Serving an average of more than 2,000 clients a day, the Vatican pharmacy may be one of the world’s busiest in-person dispensaries of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, soaps, ointments and elixirs.
Vatican
Number of Catholics Continues to Grow
Taken together, the 10 countries with the most Catholics account for almost 56 percent of the world’s Catholic population, the Vatican reported.
Vatican Houses More Syrian Refugee Families
The first three refugee families from Syria welcomed by the Vatican left their temporary homes to start their new lives in Italy, and three new families took their places in Vatican apartments.
Good Friday Collection
As Catholics commemorate Jesus’ Passion on Good Friday, the Vatican is asking them to support the church in the Holy Land with their prayers, financial contributions and possibly by making a pilgrimage.
Despite Deficit, Economic Reforms Are Working on Vatican Budget
Although the Holy See reported a deficit of 12.4 million euros ($13.1 million) in 2015, significant progress has been made in the budgeting process and carrying out economic reform, the Vatican said.
Pope: Civil Discussion Means Being Quiet and Listening
Addressing the fear of immigrants, dissatisfaction with a “fluid economy” and the impatience and vitriol seen in politics and society, Pope Francis told Rome university students to practice a kind of “intellectual charity” that promotes dialogue and sees value in diversity.
At Ad Limina Meetings, No Questions Are Off the Table
Pope Francis spent nearly three hours with the bishops of Chile discussing several key issues they are facing, including fighting pedophilia and evangelizing the marginalized and the suffering.
Blessing of Farm Animals
Cardinal Angelo Comastri pets a donkey during the blessing of farm animals and Italian military horses outside Peter’s Square at the Vatican Jan. 17.
Maternal Instinct: Pope Francis Wants Church to Be a Loving Mother
A number of feast days over the Advent and Christmas seasons gave Pope Francis a fresh opportunity to pay homage to the world’s mothers and insist further on how and why he wants the entire Church to become more maternal.
Pope’s New Year Request: Do a Good Deed Daily
Whether the new year will be good or not depends on us choosing to do good each day, Pope Francis said.