Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, former Vatican press officer, reflects on how Pope Francis is able to reach out to the faithful via the media during the pandemic.
Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service
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Pope Francis: Pandemic is prime time for conversion
Pope Francis said he knows it is not easy to be creative as the lockdown drags on, “but don’t run away, don’t take refuge in escapism, which in this time is of no use to you.”
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Churches closed in Syria due to coronavirus pandemic
In an interview April 4 with Vatican News, the cardinal said that despite the war, up to this point Christians in Syria celebrated Holy Week and Easter every year, “even under the risk of bombs and mortar attacks.”
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Pope, Christian leaders around the globe join in prayer for pandemic’s end
“We pray for the sick and their families, for health workers and those who help them, for civic leaders, police and volunteers and for the ministers of our communities,” the pope said.
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Vatican issues decree for Holy Week liturgies with pandemic restrictions
The decree was signed by Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the congregation, and by Archbishop Arthur Roche, secretary.
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Vatican says public will not be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies
While public gatherings, including Masses, have been banned in Italy through April 3, Holy Week begins with the Palm Sunday liturgy April 5, so the notification from the Prefecture of the Papal Household was read as a sign that the ban would be extended, at least at the Vatican.
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Most Vatican offices open, but adapting schedules in wake of pandemic
Vatican offices will remain open to ensure “essential services for the universal church,” but each office is being asked to evaluate the best ways to provide those services while observing health precautions and guidelines on safe distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
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How Italy went from ‘wash your hands’ to ‘stay at home’
The coronavirus pandemic has radically changed life in Italy.
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At Mass, Pope Francis offers special prayers for prisoners
Pope Francis continues to celebrate daily Mass which is livestreamed because of the coronavirus crisis.
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Pope Francis chooses ‘synodality’ as theme for 2022 synod
“Synodality,” which literally means “walking together,” has become a key topic of Pope Francis’ pontificate, but one which has raised questions and even confusion.