VATICAN CITY ‑ A new letter from the Vatican Secretariat of State has banned the private celebration of Masses at side altars in St. Peter’s Basilica, effective March 22. The regulation might seem tailored to meet COVID restrictions, as Italy prepares to tighten its pandemic measures once again. However, the new rule appears to be permanent.
In a message to President Joe Biden on inauguration day, Pope Francis said he is praying the new United States president will make decisions which respect the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor and most vulnerable.
Pope Francis prayed Jan. 10 for the United States, asking the Immaculate Virgin Mary to help foster a “culture of encounter” after the recent violence at the U.S. Capitol.
Pope Francis waves from the window of the Apostolic Palace on Feb. 7, 2021. / Vatican Media/CNA.
Vatican City, Apr 18, 2021 / 08:00 am (CNA).
In his Regina Coeli address Sunday, Pope Francis...
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk with Pope Francis in 2020. / Secretariat of Major Archbishop Shevchuk.
Vatican City, Apr 18, 2021 / 06:05 am (CNA).
“I follow with great concern the events in...
Robert Schuman in August 1949. Credit: Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-19000-2453 (CC-BY-SA 3.0)
Vatican City, Apr 16, 2021 / 11:01 am (CNA).
Pope Francis could declare venerable the French statesman Robert...
Pope emeritus Benedict XVI. / Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.
Vatican City, Apr 16, 2021 / 10:13 am (CNA).
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was born 94 years ago today in the town of Marktl, Bavaria. More...
Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in Aug. 2019 / Daniel Ibanez/CNA.
Vatican City, Apr 16, 2021 / 09:30 am (CNA).
The Vatican’s interreligious...
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