Catholic News
- Vatican City appeals court finds partial mistrial in 'trial of the century' (Vatican News)
The Court of Appeal of Vatican City State declared a partial mistrial in the December 2023 conviction of Cardinal Angelo Becciu and eight other defendants for financial crimes. “The Court has directed the renewal of specific phases of the trial, including the re-examination of certain witnesses and evidentiary elements, and has identified procedural shortcomings that require remedy at the appellate level,” Vatican News reported. The Court upheld Pope Francis’s authority to issue rescripts that affected the case, but ruled that ‘lack of timely publication of one Rescript may have affected the validity of specific investigative measures adopted on its basis.” The Court also ruled that “Vatican prosecutors made procedural errors that nullified the original indictment against Cardinal Angelo Becciu and the others and required a new trial,” according to Vatican News, the news agency of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication. “At the same time, the Court clarified that the partial mistrial does not invalidate the entirety of the first-instance proceedings. Both the trial and the judgment retain their juridical effects.” The Associated Press described the appellate ruling as “a stunning blow to both Pope Francis’ legacy and Vatican prosecutors who had put a cardinal and several other people on trial over alleged financial crimes.” “in ruling that Francis was effectively exercising legislative power under the heading of an administrative act, the judges made what appears to be an unprecedented ruling, effectively bringing the procedural legitimacy of papal legal acts under the court’s power of judicial review,” The Pillar reported. - Proclaim the Gospel and safeguard life, Pope tells leaders of Church in the Amazon (Dicastery for Communication (Spanish))
In a video message to participants in the 6th Assembly of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), which is taking place in Bogotá (Colombia), Pope Leo XIV said that “the current context calls for an adequate response to the many social, environmental, cultural and ecclesial challenges that persist in the Amazon, which is threatened by situations of abuse and exploitation.” “In this context, the passion flower, whose peculiar shape makes an impressive allusion to the Passion of Christ and which you have chosen as the symbol of the Assembly, represents the prophetic role of the Church and of all its members, each according to his or her mission: to proclaim the kerygma and new life in Christ, to accompany those who suffer, to safeguard creation and respect for life in all its forms, especially human life,” Pope Leo said. - Pope Leo to receive Liberty Medal, deliver livestream talk to Americans on July 3 (National Constitution Center)
The National Constitution Center, located at Independence Mall in Philadelphia, announced that Pope Leo XIV will receive its Liberty Medal in a public ceremony at the Vatican on July 3, the eve of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. The Pontiff will deliver a livestream virtual address to those in attendance at Independence Mall. “The Holy Father is deeply grateful to the National Constitution Center for this prestigious award, in such a meaningful anniversary for the American People, as they are called to reflect on the 250 years of their history holding the Constitution of the United States and Liberty as hallmarks of their heritage for future generations,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office. - Jerusalem cardinal criticizes US Defense Secretary Hegseth's use of Psalm (AsiaNews)
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem deplored religious justifications for the conflicts in the Middle East. “The abuse and manipulation of God’s name to justify this and any other war is the gravest sin we can commit at this time,” Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, said during a webinar. “War is first and foremost political and has very material interests, like most wars. We must do everything we can to leave no room for this pseudo-religious language, which speaks not of God, but of ourselves.” Asked specifically about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s recent reference to Psalm 144, Cardinal Pizzaballa said: We need to say that no, there are no new crusades. If God is present in this war, He is among those who are dying, who are suffering, who are in pain, who are oppressed in various ways, throughout the Middle East—I am not saying on one side or the other. This conflict has religious connotations, but they are manipulations: those who wish to bring religion into it exploit the name of God. - Archbishop Caccia condemns Islamophobia (Holy See Mission)
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the new apostolic nuncio to the United States, spoke at a recent UN event commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Linking Islamophobia to lack of respect for other religions and for religious freedom, Archbishop Caccia said that “the growing instances of intolerance, discrimination and hostility targeting Muslims, Jews, Christians and followers of other traditional religions stem from a failure to recognize and defend the right to freedom of religion or belief.” “The persistence of Islamophobia in the world is a clear reminder of how urgently religious freedom must be upheld,” he added. “Discrimination and violence against Muslims not only harm individuals, but also damages the spiritual, moral, and social fabric of societies at large, weakening the bonds of trust and solidarity that humanity particularly needs in the current international context.” - In election statement, Peru's bishops warn against polarization (Conferencia Episcopal Peruana)
Leaders of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference warned against polarization in a statement ahead of the April general election. The election follows the removal of President José Jerí from office on February 17. “We are deeply concerned by the profound social fragmentation currently afflicting our country,” the conference’s Permanent Council stated. “Political polarization, distrust of institutions, the use of power for private interests, political instability that hinders the development of serious policies, ever-widening social gaps, and the weakening of the communal fabric all generate a climate of confrontation.” “We invite citizens to evaluate whether the moral integrity, the ethical track record, and the proposals of those aspiring to govern the country are truly oriented toward the common good,” the bishops continued. “Our country needs leaders characterized by honesty, transparency, and consistency between their words and their actions—individuals capable of exercising power with responsibility, competence, and an authentic spirit of service.” “An authentic democracy demands respect for the Rule of Law, for institutions, and for civic participation,” the bishops added. “From this same perspective, it is important to assess the candidates’ commitment to upholding human dignity, protecting individual rights, ensuring public safety, fostering social inclusion, and respecting the cultural diversity of our country.” - Vatican official says digital missionaries should be rooted in prayer, Scripture (Vatican News (Italian))
Addressing a conference on March 17, a Vatican official said that digital missionaries, like other missionaries, should be rooted in prayer, Sacred Scripture, and the teaching of the Church. “The digital missionary is no different from any other missionary: he or she must be a man or woman of the Church, with deep roots in prayer, Scripture, the Magisterium, and community life,” said Msgr. Lucio Adrian Ruiz, the secretary of the Dicastery for Communication. He added: Although the digital realm is a valuable tool for the initial proclamation, the mission cannot end there. Just as Jesus invited His disciples to ‘Come and see,’ so too must the digital mission lead beyond the screen—toward the community, the Eucharist, and a catechetical journey that enables one to discover the beauty of God’s presence within the Church. - Vatican newspaper rues hospital airstrike in Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict (L'Osservatore Romano (Italian))
With the headline “Un’altra strage di civili” (Another massacre of civilians), L’Osservatore Romano devoted the most prominent article in its March 17 edition to the Kabul hospital airstrike in the Afghanistan–Pakistan conflict. “Another war continues unabated: the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the newspaper reported. ‘The toll from a raid on a hospital in Kabul is tragic: over 400 dead. The Taliban accuses Islamabad, which, however, denies all responsibility.” - Father Juan Ochagavía, theological advisor at Vatican II, dies at 97 (L'Osservatore Romano (Italian))
Father Juan Ochagavía Lorrain, a Chilean Jesuit who influenced the drafting of the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, died on March 16 at the age of 97. CELAM (the Episcopal Conference of Latin America) hailed Father Ochagavía, the theological advisor to Cardinal Raúl Silva Henríquez of Santiago, as “one of the most important Latin American figures” at the Second Vatican Council. Father Ochagavía later served as Jesuit provincial in Chile (1972-1978) and assistant to the Superior General of the Society of Jesus (1982-1991). - Founder of Little Brothers of Jesus Caritas dies at 91 (Servizio Informazione Religiosa)
Father Gian Carlo Sibilia, who founded the Little Brothers of Jesus Caritas in 1969 and led the institute until 2017, died on March 16 at the age of 91. Inspired by the spirituality of St. Charles de Foucauld, the Little Brothers of Jesus Caritas engage in Eucharistic adoration, manual labor, and service in parishes. - Abuse prevention is a 'constitutive dimension' of the Church's mission, Pope tells pontifical commission (Dicastery for Communication)
Addressing the members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Pope Leo XIV said that “the prevention of abuse is not an optional task, but a constitutive dimension of the mission of the Church.” “Prevention is never just a set of protocols or procedures,” Pope Leo said in his March 16 address. “It is about helping to form, throughout the Church, a culture of care, in which the protection of minors and persons in vulnerable situations is not seen as an obligation imposed from outside, but as a natural expression of faith.” “It calls therefore for a process of conversion where the sufferings of others are heard and move us to take action,” he continued. “In this regard, the experiences of victims and survivors are essential reference points.” Pope Leo also said that “it is my expectation that you continue to achieve even greater cooperation” with the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, “so that they may enrich your work with their knowledge.” - Palestinian president, Pope Leo speak about 'alarming' situation in Middle East (CWN)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone on March 16. - Reject ideological preconceptions and shun propaganda, Pope tells TV journalists (Dicastery for Communication)
Pope Leo XIV encouraged television journalists to reject “ideological preconceptions” and show “creativity, critical discernment and freedom of thought.” Addressing the editorial staff of the Italian public-television news program TG2 on its fiftieth anniversary, Pope Leo said on March 16 that “we all know how difficult it is to allow ourselves to be surprised by facts, by encounters, by the gazes and voices of others; how strong the temptation is to seek out, see and listen only to what confirms our own opinions. But there can be no good communication, nor true freedom and healthy pluralism, without this openness.” “Always, but especially in the dramatic circumstances of war, such as those we are currently experiencing, the media must guard against the risk of becoming propaganda,” the Pope continued. “And the task of journalists, in verifying the news so as not to become a mouthpiece for those in power, becomes even more urgent and delicate.” Pope Leo added, “It is up to you to show the sufferings that war always brings to the people; to show the face of war and to relate it through the eyes of the victims, so as not to transform it into a videogame.” - Continue to manifest the love of the Sacred Heart, Pope tells Roman parish (CWN)
Pope Leo XIV concluded his series of five weekly pastoral visits to parishes in Rome with a March 15 evening visit to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ponte Mammolo. - Christians in the Holy Land 'have never faced anything like this,' Catholic official says (Aid to the Church in Need)
George Akroush, director of the Development Office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, spoke with Aid to the Church in Need about the immense challenges faced by Christians in the Holy Land, including terrifying Iranian attacks and Israeli restrictions that prevent Palestinian Christian teachers who live in the West Bank from entering Jerusalem to teach at their Christian schools there. “This is a big challenge that we have to face, because 40% of our high-quality teachers and support staff come from the West Bank on a daily basis,” said Akroush. Akroush also spoke about restrictions on sending humanitarian aid to the Christian hospital in Gaza, as well as the end of pilgrimages from abroad, on which many Christians depend for their livelihood. - Let us not be blind to others' suffering, Pope Leo preaches on Laetare Sunday (CWN)
Pope Leo XIV celebrated evening Mass on Laetare Sunday in the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ponte Mammolo (video) as he concluded a series of five weekly pastoral visits to Roman parishes. - Author critical of Opus Dei meets with Pope Leo (Gareth Gore)
Pope Leo XIV met for over 40 minutes on March 16 with Gareth Gore, the author of Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church. “I spoke at length about what former members had told me about the way that Opus Dei operates: about how the group abuses the legitimacy conferred upon it by the Catholic Church to lure unsuspecting victims into its clutches,” Gore said following the audience. “I detailed allegations about how the group actively targets young children, how it grooms and manipulates them into a lifelong commitment to serving its interests from the tender age of ten or eleven—without their parents ever being consulted.” “I ended the meeting by imploring Pope Leo to take action against this abusive group,” Gore added. “I urged him to immediately launch an independent inquiry into Opus Dei abuses headed up by both clerical and lay experts—covering allegations of spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical and financial abuse. “ Founded by St. Josemaría Escrivá in 1928, Opus Dei was established as a personal prelature by Pope St. John Paul II in 1982. The prelature has published a response to Gore’s book. - Vatican newspaper op-ed condemns killing of Palestinian children in West Bank (L'Osservatore Romano (Italian))
Charging that Israeli soldiers and police act with “near-total impunity” in the West Bank, a staff journalist at the Vatican newspaper condemned the killing of a family of four, including two children. “It is a horror that repeats itself,” Roberto Paglialonga wrote in a front-page op-ed on March 16. “And it can hardly be justified by citing security threats, or by attributing its tragic consequences to pure chance—nor by labeling these deaths, too, as ‘collateral damage.’” “This impunity serves only to fuel indignation and anger over deaths that are utterly devoid of justification,” added Paglialonga, who concluded: Remembering these events—which are becoming increasingly frequent—and recounting what is still unfolding today serves not only to seek the truth but also to keep attention focused, to ensure we do not become desensitized to the horror. And to remember the many Palestinian children whose futures are being stolen. - Cardinal Parolin: St. Francis of Assisi offers 'effective therapy' for our world (Vatican News (Italian))
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, celebrated Mass in Assisi on Laetare Sunday, a week before the conclusion of the unprecedented exposure of St. Francis’s remains for veneration. Cardinal Parolin preached that St. Francis offers “effective therapy” to a world marked by an “unbridled desire to possess, by luxury, waste, superfluity, and consumerism.” This therapy, he said, consists in “sobriety, the joy of small things, the sense of being brothers to everyone and everything.” - Program announced for Pontiff's African apostolic journey (Dicastery for Communication)
The Vatican on March 16 announced the program of Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming apostolic journey to four African nations. The journey begins the day after the Octave of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday). The Pontiff will visit Algeria (April 13-15), Cameroon (April 15-18), Angola (April 18-21), and Equatorial Guinea (April 21-23). - More...