A member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors told Vatican Radio many bishops had urged others to see the film and “take seriously its central message, which is that the Catholic Church can and must be transparent, just and committed to fighting abuse, and it must ensure it never happens again.”
An assembly of bishops at the Vatican should have more input from the lay faithful, said Church experts attending a seminar hosted by the head of the Synod of Bishops.
A talk given to new bishops during a Vatican-sponsored course does not represent new guidelines on the Church’s response to abuse against minors by religious, a Vatican spokesman said.
On the eve of sending off “missionaries of mercy” to all corners of the globe, Pope Francis told his specially appointed men that the reassuring strength of God’s love – not the “bludgeon of judgment” – will bring the “lost sheep” back to the fold.
Pope Francis will not be an actor in a proposed movie based on the Gospels, a Vatican spokesman said.
Following a request by Pope Francis, the Vatican issued a decree specifying that the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual can include “all members of the people of God,” including women – a practice already observed by the pope and many priests around the world.
While the Catholic Church affirms that salvation comes through Jesus, it also recognizes that God is faithful and has not revoked his covenant with the Jewish people, Pope Francis said.
God’s ability to forgive “knows no limits” as his mercy frees people from bitterness and despair, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis visits the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square after vespers New Year’s Eve in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31.
Pope Francis accepts offertory gifts from children dressed as the Three Kings during Mass marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica.
