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Advent Vatican

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.

Vatican

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

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.

Canon Law Vatican

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.

Jubilee 2025 Vatican

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.

Funeral Vatican

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.

History Vatican

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.

Digital Life Vatican

Vatican, Microsoft unveil AI-generated ‘digital twin’ of St Peter’s

To enrich people’s experience of the Holy Year either in Rome or at home, the Vatican has partnered with Microsoft to create an AI-powered “digital twin” of St Peter’s Basilica, offering immersive virtual views, a new app and interactive features. Source: CNS.

Vatican

Pope appoints Italian Capuchin as papal preacher

Pope Francis appointed a new preacher of the papal household: a 53-year-old Italian Capuchin priest who discovered his vocation while reading a free copy of St Matthew’s Gospel on the subway. Source: NCR Online.