the Holy Land, including theirs.
Pope Baptizes 16 Babies, Calling Them ‘Protagonists’ of the Sacrament
Marking the feast of the Baptism of the Lord as he always does by celebrating Mass in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis baptized 16 infants Sunday, telling their parents that the children are examples of how to receive faith.
Vatican Insists Decree on Same-Sex Blessings Not ‘Heretical, Blasphemous’
Less than a month after issuing an instruction outlining the reasoning and method for giving non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples and those in irregular unions, the Vatican has published a clarification amid a flurry of backlash and confusion.