Asking for prayers ahead of his visit to Canada July 24-29, Pope Francis described the trip as a “penitential pilgrimage” as part of a commitment to healing and reconciliation with the country’s Indigenous people.
International News
Fire Destroys Chapels of Light Shrine at Lourdes
Half of the Chapels of Light at Our Lady of Lourdes shrine were destroyed by a fire over the night of July 10–11. The fire was quickly brought under control, according to media reports.
Pope Names Three Women to Office That Helps Him Choose Bishops
Ten days after saying he would name two women to the group that helps him choose bishops, Pope Francis appointed three women to the office.
Pope Francis Confirms Plans to Meet Russian Patriarch in Kazakhstan
Pope Francis said he plans to meet with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in September at an interreligious meeting in Kazakhstan.
World’s Ukrainian Bishops Gather in Poland Near Polish Border
Prevented by war from meeting in Kyiv, 40 Ukrainian Catholic bishops from around the world met in Poland, less than 10 miles from the border with their homeland, in early July.
Pope Francis Speaks on U.S. Gun Violence, Abortion Debate, Retirement Rumors
U.S. President Joe Biden should consult with his bishop or parish priest about his stance on abortion, Pope Francis said, adding that the primary concern of bishops should be pastoral care.
Busy Schedule Hints that Pope Francis Isn’t Winding Down, He’s Cranking Up
For months, rumors have circulated that Pope Francis could be set to resign later this summer, at least in part due to his ongoing health struggles. However, comments from both Pope Francis and his top aides suggest that rather than winding down, his schedule is actually picking up.
European Bishops Hit Back Against Resolution on Abortion
Europe’s top body of bishops has condemned the European Parliament’s favorable vote Thursday, July 7, on a resolution calling for access to abortion to be included in the E.U. Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Pope Francis To Visit Assisi, Matera in September
Pope Francis will make back-to-back pastoral visits to the Italian cities of Assisi and Matera at the end of September, the Vatican announced.
Tokyo Archbishop Condemns Political Violence After Former Japanese PM Assassinated
After a gunman fatally shot former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe during a campaign rally in western Japan on Friday, July 8, Archbishop Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo lamented that “violence kills democracy.”