According to Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, who heads the Vatican’s office for Eastern Churches, there’s “great concern” on the part of the Catholic Church regarding the return of Christians to Iraq.
International News
Iraqi Parliament Formally Declares Christmas a National Holiday
In a move some have said is already a direct result of Pope Francis’ highly anticipated visit to the country in March, Iraqi parliament earlier this week voted to establish Christmas as an annual national holiday.
Cardinal Pell Speaks Out About Prison, Trump, and the Role of a Retired Pope
At the virtual launch of his new book, Cardinal George Pell opened up about what his time in prison before acquitted of charges of sexual abuse was like, and he also offered an evaluation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s time in office as well as the need for a set of clear rules when a pope retires.
Pope Francis to be Featured in New Netflix Series on the Elderly
Netflix has announced that next year it plans to release a new documentary series sharing the stories of elderly people from around the world, including Pope Francis, an outspoken advocate of the elderly, who will feature prominently in the show.
Pope Francis Says Vatican City Will Aim for Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
Pope Francis pledged Vatican City State would achieve net-zero carbon emissions before the year 2050, and he urged everyone in the world to be part of a new culture of care for others and the planet.
Protestors At U.N. Accuse China’s Government of Brutality
Protestors representing ethnic minority groups under the control of China gathered Dec. 10 near the United Nations headquarters to assail China’s government for alleged crackdowns on friends and family in their homelands. Religious freedom was among their top concerns.
Pre-Natal Screening Can Lead to ‘Moral Ugliness’ of Aborting Disabled, Theologian Says
Brian Brock is Professor of Moral and Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen. He is also a husband and father of three children, including Adam, who is 16, who has Down Syndrome and autism. He has written a wide range of scholarly essays on themes related to disability and is a Managing Editor of the “Journal of Religion and Disability.”
Vatican Will Offer Pfizer Vaccine Against COVID-19 to Employees
The Vatican health service will begin vaccinating employees and Vatican citizens against COVID-19 using the Pfizer vaccine, the director of the Vatican health service told Vatican News.
Pope Francis to Celebrate Early Mass Dec. 24 Because of COVID-19 Curfew
Pope Francis will celebrate the Vatican’s traditional Christmas “Mass during the Night” Dec. 24, but will begin the liturgy at 7:30 p.m. local time so that the few people invited to attend can get home in time to observe Italy’s 10 p.m. curfew.
Argentine Bishops Urge Lawmakers to Reflect Ahead of Abortion Debate
The president of the Argentine bishops’ conference called on lawmakers to “reflect” as they prepare to debate a bill that would legalize abortion in the South American country.