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Vatican employees with three children to get monthly ‘baby bonus’
At Pope Francis’ request, the Vatican will now pay a monthly bonus of 300 euros ($497) per family to employees of the city-state who have three or more children, giving credibility to his frequent warnings about countries’ low fertility rates. Source: CNA.
Vatican cracks down on illegal entry into its territory
The Vatican City State has toughened sanctions for those who try to illegally enter its territory in areas where free access is not allowed. Source: CNA.
Vatican nativity scene removed after backlash
In the wake of global controversy over a Nativity scene displayed at the Vatican showing the infant Jesus resting upon a Palestinian keffiyeh, widely seen as a pro-Palestinian statement, that set has been removed. Source: Crux.
Pope, cardinal advisers discuss collegiality and role of women in the Church
During two days of meetings, Pope Francis and his closest cardinal advisers discussed the relationship between local churches and other institutional Church assemblies, a main topic of discussion to come out of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality. Source: NCR Online.
Vatican ‘finds’ file on teenager missing for 40 years
The Vatican’s chief prosecutor has confirmed that despite prior denials, the Vatican does possess a confidential file on the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi, the so-called “Vatican girl” who went missing over 40 years ago. Source: CNA.
Vatican considers making ‘spiritual abuse’ a crime in Church law
The Vatican may make “spiritual abuse” a formalised crime in Church law, rather than merely an aggravating circumstance of other crimes. Source: CNA.
Webcams open door to virtual pilgrims
To help people who cannot travel to Rome but want to pray at the tomb of St Peter and cross the threshold of the Holy Door, St Peter’s Basilica is installing new webcams. Source: CNS.
Pope approves simplified rites for papal funeral and burial
Pope Francis, who will celebrate his 88th birthday in December, has approved simplified liturgical rites for the death of a pontiff. Source: NCR Online.
Pope moves part of Vatican library to Rome seminary
Pope Francis has called for the expansion of the Vatican library and archives to a building outside Vatican City to make more “available this precious patrimony”. Source: CNA.