Among the many traditions surrounding a presidential inauguration, Catholics seem to have created one of their own, especially when it’s a Democrat: Mixed messages from the Vatican and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Vatican
Vatican Financial Is Reform Going in the Right Direction, Cardinal Pell Says
Australian Cardinal George Pell, formerly the Vatican’s top official on financial affairs, said he believes the pope’s recent reforms signal progress, and called for additional competent laypeople to be involved in the process.
Popes Francis, Benedict Receive Their First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
Both Pope Francis and retired Pope Benedict XVI have received the first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 after the Vatican started vaccinating its employees and residents Jan. 13.
For Ash Wednesday, Vatican Asks Priests to ‘Sprinkle’ Ashes on Heads
The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments asked priests to take special anti-COVID-19 precautions this year when distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, including sprinkling ashes on the top of people’s heads rather than using them to make a cross on people’s foreheads.
Pope’s Point Man on Charity Released From Hospital After COVID Fight
After a 10-day stay in the hospital battling COVID-19, one of Pope Francis’s closest cardinals came home Jan. 1 to find a gift from the boss: An Argentinian steak.
In New Year, Share the Blessing of Your Time, Pope Writes
At the beginning of a year people hope will mark the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis urged them to create a “culture of care,” including by sharing the gift of their time with others.
Vatican Set to Launch COVID-19 Vaccinations for Workers, Residents
The Vatican will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations in mid-January, giving priority to its health care workers, security personnel, employees who deal with the public and older residents, employees and retirees.
After ‘Painful Sciatica’ Causes Pope to Skip Mass, Francis Appears for New Year’s Angelus
While he skipped morning Mass due to what the Vatican called a “painful sciatica,” Pope Francis was in the saddle again for his Angelus address later in the day, reflecting on the role of Mary as Mother of God and the need for a change in attitude at the end of a tumultuous year.
A Grounded Pope Spent 2020 Trying to Clean House on Vatican Finances
Known as a globe-trotting pope who conducts the bulk of his diplomacy through words and gestures during trips, Pope Francis found himself with extra time on his hands this past year with international travel brought to a halt by the coronavirus pandemic.
Vatican Green-Lights COVID Vaccines, Finds No ‘Cooperation’ in Abortion for Users
After receiving what they said were “several requests for guidance” on the morality of the use of COVID-19 vaccines developed with cells derived from aborted fetuses, the Vatican’s doctrine office issued an explanatory note Dec.21 giving the green light.
