Russian clergy and lay Catholics were “caught by surprise” by the pope’s remarks in a video call Aug. 25 to a youth gathering in St. Petersburg praising the country’s past empire and urging young people to “never give up this heritage.”
Pope Francis
Pope, Urging Young Russians to Be Proud of Their Heritage, Stirs Controversy
The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church said Ukrainians were shocked when Pope Francis told Russian Catholic youths to be proud of their heritage and cited two historic Russian leaders that, the archbishop said, are “the worst example of imperialism and extreme Russian nationalism.”
Pope Warns That for Some U.S. Catholics, Ideology Has Replaced Faith
In a wide-ranging conversation with Jesuits in Portugal during his visit to Lisbon for World Youth Day earlier this month, Pope Francis touched on several hot-button topics, including criticism of his papacy among U.S. Catholics, outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, and problems of chastity among clergy.
Pope, Top U.S. Military Officer Discuss War in Ukraine
The top-ranking U.S. military officer told reporters he and Pope Francis discussed the war in Ukraine, especially the war’s impact on the people there.
Advocates for Mother Mary Lange Hail ‘Movement’ in Her Sainthood Cause
African American Catholics plan to visit the Vatican in November to promote the cause for Mother Mary Lange, one of six African American Catholics who are candidates for sainthood.
Pope’s Astronomer Tells Students to Reach for the Stars in School
The man known as the Pope’s astronomer came to Fontbonne Hall Academy in Bay Ridge to encourage students attending a science-oriented summer camp to learn more about the wonders of the universe that God created.
Vatican investment office reports $35 million profit for 2022
The Vatican investment office made 32.27 million euros (about $35.2 million) in profit in 2022 and contributed the entire amount to the Vatican’s operating budget, said Bishop Nunzio Galantino, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See.
Pope Again Prays for Maui Victims, Makes Appeal for Migration Reform
After leading the recitation of the Angelus prayer Aug. 13, Pope Francis again assured the people of Hawaii of his prayers.
U.S., Japanese Bishops Pledge to Concretely Work Toward ‘A World Without Nuclear Weapons’
On the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle and Archbishop John C. Wester of Sante Fe, New Mexico, joined three Japanese bishops in a formal pledge to concretely work toward “a world without nuclear weapons.”
Spanish Teen Says She Has Regained Sight After Praying to Our Lady of the Snows
World Youth Day is known as an event that can and does change lives, but when a teenager said she has regained her sight during the Portuguese youth fair, it electrified both Portugal and Spain on Aug. 6.
