“The 1950s were a time of recovery, the beginning of prosperity in the West,” Cardinal Czerny told the congregation, among whom were Hungarian clergy and laity, and diplomats from other countries. “There was even hope of new freedom in the Communist world
Gerard O’Connell
Gerard O’Connell is America’s senior Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History. He has been covering the Vatican since 1985.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Cardinals and bishops to lose special legal privileges under new papal decree
With today’s decree, Pope Francis abolished privilege in matters of civil and penal matters, making it possible for ordinary Vatican tribunals to judge cardinals and bishops.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis issued a sweeping anti-corruption decree. How will it affect Vatican operations?
Pope Francis introduces significant changes to the “General Regulations of the Roman Curia,” to prohibit Vatican officials and related entities from accepting or soliciting money or gifts valued at more than 40 euros (around $50), either for themselves or for someone else.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Where else will Pope Francis travel in 2021?
Francis shocked the world when he traveled to Iraq earlier this year despite the ongoing pandemic. And the 84-year-old pope hopes to visit several more countries in the second half of 2021.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis appoints San Diego’s Bishop McElroy to board of Vatican office promoting human development
Besides Bishop McElroy, there are four other Americans on the board, including Mary Haddad, R.S.M., the president and C.E.O. of the Catholic Health Association of the United States.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
An inside look at how Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar have revolutionized Catholic-Muslim relations
A new book takes readers behind the scenes of the unlikely friendship between the leader of the Catholic Church and the head of the most prestigious and influential Islamic institute in the world.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis on Easter: ‘The risen Christ is hope for all who continue to suffer.’
The message of Easter is not a mirage or a magic formula, Pope Francis said. But it does offer hope to a world suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic and many sources of conflict.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis celebrates Last Supper Mass at the home of Cardinal Becciu whose resignation he accepted last September
Pope Francis celebrated the Mass commemorating the Last Supper in the private chapel of the demoted Cardinal Angelo Becciu, this Holy Thursday evening.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis overjoyed at receiving over 100,000 video messages of support from Argentinians
Pope Francis said today that he was deeply moved and encouraged at having received more than 100,000 small video messages of thanks and support on the eighth anniversary of his election as pope.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis on Palm Sunday: ‘In drawing close to those ill-treated by life, we are loving Jesus.’
In Palm Sunday services at the Vatican, Pope Francis said that to admire Jesus “is not enough. We have to follow in his footsteps.”