Pope Benedict’s pectoral cross still missing as thief faces prison sentence
The man arrested for the theft of a pectoral cross bequeathed by the late Pope Benedict XVI to a parish in his native Bavaria is now facing time behind bars. According to CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner, the Traunstein district court on Monday sentenced a 53-year-old Czech citizen to two years and six months […]
The Historical Origins of Veronicas Veil: Inside the Cloth Relic of Jesus Holy Face Wiped on Calvary
In Vatican City, on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, an extraordinary liturgy takes place at St. Peter’s Basilica: the display of a revered relic known as “Veronica’s Veil.” This relic is deeply tied to the Stations of the Cross, depicting a moment where a woman named Veronica wipes Jesus’ face with a cloth as he […]
Assisi: A New Hope for Peace
In the Land of the Lord, as in the whole world, peace is urgently needed. Amid the chaos of war, a beacon of hope emerges in the serene city of Assisi. This light, born of deep friendship, is fuelled by the shared experience of individuals of different faiths coming together in search of meaning and […]
Vatican Unveils the Holy Lance: A Solemn Tribute to the Soldier of Faith, Saint Longinus
The Holy Lance, also known as the Lance of Longinus, holds a significant place in Christian tradition as the weapon believed to have pierced the side of Jesus during his crucifixion. Tradition holds that the Vatican Basilica has the jealous custody of a relic that is part of the Holy Lance. The Gospel of John […]
Discover the Italian city of Terni, the hometown of Saint Valentine
For centuries, February 14 has been synonymous with love and affection, largely thanks to St. Valentine, a 3rd-century martyr whose life and deeds are celebrated worldwide. EWTN correspondent Colm Flynn journeys to Terni, Italy, exploring how this small city honors its patron saint and the essence of love he represents. Hometown of Saint Valentine: Terni, […]
What is the papal blessing known as Urbi et Orbi?
What is the papal blessing known as “Urbi et Orbi”? “Urbi et Orbi” literally means “to the city (of Rome) and to the world” and refers to the papal blessing that is extended to the whole world on different occasions. The Pontiff usually gives this special blessing from the balcony of the central façade of […]
Pope Francis removes Caritas Internationalis leaders, appoints temporary administrator
Pope Francis on Tuesday removed the entire leadership of an international confederation of charities and appointed a temporary administrator to improve the organization’s management. Pope Francis issued a decree Nov. 22 appointing Pier Francesco Pinelli, an Italian management consultant, as temporary administrator of Caritas Internationalis (CI). With the same ordinance, the pope said the positions […]
Pope Francis chooses papal ambassador to lead Dicastery for the Eastern Churches
Pope Francis on Monday appointed a papal ambassador and expert in Eastern languages and literature to lead the Vatican Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, 67, has been apostolic nuncio to Great Britain since July 2020. The Italian was undersecretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches from 1997 to 2001, before beginning […]
Pope Francis: What is spiritual consolation? The saints explain
Pope Francis used the example of several Catholic saints to explain the concept of spiritual consolation during his weekly audience on Wednesday. “What is spiritual consolation?” he said Nov. 23. “It is a profound experience of interior joy, consisting in seeing God’s presence in everything. It strengthens faith and hope, and even the ability of […]
What is behind the changes at Caritas Internationalis?
Why did Pope Francis dismiss the entire leadership of the Church’s worldwide charity arm Tuesday? What role will Pier Francesco Pinelli play as temporary administrator of Caritas Internationalis, appointed by papal decree on Nov. 22? A key date to understanding the move and how it aligns with the pope’s broader reforms is Oct. 15, 2022. […]