United Nations Secretary General António Guterres will receive the annual top prize from the Path to Peace Foundation – the major charitable organization established to support the work of the Holy See Mission to the U.N.
International News
After Italian Prison Riots Due to Coronavirus Clampdown, Pope Prays for Prisoners
As the number climbs of inmates who’ve died in Italian prisons amid riots related to the country’s coronavirus restrictions, and as the Vatican tightens its own controls, Pope Francis March 11 offered a prayer for prisoners suffering as the disease spreads.
As Italy’s Coronavirus Fears Spike, All Public Masses Suspended Until April 3
On Sunday evening the Italian bishops’ conference announced the suspension of all public Masses and liturgical celebrations until April 3 amid growing fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, after the Italian government ordered the closure of all cinemas, museums and theaters.
Nine Priests From the Diocese of Brooklyn Are Named Monsignors
Nine priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn have been named monsignor, a title that is typically bestowed upon priests who have distinguished themselves.
Lourdes Shrine Closes Healing Pools as Precaution Against Coronavirus
As the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus in Europe continued to grow, the French Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes announced that pilgrims were still welcome, but the pools the sick bathe in hoping for healing would be closed temporarily.
Analysis: Despite Staying Home, Pope’s Vibe Still Will Be Felt During Lenten Retreat
Pope Francis was supposed to depart March 1 for his annual weeklong Lenten retreat with senior members of the Roman Curia. As has been custom since 2015, the get-away is being staged at a retreat center in the nearby hill town of Ariccia, about 45 minutes by car outside Rome.
Pope Skips Penance Service With Rome Clergy Due to Mild Cold
Pope Francis did not attend a traditional penitential service with priests of the Diocese of Rome due to a mild cold, the Vatican said.
Pilgrims Say No Regrets About Holy Land Trip, Despite Coronavirus
Amid continuing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, Catholic pilgrims in the Holy Land said they were being cautious but had no regrets about continuing with their pilgrimage.
Only in Print: Coptic Christians in Egypt Honor 21 Martyrs On Fifth Anniversary | Feb. 29, 2020
Coptic Christians in Egypt earlier this month observed the fifth anniversary of the martyrdom of 21 Christians in Libya at the hands of ISIS by dedicating a shrine to the victims and opening a museum at the Church of the Martyrs of Faith and the Homeland in the al-Our village in the Minya governate in Egypt, where most of the martyrs were from.
Italian Bishops Urge Compliance With State Measures Amid Virus Outbreak
As Italian regional officials canceled school and major public events over the weekend following a spike in the number of coronavirus cases, Church officials have urged citizens to adhere to restrictions set in place, saying they are close to the families impacted.