Pope Francis has responded to new reports of clerical sexual abuse and the ecclesial cover-up of abuse. In an impassioned letter addressed to the whole People of God, he calls on the Church to be close to victims in solidarity and to join in acts of prayer and fasting in penance for such “atrocities”.
Vatican
Vatican Responds to Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report
Regarding the report made public in Pennsylvania this week, there are two words that can express the feelings faced with these horrible crimes: shame and sorrow. The Holy See treats with great seriousness the work of the Investigating Grand Jury of Pennsylvania and the lengthy Interim Report it has produced.
US Bishops Address “Moral Catastrophe”
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement after a series of meetings with members of the USCCB’s Executive Committee and other bishops.
Colombian Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos
Colombian Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, a longtime Vatican official, died May 18 in Rome at the age of 88.
Priest from Nunciature Jailed for Child Porn
After months of investigation, Vatican police arrested Msgr. Carlo Alberto Capella, former staff member at the Vatican nunciature in Washington, on charges related to the possession and distribution of child pornography.
Vatican Invited to Olympics Opening Ceremony
For the first time, the International Olympic Committee has invited a Vatican delegation not only to take part in the opening ceremony of the Winter Games, but also to attend its general meeting as an official observer.
Vatican Creche
The Nativity scene is seen after a lighting ceremony in St. Peter’s Square
Vatican Gardens Lead The Way in Showing How to Stay Green
Roughly half of the Vatican’s 110 acres is devoted to gardens, and a major project is underway to keep them as “green” as possible.
Vatican Bans Sale of Cigarettes
Concerned by the damage caused by smoking, Pope Francis has banned the sale of cigarettes in Vatican City State.
Apostolic Nuncio to the US: “Unity Prevails Over Conflict”
During a week in which the U.S. bishops issued a statement expressing loyalty to Pope Francis and encouraging greater charity in dialogue, the Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. praised the pope’s “spirituality of synodality and discernment” and argued for greater unity in the Church.