First in a series of reports on the aftermath Super Typhoon Haiyan and the recovery process the people of the Philippines are still undergoing two years after the typhoon devastated the region.
International News
Pope: Church Can’t Be Obsessed With Power
Meeting workers and addressing a major gathering of the Catholic Church in Italy, Pope Francis demanded an end to economic exploitation, to clerics “obsessed” with power, to apathy among youth and to a cold, fearful church that forgets Christ is always by its side.
Leaked Docs Won’t Stop Vatican Reforms
Leaked and published information about Vatican financial problems and irregularities were already known and are the reason “measures have already been taken that have begun to bear fruit,” Pope Francis said.
Francis Blesses Tombs of Popes
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Pope Francis blesses the tomb of Pope John Paul I with holy water in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Nov. 2, the feast of All Souls.
Despite Violence, Pope Will Visit Central Africa
Despite continued instability and outbreaks of violence in the Central African Republic, the Vatican announced Pope Francis will spend about 33 hours in the country during a Nov. 25-30 visit to Africa.
Chinese Catholics Told to Adapt to Communist Rule
Authorities overseeing religion in China told a group of Catholic bishops and leaders to insist on “sinicization,” in a gathering that took place soon after Beijing concluded closed-door meetings with a Vatican delegation.
Synod Document Coming Soon
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said an apostolic exhortation on the family following the recently concluded Synod of Bishops could be released soon.
Arrests at Vatican Plug Leaks
A Vatican official and a former lay consultant on a pontifical commission were arrested for leaking documents to an Italian journalist who has announced plans to publish the documents in a book.
Tablet Reporter in Philippines
Tablet reporter Maria-Pia Negro Chin is currently in the Philippines with a contingent from Catholic Relief Services (CRS). They are examining the work of CRS there, especially in relation to the relief efforts following Typhoon Haiyan. Her reports will begin next week in The Tablet.
Vatican Denies Brain Tumor Rumor
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said an Italian newspaper’s claims about the pope’s health were “entirely unfounded.”