This year’s Vatican Christmas stamps feature a 15th-century manuscript illumination of the Holy Family. The special edition stamps went on sale Nov. 19 in two denominations of 80 euro cents and 95 euro cents in sheets of 10.
Vatican
Vatican Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree is positioned in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. It arrived earlier than usual to be ready for the Dec. 8 opening of the Holy Year of Mercy.
Leaked Docs Won’t Stop Vatican Reforms
Leaked and published information about Vatican financial problems and irregularities were already known and are the reason “measures have already been taken that have begun to bear fruit,” Pope Francis said.
Arrests at Vatican Plug Leaks
A Vatican official and a former lay consultant on a pontifical commission were arrested for leaking documents to an Italian journalist who has announced plans to publish the documents in a book.
Vatican Releases Papal Schedule for Africa
Despite continued instability and outbreaks of violence in the Central African Republic, the Vatican announced Pope Francis will spend about 33 hours in the country during a Nov. 25-30 visit to Africa.
Vatican Opens Shelter at Vatican for Homeless Men
“Gift of Mercy,” a shelter for homeless men, is just a few hundred yards away from St. Peter’s Square.
For Pilgrims to Rome, Castel Gandolfo Is a Train Ride Away
Pope Francis has been giving real orders to Vatican staff to lift the locks on places and spaces that were long closed to the general public – the latest being the papal summer home in the hilltop town of Castel Gandolfo.
Vatican Sidesteps Flag Flap at United Nations
The Vatican said seeing the flags of the Holy See and Palestine flying with the banners of the 193 full member-countries of the UN is not its desire.
Pope to Study Economy Before Coming to US
Before arriving in the U.S. in September, Pope Francis said, he will study American criticisms of his critiques of the global economy and finance.
Religious Voice Cannot Be Excluded from Public Debate
A society that does not include religious views and challenges in public debate becomes an “enemy of freedom,” said the Vatican’s foreign minister.