U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Callista Gingrich announced on July 17 that the United States and the Vatican will co-host a summit on religious freedom in October of 2019.
Vatican
Vatican’s ’Empty Tomb’ a Challenge to Credibility When it Matters
Christianity, of course, is founded on the discovery of an empty tomb. Perhaps it’s only fitting, therefore, that Christ’s vicar on earth now has his own “empty tomb” ferment on his hands.
Empty Tomb at Vatican Raises Questions About Missing Bodies
The Vatican opened on July 11 two graves in the Teutonic Cemetery next to St. Peter’s Basilica in hopes of finding the remains of Emanuela Orlandi, the daughter of a Vatican bank employee who has been missing since 1983, and found that Orlandi’s remains weren’t there.
Vatican Lifts Immunity of Papal Diplomat Accused of Assault
The Holy See has waived the diplomatic immunity of a Vatican diplomat who has been under investigation by authorities in Paris for allegedly sexually assaulting a city official.
Amid Tensions in China, Vatican Tells Clergy to Follow Their Conscience
The Vatican has told bishops and priests in China that they must follow their own consciences in deciding whether to register with the government, and it urged Catholics in the country not to judge them for the choices they make.
Vatican Cemetery to Be Searched in Decades-Old Missing Girl Case
Thirty-six years after the disappearance of 15-year old Italian girl Emanuela Orlandi, the Vatican announced on Tuesday that two graves located in the German cemetery within Vatican grounds will be opened on July 11, following the allegations made by her family that her body is there.
Secrecy of Confession Must Never Be Violated, Vatican Says
In the light of “a worrying negative prejudice” against the Catholic Church, Pope Francis ordered the publication of a document affirming the absolute secrecy of everything said in confession and calling on priests to defend it at all costs, even at the cost of their lives.
Pope Announces Themes for Upcoming WYD Celebrations
Announcing the themes for the next three World Youth Day celebrations, Pope Francis called on young men and women to meditate on the path of Christian life that God has called them to walk.
Retired US Bishop Likely to Face Vatican Trial for Multiple Acts of Abuse
At a time when the U.S. Catholic bishops are meeting to vote on new measures for bishop accountability, Pope Francis has given the green light for a penal process for a retired U.S. bishop accused of multiple accounts of abuse.
Pope Says Holy Spirit Brings Harmony to World of Contradictions
Francis noted that even though the Spirit is both the first and final thing the Church needs, it only goes where He is invited.