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Inside the VaticanFebruary 05, 2020
Pope Francis accepts offertory gifts from an indigenous man as he celebrates the concluding Mass of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 27, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) 

This past week, an Italian historian reported that he had obtained advance sections of Pope Francis’ forthcoming document on the Amazon synod, which the historian said proved that Pope Francis would endorse ordaining mature, married men to the priesthood. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, Gerry explains why he was skeptical of that report.

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Next up, Pope Francis met with Argentinian President Alberto Fernández last week. Argentina is currently weathering an economic crisis that has led to widespread hunger and crippling national debt. In their meeting, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with his home country and offered to help however possible. Gerry and I explain on the show what form that help might take.

Finally, the Vatican has sent more than 600,000 masks to Wuhan Province in China to help fight the spread of coronavirus. This aid comes even as the Chinese government continues to crack down on religious communities, even banning Catholic priests from leading graveside prayers in cemeteries.

Links from the show:

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