People started lining up shortly after noon outside the 16th-century Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in southern Mexico City. Most practiced social distancing as best they could on a bustling sidewalk; all were clutching empty food containers.
International News
Pope-Less Economy: Castel Gandolfo Forced to Change Course
Milvia Monachesi, who was elected mayor of Castel Gandolfo in 2012, said “for a moment” in 2013, “I thought I was the luckiest mayor in the world: I would have two popes.”
Case of 10-Year-Old’s Abortion in Brazil Further Polarizes the Country
A court order allowing a 10-year-old to get an abortion in Brazil was “a heinous crime,” according to the president of the country’s bishops’ conference.
Pope Francis Calls for ‘Freeing’ the Virgin Mary From the Devotion of the Mafia
The Pontifical Academy has promoted a conference to officially launch the Department of Analysis and Study of Criminal and Mafia Phenomena. The scope of the interdisciplinary body is to stop the influence of the underworld on religious events and places dedicated to the Virgin, including the “detours” taken by some Marian processions in southern Italy to salute mafia bosses under house arrest.
U.S. Nun at Lebanese Hospital Recalls ‘Mass of People … on Stretchers’
U.S. Daughter of Charity Sister Ann Sauvé, a member of the administrative staff at the order’s Sacred Heart Hospital in this Beirut suburb, will not easily forget Aug. 4 and the massive explosion in the port of Beirut.
Even After Aparecida Shrine Reopens, Lack of Pilgrims Devastating Brazilian City
After being closed for four months, the National Sanctuary of Aparecida in Brazil partially resumed public Masses at the end of July. The strict health and safety protocols that limits the access to celebrations, however, have impeded most pilgrims from visiting the country’s most popular shrine.
Foundation Gives $9 Million in Grants to Meet Catholics’ Needs in 59 Countries
The Diocese of Moroto in Uganda and the Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Rosary ministering in Lubango, Angola, are among the recipients of grants from The Papal Foundation.
Making the Poor a Priority Isn’t Political, It’s the Gospel, Pope Says
Church teaching on giving priority to the well-being of the poor and marginalized is not a political or ideological choice; it lies at the very heart of the Gospel, Pope Francis said.
Over 80 Clergy and Religious in Mexico Have Died of COVID-19
According to the latest report from the Multimedia Catholic Center, 81 priests and religious have died in Mexico after contracting the COVID-19 coronavirus since March.
Romania Marks First National Day Honoring Persecuted Christians
On Sunday the Orthodox-majority nation of Romania marked its first ever National Day of Awareness of Violence against Christians, a move intended to honor Romanian martyrs and raise awareness about global anti-Christian persecution.