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.”
Pope Francis
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.
Foundation Gives $9 Million in Grants to Meet Catholics’ Needs in 59 Countries
The Diocese of Moroto in Uganda and the Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Rosary ministering in Lubango, Angola, are among the recipients of grants from The Papal Foundation.
Making the Poor a Priority Isn’t Political, It’s the Gospel, Pope Says
Church teaching on giving priority to the well-being of the poor and marginalized is not a political or ideological choice; it lies at the very heart of the Gospel, Pope Francis said.
Bishops Press for Death Penalty Protests Amid New Federal Executions
While many Catholic bishops insist that the Church must vigorously oppose the death penalty, not all Catholics agree, with almost half not sharing the sentiment.
Pope Francis Sends Aid to Lebanon
Pope Francis has sent 250,000 euros ($295,000) to Lebanon to help the Catholic Church and Catholic charitable organizations assist people impacted by the massive explosion Aug. 4 in Beirut.
Pope Calls for Prayers for Lebanon After Deadly Explosion in Beirut
After a massive fire triggered a deadly explosion in Beirut, Pope Francis called for prayers and a united effort to help Lebanon overcome “this serious crisis.”
Bishops From Japan, U.S. Call Catholics to Work for Nuclear Disarmament
The path to true peace requires the world to abolish nuclear weapons, an American bishop and a Japanese archbishop said as the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings at the end of World War II approached.
Show Grandparents, The Elderly That You Care, Pope Tells Young People
Pope Francis called on young people to reach out to their grandparents or the elderly who may be lonely or on their own. “Do not leave them by themselves,” he said after praying the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s Square July 26.
Analysis: For Baseball’s Opening Day, a Vatican Fantasy Draft
Tomorrow is Opening Day of the COVID-shortened Major League Baseball season, and, like all red-blooded Americans, that has me thinking about fantasy drafts. If you’ve never played before, the idea is simple: You and a bunch of other people draft players to form a team, then track their statistical performance throughout the season. Whichever team has the best stats, wins.