Pope Francis’ recent remark urging Kyiv to show the “courage of the white flag” has drawn criticism from Ukrainian and allied officials. Many perceive the statement as a call for Ukraine to surrender in its conflict with Russia. In an interview recorded last month with Swiss broadcaster RSI, Francis advocated for peace talks brokered by Read more
Pope Francis’ physicians have asked him not to undertake his scheduled journey to Dubai to participate in the COP28 Summit, and he has accepted their advice “with great regret.” A statement to participants in a seminar on “Ethics in Health Management” Francis indicated that his health has improved, he not longer has a fever. He Read more
Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, a prominent figure in Church law, has vehemently denied any role in the reported changes to the papal election process, According to The Pillar and The Remnant websites Cardinal Ghirlanda (pictured), an important advisor to Pope Francis, had been tasked by the pope with drafting revisions to the conclave. Ghirlanda called the Read more
In a stunning revelation, it has been discovered that private deliberations at the Synod on Synodality have been accessible through an unsecured server. According to The Pillar news outlet, the records contain vital information. This includes rosters of synodal participants and their working group assignments. Reports filed by these working groups at the conclusion of the Read more
East Timor’s Catholics reacted with shock as well as expressions of support for revered Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo following allegations he sexually abused boys decades ago in the Southeast Asian nation. The United Nations and advocacy groups for survivors of clergy sexual abuse are urging Pope Francis to conduct a full inquiry into who knew Read more
Because of continuing problems with his knee, Pope Francis has postponed his planned trip to the Congo and South Sudan on July 2-7, said the Vatican press office. Matteo Bruni, director of the press office, did not mention whether the pope’s planned trip to Canada in late July was still set. “At the request of Read more
Pope Francis was discharged from a Rome hospital and returned home to the Vatican on Wednesday, 10 days after undergoing planned surgery to remove half his colon. On his way home from Gemelli Hospital, the pope stopped to pray at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the pope visited Read more
Despite concerns over terrorist attacks and a surge in COVID-19 cases, the pope’s Iraq visit will proceed with hopes of promoting peaceful coexistence in the troubled nation. Recent attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, coupled with missile attacks in February on areas the pope will visit, have led some Vatican observers to question the safety Read more
The appointment of Matteo Bruni, a British-born layman, marks a new era for the Vatican press office. Pope Francis on Thursday tapped a long-time logistics coordinator to serve as the Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, ending the interim appointment of Alessandro Gisotti, effective Monday, July 22. Gisotti will now be vice-Editorial Read more