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The Holy Father has appointed Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, and Archbishop Mitja Leskovar as Apostolic Nuncios to South Africa and Lesotho, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) respectively.
The Indonesian government has confirmed the country will be the first destination in the 87-year-old pontiff’s apostolic journey to the Asia Pacific region Sept. 2–13.
Pope Francis expressed his concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s missile attack Saturday against Israel, a concern he raised after imploring Christians to share their stories of encountering Christ.
“Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the violent attack in Sydney, and he sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected,” the message said.
Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni confirmed to reporters the Vatican’s transmission of a “Note Verbal,” or a diplomatic message, to the French embassy at the Vatican.
The U.S.-based Papal Foundation announced on Friday the distribution of nearly $15 million in grants, scholarships, and charitable aid.
Pope Francis made a special “getaway” from the Vatican on Thursday to meet with a group of 200 children at a parish in metro Rome.
This honorific designation has reappeared among the list of “historical titles” used to designate the theological and temporal reality of the pontifical office.
Pope Francis will travel to the Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore later this year, the Vatican announced Friday.
The pope warned “the throwaway culture” turns into “a culture of death” when people “presume to be able to establish ... when a life has value and is worth being lived.”
“A Christian without courage, who does not turn his own strength to good, who does not bother anyone, is a useless Christian,” the pope declared.
“Every living encounter with Jesus enables us to have more life,” Pope Francis said in his reflection.
Pope Francis has transferred the Bishop who has been serving as Local Ordinary of Constantine-Hippone Diocese in Algeria to shepherd Tunis Archdiocese in the North African nation of Tunisia.
The Holy Father “assures everyone affected by this disaster of his heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness,” a Vatican telegram said.
Francis related that he had “a very beautiful visit with him when some cardinals came to see him, surprised by my words about marriage, and he was very clear with them.”
The Holy See Press Office announced Tuesday that the new document, titled Dignitas Infinita (“Infinite Dignity”) (On Human Dignity), will debut April 8.
Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of April is that the dignity and worth of women be recognized throughout the world.
“Brothers, sisters, the joy of the Resurrection is not something far away. It is very close; it is ours because it was given to us on the day of our baptism.”
“The idea was to block the election of [Ratzinger],” Pope Francis explained.
In his Easter Sunday blessing, Pope Francis asked the risen Lord to open paths of peace in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and all regions suffering from violence.