At the beginning of a year people hope will mark the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis urged them to create a “culture of care,” including by sharing the gift of their time with others.
International News
Vatican Set to Launch COVID-19 Vaccinations for Workers, Residents
The Vatican will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations in mid-January, giving priority to its health care workers, security personnel, employees who deal with the public and older residents, employees and retirees.
After ‘Painful Sciatica’ Causes Pope to Skip Mass, Francis Appears for New Year’s Angelus
While he skipped morning Mass due to what the Vatican called a “painful sciatica,” Pope Francis was in the saddle again for his Angelus address later in the day, reflecting on the role of Mary as Mother of God and the need for a change in attitude at the end of a tumultuous year.
Focolare Members From Egypt Share Gospel, Urge Unity
Several families of Coptic Catholics from Egypt have settled in Staten Island where they continue their pursuit of the Focolare movement, sharing the Gospel in Arabic and English, urging unity, and welcoming all.
Jewish Ritual Bath Dating to Time of Jesus Found in Garden of Gethseman
A ritual bath dating to the time of Jesus has been uncovered on the Mount of Olives at the site tradition says is the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus experienced the Agony in the Garden before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
A Grounded Pope Spent 2020 Trying to Clean House on Vatican Finances
Known as a globe-trotting pope who conducts the bulk of his diplomacy through words and gestures during trips, Pope Francis found himself with extra time on his hands this past year with international travel brought to a halt by the coronavirus pandemic.
Cardinal who Met Pope Francis on Friday Hospitalized with COVID-19
Two top Vatican cardinals, one of whom was seen talking with Pope Francis on Friday, have tested positive for COVID-19. One of them is in the hospital, fighting off pneumonia.
Argentina Bishops Condemn Government’s ‘Feverish Obsession’ With Abortion
As the Argentine Senate gears up to vote on a bill to legalize abortion, the bishops released a searing Christmas message saying that this “feverish obsession” from the government to end the country’s protection of the unborn further darkened a bleak national situation.
Genocide in Nigeria ‘Happening Before Our Eyes,’ Congressman Says at Hearing
The Catholic bishop of Gboko, Nigeria, and the Knights of Columbus added their voices to a Dec. 17 congressional hearing spotlighting sectarian violence in Nigeria in which thousands of Christians have been killed simply for their faith identity.
Vatican Green-Lights COVID Vaccines, Finds No ‘Cooperation’ in Abortion for Users
After receiving what they said were “several requests for guidance” on the morality of the use of COVID-19 vaccines developed with cells derived from aborted fetuses, the Vatican’s doctrine office issued an explanatory note Dec.21 giving the green light.