When it seemed there was nothing “unprecedented” left for Pope Francis to accomplish, on March 5 he will embark in another historic first: A papal visit to Iraq, the birthplace of the biblical figure of Abraham.
International News
Days Before Trip, Pope’s Envoy in Iraq Tests Positive for COVID
Slovenian Archbishop Mitja Leskovar, the papal ambassador in Iraq, who was supposed to accompany Pope Francis during his March 5-8 visit to the land of the two rivers, tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 27 and is now in isolation
Sister Ortiz Survived Torture; Became Voice for Victims
Sister Dianna Ortiz struggled daily with memories of torture and rape at the hands of Guatemala security forces in 1989, but she would not let that define her life.
Iraqi Priest Says Pope Francis’ Visit an Act of ‘Bravery’ and ‘Madness’
Father Naim Shoshandy has plenty of reasons to be angry: On March 23, 2014, the terrorist organization known as Islamic State murdered his 27-year-old brother, for no other reason other than the fact that he was a Christian.
Local Clergy Concerned About No Mention of Vatican in China’s New Rules
Chinese priests in Brooklyn are taking a “wait-and-see” approach to reports the government in their homeland might be planning to ignore the renewed two-year deal with the Vatican over the selection of bishops.
Pope Extends Outreach to Women With Halo, Home Visit
Days after Pope Francis appointed two women to major Vatican posts, he continued his female outreach by announcing the beatification of an Italian suffragette and by visiting an elderly Holocaust survivor.
Cardinals Sarah, Comastri Retire From Vatican Posts
Pope Francis accepted the resignations of 75-year-old Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, and 77-year-old Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica and vicar for Vatican City State.
Diocese of Brooklyn Donates Pews to Cathedral in Haiti
Pews, chairs, and a church bell, all formerly used in Diocese of Brooklyn churches, have a new home at the Cathedral of St. Anne in Anse-à-Veau, Haiti. The diocese donated these historical pieces to help the cathedral get ready for Anse-à-Veau’s upcoming tricentennial celebration in July.
Getting COVID-19 Vaccine Included in Vatican Employee Safety Regulations
As a last resort, the Vatican may sanction employees who refuse to get a COVID-19 vaccine for non-medical reasons, according to a new Vatican decree.
Iraqi Official Says Top Shi’a Cleric Won’t Sign Fraternity Doc With Pope Francis
Despite widespread speculation that Pope Francis and top Shi’a cleric Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani will sign a document on human fraternity during their meeting in Iraq next month, an Iraqi state official has said the rumors are false.