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.
Vatican
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.
Cardinal Pell Speaks Out About Prison, Trump, and the Role of a Retired Pope
At the virtual launch of his new book, Cardinal George Pell opened up about what his time in prison before acquitted of charges of sexual abuse was like, and he also offered an evaluation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s time in office as well as the need for a set of clear rules when a pope retires.
Pope Francis Says Vatican City Will Aim for Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
Pope Francis pledged Vatican City State would achieve net-zero carbon emissions before the year 2050, and he urged everyone in the world to be part of a new culture of care for others and the planet.
Vatican Will Offer Pfizer Vaccine Against COVID-19 to Employees
The Vatican health service will begin vaccinating employees and Vatican citizens against COVID-19 using the Pfizer vaccine, the director of the Vatican health service told Vatican News.
Iraqi Archbishop Says Papal Visit a ‘Courageous’ Decision
Church leaders in Iraq have praised Pope Francis’ decision to come in March amid a pandemic as a brave decision, voicing hope that his presence in the country will send a much-needed message of peace and solidarity, and will encourage Christians to stay, despite present difficulties.