Pope Francis doubled down on his press for global equity regarding COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday, asking countries and companies to temporarily lift the property rights they hold to speed up distribution in a new video message.
Pope Francis
Pope Tells New Swiss Guards They Represent a Church That Welcomes
Meeting new recruits to the Swiss Guard, Pope Francis thanked the young men for having chosen to serve the successor of St. Peter and he thanked all the guards for their diligence and service.
At Rosary, Pope Francis Prays Resources Move From Military to Pandemic Prevention
Under the gaze of a seventh-century icon of Mary, Pope Francis launched a monthlong, global recitation of the rosary, pleading for Mary’s intercession for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. And he prayed May 1 that Mary would move people’s consciences “so that the enormous amounts spent to increase and perfect weapons are instead used to promote research to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.”
Vatican Tackles Psychological Fallout From COVID Pandemic
The Vatican released a new document “Accompanying People in Psychological Distress in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Members of One Body, Loved by One Love,” which was summoned by Pope Francis to try to imagine a post-pandemic world.
Nuncio Tells Besieged Mexican Town: The Church Is With You
Archbishop Franco Coppola, papal ambassador to Mexico, recently traveled to a town besieged by warring drug cartels to reiterate the church’s commitment to serving populations suffering violence.
Italian Bishop Calls For End To Indifference After ‘Shameful’ Migrant Deaths
One Italian bishop has said Pope Francis’ push for greater brotherhood and solidarity is needed more than ever following the death last week of 130 migrants who for two days issued distress calls to no avail when their boat met trouble in the Mediterranean.
Iraqi Prelate Says Secular State is Lone Survival Strategy for Middle East Christians
Perhaps the most authoritative Catholic voice in Iraq has argued that the survival of Christianity in the country depends on the creation of a secular state where all forms of sectarianism are eradicated, allowing the nation to become an example of respectful coexistence for the Middle East.
Brooklyn Jesuit Prep Students Become Stewards of the Earth
The 85 students at Brooklyn Jesuit Prep (BJP) — spanning across grades five through eight — took their religion lessons outside the classroom on Earth Day. They spent the last hour of their school day becoming stewards of the earth, cleaning up loose litter in their school’s vicinity.
Ukrainian Bishop says Pope Francis ‘Wonderful Father’ to Ukraine
Pope Francis voiced concern over a recent Russian troop buildup near the border with Ukraine and called for efforts to ease tensions in the 7-year conflict.
Saying He Missed People, Pope Francis Returns to Window for Sunday Prayer
Greeting visitors in St. Peter’s Square after nearly a month of tight restrictions due to the pandemic, Pope Francis said he was happy to see people allowed to gather and be present for Sunday noonday prayer.