Archive for December 17, 2021

Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 24, 2020.?w=200&h=150

By CNA Staff

10 things that Pope Francis wants us to learn from the nativity scene

The tradition was born in an unassuming town in 1223. Read more

Pope Francis at his general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Dec. 15, 2021?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

4 things to know about Pope Francis on his 85th birthday

The pope never lets his birthday get in the way of regular business. Read more

Pope Francis meets with refugees whom he helped to bring to Italy on his 85th birthday, Dec. 17, 2021.?w=200&h=150

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis celebrates his 85th birthday with refugees he helped bring to Italy

The group of about ten refugees are being supported directly by Pope Francis. Read more

Pope Francis received the credential letters of seven new ambassadors to the Holy See on Dec. 17, 2021.?w=200&h=150

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis: Vaccine access is a matter of justice

The pope told new ambassadors that the ongoing pandemic is a reminder that “we are a global community where one... Read more

Giotto's Nativity fresco projected on the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.?w=200&h=150

By Courtney Mares

Assisi is illuminated with Giotto’s frescoes this Christmas season

Assisi debuted its Giotto Christmas light display in December 2020, but Italy’s coronavirus restrictions last year prevented people from visiting. Read more

Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, in London, England, on March 14, 2011. Credit: Mazur/catholicchurch.org.uk.?w=200&h=150

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Vatican insiders: Reports of Cardinal Peter Turkson's resignation 'credible'

Various Vatican sources told CNA that a recent report by a traditionalist blog claiming that Cardinal Peter Turkson was set... Read more

Cardinal George Pell gives an interview to EWTN News in Rome, Italy, on Dec. 9, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.?w=200&h=150

By Christine Rousselle

Cardinal Pell to Becciu: What was that $2M payment actually for?

Cardinal George Pell says that he does not harbor any ill will toward the man whose sexual assault accusation sent... Read more

A pieta painting, "Moma," by artist Kelly Latimore, was displayed outside the law school chapel at The Catholic University of America since February 2021. It was stolen on Nov. 23, 2021, and a copy was stolen in December.?w=200&h=150

By Joe Bukuras

Second 'George Floyd' Christ was stolen from Catholic University

A second pieta displayed at the Catholic University of America’s law school that some see as depicting George Floyd in... Read more

Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield in Illinois?w=200&h=150

By Jonah McKeown

Bishop Paprocki: Illinois repeal of parental notice abortion law 'a dark and disgraceful moment'

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed a repeal of the state’s Parental Notice of Abortion Act, a move which... Read more

Latest news

According to Venerable English College, during the Catholic persecution in England, students would gather around the “Martyrs’ Picture” in the chapel to sing the Te Deum — a Latin hymn of thanksgiving — whenever news reached Rome of the martyrdom of a former student. This custom continues today on Martyrs’ Day, Dec. 1, when the relics of the martyrs, preserved beneath the altar, are venerated by the students.

English seminary in Rome commemorates Martyrs’ Day on St. Ralph Sherwin’s feast

Smoke of war rises over a residential area in Aleppo. On Dec. 1, 2024, the Franciscan complex of the Terra Santa College in Aleppo was hit by a strike. No casualties were reported.

As Aleppo’s Christians face new ordeal, Church leaders call for courage and faith

The Reverend Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas.

Vatican suppresses Carmelite monastery following long-running controversy

Attendees including workers of reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral gather during a speech by French President Emmanuel Macron (center) in the nave of the cathedral in Paris on Nov. 29, 2024.

U.S. churches to ring bells for reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral

The Holy Father's Dec. 2, 2024, letter to Catholics in Nicaragua comes at a critical time for the country.

Pope Francis to Nicaraguan Catholics: Faith and hope work miracles

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Charismatic Renewal in Spain accepts bishops’ ‘intergenerational healing’ guidance

Children welcome the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, upon his entrance into Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. The custos’ entry was festive, but at the same time, it was impossible to ignore the echoes of war. The children were holding signs with messages of peace and solidarity for those suffering due to the war.

PHOTOS: Holy Land Christians begin another Advent in the midst of war

Christmas tree and Nativity scene in Faraya's Public Square, a town in the Keserwan District of Mount Lebanon, in November 2024.

Vandals target Nativity scene in Lebanon

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Republicans introduce bill to define ‘male’ and ‘female’ based on biological differences

Team Saint Paul schedules frequent adoration for soldiers at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Military archdiocese launches initiative to build Catholic communities on military bases

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