Australian Cardinal George Pell, formerly the Vatican’s top official on financial affairs, said he believes the pope’s recent reforms signal progress, and called for additional competent laypeople to be involved in the process.
International News
Papal Trip to Argentina, Uruguay Still on the Table, Pope Francis Tells Ambassador
Pope Francis told Uruguay’s new ambassador to the Holy See that a future visit to the country as well as to his native Argentina is still very much on the table.
Motivated by Faith, Catholic Scientists Look Beyond Earth’s Galaxy
After an unexpected 2020, this year began with Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn’s conjunction — a nighttime view akin to the North Star that led the Magi to the Baby Jesus. For some, the sight was a reminder of just how beautiful God’s creation is, even in the most difficult times.
Catholic Advocates Welcome Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Coming Into Force
A Holy See-supported treaty banning the possession of nuclear weapons that is coming into force is buoying efforts by nations and nonprofit and church organizations working to abolish such armaments.
Iraqi Catholics Asked to Pray For Pope Francis Visit to the Country Amid Uncertainty
The head of the Chaldean Catholic Church issued a petition on Jan.14 calling on Iraqi Catholics to pray at Sunday Masses that Pope Francis will be able to visit their country for the upcoming papal trip in March.
In Clergy Killings in El Salvador, a Priest Who Knew Them Asks for Justice
In his 28 years as a priest in El Salvador, Father Manuel Acosta has witnessed his share of violence. He lived through the killings of Catholic clergy, men and women religious, catechists and countless lay ministers persecuted during the country’s civil conflict in the 1980s. He has also lived through decades of gang aggression against El Salvador’s poor.
COVID-19 Pandemic Increasing Persecution of Christians, Report Claims
Anti-Christian persecution is on the rise, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report.
Popes Francis, Benedict Receive Their First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
Both Pope Francis and retired Pope Benedict XVI have received the first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 after the Vatican started vaccinating its employees and residents Jan. 13.
Queens Parishioners Fundraise to Help Croatians Affected by Earthquake
On Dec. 29, 2020, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Petrinja, Croatia, and surrounding areas — killing seven people, injuring at least 26, and damaging homes, churches, and other buildings. The earthquake was reported as one of the country’s strongest in history and parishioners from Most Precious Blood Church wanted to offer their support.
Popes Francis, Benedict XVI in Line for Vaccination Against COVID-19
The Vatican began vaccinating its employees and residents against COVID-19 Jan. 13, giving priority to its health care workers, security personnel, employees who deal with the public and older residents, employees and retirees.