President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will have an audience with Pope Francis Oct. 29, the day before the G20 Leaders’ Summit starts in Rome, White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced Oct. 14.
International News
Forced to Flee Afghanistan, Catholic Mission Waits to Start a ‘New Page’
Evacuated in August as the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, the head of the now-interrupted Catholic mission said this is a time of “advent,” waiting for God to reveal how the church can be present in the country again.
Pope Francis to Pharmacists: Do not Become Accessories to Homicide of Abortion
All health care professionals have a right to conscientious objection, just as they have a right to denounce unjust harm inflicted on innocent and defenseless life, Pope Francis said.
Recognizing Miracle, Pope Francis Clears way for Beatification of John Paul I
Pope Francis has signed a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Pope John Paul I, clearing the way for his beatification.
Pope Francis Warns That Synod Could be ‘Elitist’ Exercise Unless all Have a Voice
While a Synod of Bishops is not a parliament and its preparatory process is not “an opinion poll,” Pope Francis insisted that involving as many people as possible in the process and prayerfully listening to all of them is the only way to recognize the call of the Holy Spirit.
Pilgrims Flock to Beatified Teen’s Tomb in Assisi Ahead of Feast Day
Thousands of pilgrims have flocked to the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the 15-year-old Italian teenager whose use of technology to spread devotion to the Eucharist prompted Pope Francis to hail him as a role model for young people today.
Women Religious Have Key Role in Synod Process, Pope Francis Says
Women religious have an essential role in the process of creating a more synodal church and in preparations for the Synod of Bishops, not just through their prayers and participation, but also by listening to people not usually part of such church activities, Pope Francis said.
U.S. Nuncio Says He’ll Stay, Helps Prepare for Synod, Biden-Pope Meeting
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the 75-year-old apostolic nuncio to the United States, said when he met Pope Francis at the Vatican Sept. 6, the pope asked him to remain in his post instead of retiring.
Philippine Bishops Congratulate Journalist who won Nobel Peace Prize
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines congratulated veteran journalist Maria Ressa on being the first Filipino to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Biden Taps Pro-Life Democrat as U.S. Ambassador to The Vatican
After months of anticipation, the White House announced Friday afternoon that President Joe Biden will nominate former U.S. Senator Joseph Donnelly as the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.