The Vatican’s first ever auditor general, Italian financier Libero Milone, has resigned. He has not given any reasons for his unexpected departure from the post, which he has held for just two years. His role was to help ensure transparency in the Vatican’s finances. In a statement, the Vatican said: “It is noted that Doctor Read more
Doing up V8s started out as way of fundraising for seminary education. Then, somewhere amidst the spanners, “V8s for Vocations” became a unique form of evangelization. It all started when mechanic-turned-priest Father Matthew Keller gathered together a “Garage Gang” of classic car aficionados. Between them, they restored a “muscle car“, which they raffled in an Read more
An adventure movie about St Ignatius Loyola is about to hit box offices. The movie, which its director says is a contemporary take on Ignatius’s life, is important. “There is a need for this new material on St. Ignatius of Loyola, especially because the young people now are very visual.” Read more
The World Day of Refugees has sparked a number of ideas Pope Francis suggests we might want to share. All five ideas are practical. The involve addressing the widespread problem with urgency, doing one’s civil duty, being welcoming, and showing hospitality and love. Read more
South Sudan is about to get US$500,000 (NZ$700,000) to help pay for two hospitals, a school and farm equipment. Pope Francis is the donor. The country is suffering the effects of decades of civil war and its people are facing starvation. Read more
Until Pope Francis, papal fashion was not known for its simple styles. The papal tailors and shoemakers had their place in the sumptuous papal wardrobe. The pope’s elegance was an attribute many clergy strove to copy. The delectable heavy velvets, silks and satins, fine cottons, jewels, embroideries, fine lace, furs – church was a wonderful Read more
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Pope Francis met privately for the fourth time on Saturday. The Holy See Press Office called their discussions “cordial” and said they spoke about “the good relations and fruitful collaboration between the Holy See and Germany”. They also discussed climate change and ways the world can work multilaterally to combat Read more
Decentralising some Vatican offices as part of a number of Curia reforms is on the cards, communications from Pope Francis and the Council of Cardinals suggested after they met last week. This would mean transferring some offices from the Vatican to local bishops or episcopal conferences “in a spirit of healthy decentralization.” The Council said Read more
The Holy See and the State of Israel’s Bilateral Permanent Working Commission had a “cordial meeting” at Vatican City last week. The plenary meeting was led by Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, Undersecretary for the Holy See’s Relations with States, and Mr. Tzachi Hanegbi, Minister for Regional Cooperation of the State of Israel. They were continuing negotiations Read more
Muslims are helping their Christian brothers and sisters escape ISIS militants in the southern Philippines city of Marawi. About 1,000 residents are said to remain trapped in the besieged city. Fighting continues around them between the Philippine Army and Islamist rebels. Escape stories are emerging. “Some of the stories that stuck were Muslims helping protect Read more