Pope Francis says dialogue ‘slow,’ but only way forward with China
In a new interview with America Magazine, Pope Francis said the Vatican-China deal has had both failures and successes, but he “cannot find another way” to carry out diplomacy. The pope spoke about the Vatican-China deal with America Magazine on Nov. 22, two days before the Nov. 24 installation ceremony of Bishop John Peng Weizhao, […]
Pope Francis appoints Bishop Henning as coadjutor bishop of Providence
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Richard Henning as a coadjutor bishop of Providence on Wednesday. As coadjutor, Henning will assist Bishop Thomas J. Tobin in the administration of the Rhode Island diocese and should succeed him as bishop upon his retirement, expected once Tobin turns 75 next April. The Diocese of Providence is home to more […]
Head doctor for Athletico Madrid Football Club calls Pope Francis a ‘very stubborn patient’
The Vatican has recruited the head doctor of Athletico Madrid alongside a team of specialists to help treat Pope Francis’ knee problem. José María Villalón, a sports medicine specialist and the head doctor of the Spanish football club, described the pope as a “very stubborn patient” in a radio interview this week. The doctor said […]
‘Your pain is my pain’: Pope Francis pens letter marking 9 months of war in Ukraine
In an emotional letter addressed to the people of Ukraine, Pope Francis wrote that he sees the cross of Christ in the tortures and sufferings endured by Ukrainians in nine months of war. “I would like to unite my tears with yours and tell you that there is not a day in which I am […]
Seminarians run a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot around Vatican City State
American seminarians in Rome began Thanksgiving Day with a race around the world’s smallest country. The 13th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot around Vatican City State kicked off with an early start at the Pontifical North American College on Nov. 24. More than 130 seminarians, priests, and Catholic college students gathered near the starting line at […]
Pope Francis prays for homeless man who died in St. Peters Square
Pope Francis is praying for a homeless man who was found dead near the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square on Friday morning. Burkhard Scheffler, a 61-year-old man born in Germany, died on a cold night on the street, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Nov. 25. Like many homeless people in Rome, Scheffler sometimes spent […]
Vatican says China violated terms of agreement with bishop installation
The Vatican said on Saturday that Chinese authorities had violated the terms stipulated in its provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops. A statement released on Nov. 26 said that “the Holy See noted with surprise and regret” that Bishop John Peng Weizhao had been installed as an “auxiliary bishop of Jiangxi,” a diocese that […]
Is the Vatican’s deal with China at stake?
The agreement between China and the Holy See on the appointment of bishops is not at risk — for now. The Holy See’s declaration following the installation of Bishop John Peng Weizhao as auxiliary bishop of Jiangxi is a precise signal. For the Holy See, this is not only about the diplomatic agreement. It is […]
Pope Francis explains to Jesuit journalists why women cannot be ordained priests
In an interview published in the Jesuit publication, America Magazine, Pope Francis unequivocally stated that women cannot be ordained as priests but emphasised the important role they have to play in the life of the Church. “Many women feel pain because they cannot be ordained priests. What would you say to a woman who is […]
The Pontifical Family of Pope Benedict XVI
“The Pope [Emeritus] understood that it was important to portray this historical moment of his pontificate, on canvas for history. He has chosen me, and it’s a great responsibility for me,” said Natalia Tsarkova, the Portraitist of the Popes. Natalia Tsarkova has painted Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in his mission as Pope Emeritus surrounded by […]
