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.”
Italy
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.
Masses in Italy Are a Go, But Other Sacraments Still Suffer Restrictions
While Catholics in Italy are enthusiastic about finally being able to attend Mass after a two months hiatus due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, there are several other areas of ecclesial life that are still on hold.
Analysis: Sights and Sounds of ‘New Normal’ as Italy and the Vatican Go Back to Mass
Yesterday, my wife and I did something we, along with most people in Rome, haven’t been able to do since March 8: We went to Mass. (We also went out to lunch for the first time in two months and 10 days, enjoying a gorgeous Roman spring day and a fine meal, but that’s a story for another time.)
Despite Controversy, Italian Prelate Embraces Kidnapped Woman as ‘Our Daughter’
As Silvia Romano, a young Italian woman recently released from captivity after spending 18 months in the hands of Islamic extremists in Eastern Africa, faces mounting national criticism for her apparent conversion to Islam, Italy’s top prelate has stressed the need to embrace her as a “daughter.”
Analysis: Italy’s Church Going Back to Business, But Not Business as Usual
As if Italy hasn’t been through enough since a sweeping national lockdown was imposed March 8, and with more than 30,000 Italians dead from the coronavirus, Romans awoke around 5:00 a.m. May 11 to an earthquake. A loud boom sent people into the streets in their pajamas under an early morning rain, temporarily forgetting their masks and gloves.
Analysis: Church/State Deal Means Mass Will Be Back in Italy on May 18
Exactly 70 days after public Mass was last celebrated in Italy, the Holy Father’s own backyard, the Italian bishops announced May 7 a deal with the government to resume the liturgy on Monday, May 18, which means the first Sunday Mass to be reopened will be May 24, which in Italy is the Feast of the Ascension.
Italian Bishop Breaks Ranks to Publicly Challenge Coronavirus Restrictions
Dating back to March 8, when the bishops’ conference announced the suspension of all public Masses in keeping with government measures to combat the coronavirus, Italy’s ecclesiastical lockdown is the longest-running in the world, and to date support at the leadership level has been remarkably compact.
Andrea Bocelli to Livestream Easter Performance From Empty Duomo Cathedral
On Easter Sunday, there will be music for hope as one of the world’s most talented artists, Andrea Bocelli, performs from inside the Duomo, Milan’s most famous cathedral.
Pope Francis to Donate 30 Ventilators to Hospitals Fighting Coronavirus
Pope Francis will distribute 30 ventilators to Italian hospitals in need of medical equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.
