Typically observed every 25 years, a Holy Year or jubilee can draw millions of pilgrims to Rome — a 2,775-year-old city of 2.9 million people that already infamously copes with an average of 7 to 10 million tourists a year.
Pope to Russia: Destroying grain, creating hunger is ‘grave offense to God’
Destroying grain is a “grave offense to God,” Pope Francis said, appealing to authorities in Russia as “my brothers” and urging them to resume cooperating with a United Nations’ initiative to guarantee the safe transport of grain out of Ukraine.
Ancient word: Jews, Christians study shared past in Vatican manuscripts
Some 20 Jewish and Christian scholars began a three-month hybrid course in mid-July at the Vatican Library to dig into more than 1,000 years of teachings contained in more than 800 ancient Hebrew manuscripts from the 9th to 16th centuries housed in its collections.
Papal envoy gives Biden letter from pope, urges U.S. leaders to support peace
The top priority for Pope Francis’ peace envoy in his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden was the repatriation of children forcibly deported from Ukraine to Russia, the papal nuncio to the United States said.
Pope visits summer camp for kids of Vatican employees
Treated to songs, gifts and a paper medallion designating him “hero,” Pope Francis visited children attending a summer camp at the Vatican.
Pope rectifies irregular transfer in China; cardinal calls for more dialogue
Pope Francis has rectified an irregularly appointed bishop in China for the “greater good of the diocese,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
Pope names 21 cardinals, including U.S.-born Archbishop Prevost
Pope Francis named 21 new cardinals, including U.S.-born Archbishop Robert F. Prevost, who took the helm at the Dicastery for Bishops in April, and French Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Pope appoints hundreds to attend Synod of Bishops on Synodality
Pope Francis has appointed more than 450 participants, including dozens of religious men and women and laypeople from around the world, to attend the first general assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality in October.
Freedom of expression must never be an excuse to despise others, pope says
Any book that is considered sacred by its people must be respected out of respect for the human person who holds it sacred, Pope Francis said.
Local communities must be included in fight against hunger, pope says
In order to eradicate hunger in the world, committed and experienced action must be taken that includes local and traditional cultures and peoples, Pope Francis said.
Greed, selfishness stand in the way of peace, pope tells Orthodox leaders
All wars are “utter disasters” for everyone, especially families, children, the elderly, refugees, communities and creation, Pope Francis said.
‘Real’ people with strength from God better than superheroes, pope says
Like every saint, St. Peter was not a superhero, he was just a real, imperfect person who generously said, “yes” to Jesus, Pope Francis said.