MondayVatican
A text Benedict XVI sent on October 21 to the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome has shown that, indeed, Pope Francis is right when he underscores that the Pope emeritus is an institution the Church must not fail to benefit from. In four pages – sent to thank the University for having [...]
The synod of bishops that has just finished revealed two certainties. The first one: there is hope in the Church peripheries. The second: that the most hopeful peripheries are not those that one might expect. It is not Latin America, from which Pope Francis hails, and where the Church has assumed the social [...]
Pope Francis gave a very clear indication of the method the synod should follow: bishops should speak frankly. Without any reverential fear. Even without being afraid of not coinciding with the Pope’s own opinion. The synodal fathers, instead, have opted for confidentiality. Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, General Secretary of the Synod, warned them, «You [...]
Phase two of Pope Francis’ diplomacy began with his advocacy of an intervention in Iraq. Anticipated by Archbishop Silvano Maria Tomasi, Holy See Permanent Observer at the UN Office in Geneva, Pope Francis launched the request in his flight back from South Korea. It was reiterated by the Secretary of State Pietro [...]
In two moves, Pope Francis has shown he intends to strongly carry forward the line of zero tolerance on clergy sex abuse. Two very clear moves: an archbishop has been put on house arrest, another one has been removed from his post. Yet, all of this may not be sufficient to remove the [...]
The reference to «the spirit of Francis» in characterizing the new document that will regulate the functions of the offices of the Roman Curia is the most prominent and newsworthy aspect of the presentation of its introduction. The draft of the new introduction has been discussed during the six meetings of the Council [...]
There is a Council in the Pope’s mind. Not the Third Vatican Council, wished by many, especially within progressive circles. Rather, it is the Second Vatican Council, as it seems that Pope Francis is pursuing the spirit of the Council. The same spirit that 50 years ago had put the Church in a [...]
«The Church is proud of having sons like you. You are her strength and the concrete and authentic testimony of the Church’s salvation, forgiveness and message of love. I embrace you all, may the Lord bless you and always protect you.» At the end of the September 3 General Audience, Pope Francis directed [...]
Perhaps under Pope Francis the big transition of bishops started under Benedict XVI is going to be completed. In appointments for two key posts, Pope Francis has shown he is following the line traced by the now Pope emeritus: the appointment of Cardinal Reinhard Woelki as Archbishop of Cologne and that of
That Pope Francis wanted to proclaim Pius XII blessed is something that has been rumored in recent times. To speed up procedures, the Pope could use the «equipollent canonization,» a formula he already used six times since the beginning of the Pontificate. He might do it again. Pius XII’s file has been [...]
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