Carol Glatz

Issuing a Vatican postage stamp celebrating the 40th anniversary of full diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See is a sign of the importance the Vatican attributes to their relationship, said the president of the commission governing Vatican City State.

It is not enough to know about Jesus, one must encounter him, be changed by his Gospel and follow him, Pope Francis said.

While bishops around the world are asked to designate their cathedrals or other significant churches as special places of pilgrimage and prayer for the Holy Year 2025, the Vatican is not asking them to dedicate and open a “Holy Door” at those churches.

Pope Francis visited an amusement park an hour outside of Rome to greet workers, their families and the two nuns providing pastoral care there.