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Cardinal Becciu: Vatican court convicts former Pope adviser of financial crimes

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Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former trusted adviser to Pope Francis, has been handed a five-and-a-half-year jail sentence by a Vatican court, marking a historic moment as the most senior Vatican official ever to face such charges. The trial centered around a controversial London property deal that resulted in substantial financial losses for the Catholic Church. Becciu, once considered a potential papal candidate, vehemently denied allegations of embezzlement and abuse of office throughout the proceedings. The verdict also involved nine other defendants, each facing convictions on some charges and acquittals on others, highlighting the complex nature of the case.

The trial, spanning two and a half years, laid bare internal conflicts and intrigue within the highest ranks of the Vatican. The focus of the proceedings was a building located not in the Vatican or Rome but in affluent Chelsea, London—60 Sloane Avenue, a former Harrod’s warehouse. The Vatican’s Secretariat of State invested over €200 million in acquiring a 45% stake in the property in 2014, with plans for luxury apartments. By 2018, the decision was made to purchase the property outright, involving an additional €150 million investment. Cardinal Becciu, as the Vatican’s Substitute for General Affairs at the time, allegedly approved the entire deal. The charges against Becciu and others included various financial crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office, creating a complex narrative of financial impropriety within the secretive world of the Holy See.

Becciu’s lawyer, Fabio Viglione, promptly announced plans to appeal the verdict, reiterating his client’s innocence. Despite the conviction, Becciu maintains his denial of any wrongdoing. The trial not only underscores the unique circumstances of a Cardinal facing such legal scrutiny within the Vatican but also serves as a pivotal test for Pope Francis’s ongoing efforts to reform and address financial irregularities within the Catholic Church. The outcome may carry significant implications for Pope Francis’s legacy as a reformer, as he seeks to navigate and cleanse the Vatican’s finances of longstanding scandals that have plagued previous papacies.

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Transgender people can be baptised and be godparents, Vatican says

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According to recent announcements from the Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Catholic Church is allowing transgender individuals to be baptized, serve as godparents at a baptism, and act as witnesses at weddings, as long as these actions do not cause scandal or confusion among the faithful. This updated stance reflects Pope Francis’s efforts to create a more inclusive environment for LGBT individuals within the Church. The decision was prompted by inquiries from Brazilian Bishop José Negri, with the response signed by the head of the dicastery, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, and approved by Pope Francis.

Regarding baptism, the document emphasizes that transgender individuals, even those who have undergone hormone treatment and gender reassignment surgery, may be baptized under the same conditions as other believers, provided that their baptism does not result in public scandal or disorientation among the faithful.

The guidance also addresses other questions raised by Bishop Negri. It allows for transgender individuals who have undergone hormone treatment and gender reassignment surgery to serve as godparents, but acknowledges that priests may refuse this request if there is a risk of scandal or disorientation within the Church community.

Furthermore, the Vatican’s response suggests that the decision to baptize a child of same-sex parents or those who use a surrogate mother should be based on the expectation that the child would be raised within the Catholic faith. Similarly, it suggests that individuals in same-sex relationships can serve as godparents at a Church baptism if they lead a life that adheres to the teachings of the faith.

This announcement builds upon Pope Francis’s recent statements indicating a more compassionate approach towards LGBT individuals within the Church, including the possibility of priests blessing same-sex couples. However, the Church still maintains its position that same-sex relationships are considered “objectively sinful” and does not recognize same-sex marriage.

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Pope Hints at Possibility of Catholic Church Blessing Same-Sex Couples

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Pope Francis has hinted at a more inclusive approach within the Catholic Church, suggesting that it could bless same-sex couples. In response to a request from a group of cardinals for clarity on the issue, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of “pastoral charity” when considering such requests. He expressed the need to avoid being judgmental and exclusionary, stating that the Church should not solely be focused on denial and rejection.

However, Pope Francis reiterated the Church’s stance that same-sex relationships are considered “objectively sinful,” and he reaffirmed that the Church would not recognize same-sex marriage. This delicate balance between compassion and adherence to traditional doctrine reflects the ongoing debate within the Catholic Church regarding LGBTQ+ issues.

While some bishops in countries like Belgium and Germany have allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, the overall position of Church authorities remains unclear. In 2021, the Vatican’s doctrinal office ruled against such blessings, but Pope Francis’s recent comments seem to suggest a more nuanced approach.

He emphasized the importance of discernment and suggested that blessings for same-sex couples should be considered on a case-by-case basis. This statement implies a potential shift toward greater inclusivity within the Church while still upholding its traditional teachings on marriage. Pope Francis emphasized the need for kindness, patience, understanding, tenderness, and encouragement in the Church’s relationships with people, signaling a desire for a more compassionate and open-minded approach to LGBTQ+ issues within Catholicism.

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Pope Francis Acknowledges Migration as a Reality, Calls for Action During Visit to France

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During a visit to the southern French city of Marseille, Pope Francis urged European nations to display increased tolerance towards migrants. Speaking at a gathering of bishops and young people from Mediterranean countries, the Pope emphasized that those risking their lives at sea should not be seen as invaders.

French President Emmanuel Macron was present during his address. The call comes amidst renewed debate on migration following mass arrivals on Italy’s Lampedusa island last week. Pope Francis stressed that migration is not an emergency but a reality that requires a wise and European response.

He also advocated for legal and regular entry routes for migrants, particularly those fleeing war, hunger, and poverty, emphasizing the duty of humanity to rescue those attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

The Pope’s visit to Marseille marked the first by a pope to the city in 500 years and included discussions on migration, economic inequality, and climate change.

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Polish Family Who Sheltered Jews Nominated for Beatification

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In Poland, a beatification Mass ceremony was held to honor a Catholic family killed by Nazis for hiding Jews during World War II. Over 30,000 pilgrims and Poland’s president attended the outdoor service, led by an envoy of Pope Francis. This marked the first time an entire family has been beatified, a significant step toward sainthood.

The Ulma family, consisting of Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma and their six children, hid eight Jews in their farmhouse in Markowa, southeastern Poland, driven by their Christian values during late 1942. Among those sheltered were Saul Goldman and his sons, Baruch, Mechel, Joachim, and Mojzesz, as well as Golda Grunfeld, Lea Didner, and her daughter Reszla, as documented by Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance.

Contrary to Nazi-occupied western Europe, aiding Jews in occupied Poland carried a penalty of immediate execution. In 1944, it is believed that a Polish police officer betrayed the Ulma family, leading to their capture. German gendarmes killed the Jews hidden in the attic and then executed the Ulma family, including Wiktoria, who was seven months pregnant, in front of their young children, the eldest of whom was eight, and the youngest, just 18 months old. Subsequently, members of the Polish underground resistance executed the police officer responsible for the family’s betrayal.

The outdoor Mass on Sunday was presided over by Pope Francis’ envoy, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro. During the ceremony in Markowa, the Pope referred to the Ulma family as a “ray of light” amid the darkness of war and called for applause in St. Peter’s Square. President Andrzej Duda expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for the extraordinary beatification of the entire family, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the historical truth about that era.

In 1995, Israel’s Yad Vashem recognized Jozef and Wiktoria as “Righteous Among the Nations,” and the beatification process began in 2003. Beatification is a significant step in the Catholic Church toward canonization or sainthood, signifying that those beatified are deemed “blessed” and deserving of public veneration.

Poland was home to Europe’s largest Jewish community in 1939, and more Poles (over 7,000) have been honored by Israel for aiding Jews during the war than any other nationality. However, it’s important to note that some Poles also participated in the persecution and murder of Jews under the brutal Nazi occupation. Approximately six million Polish citizens lost their lives during the war, with half of them being Jews.

Prominent members of the Polish government, including Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, attended the Mass. The government has faced accusations of attempting to reshape historical narratives by emphasizing Polish suffering at the hands of the Nazis and the aid provided to Jewish neighbors while suppressing research into cases of Poles who committed crimes against the country’s Jewish population.

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Pope Holds Meeting with Clerical Sexual Abuse Survivors in Portugal

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During his five-day visit to Portugal, Pope Francis held a private meeting with victims of clerical sexual abuse. The Vatican described the gathering, which took place on Wednesday, as an occasion of intense listening. A recent report revealed that at least 4,815 children in Portugal had suffered abuse, and the Church had attempted to systematically cover up the issue.

At an evening service in Lisbon, Pope Francis acknowledged the need for the Church to heed the anguished cries of the victims. He emphasized the importance of a continual process of purification in response to the scandal, which had also led to a growing detachment from practicing the faith among believers.

The meeting was conducted at the Holy See’s diplomatic mission in Portugal and included 13 abuse survivors, lasting for over an hour. Representatives from the Portuguese Church responsible for protecting minors also attended the meeting.

In February, an independent commission established by the Catholic Church in Portugal released a report documenting the experiences of 564 individuals who reported abuse by priests or other Church figures. This study, similar to audits conducted in other regions, covered cases dating back to 1950 and suggested that the actual number of victims could be much higher.

The Pope’s visit to Portugal coincided with World Youth Day, a week-long event organized by the Church every few years in different cities worldwide, celebrating religious and cultural activities.

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Pope Francis, 86, to have abdominal surgery

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Pope Francis is scheduled to undergo abdominal surgery for a hernia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Wednesday afternoon. The Vatican has stated that he is expected to remain in the hospital for several days to recover from the operation.

The hernia has been causing recurrent and worsening symptoms, leading to the decision for surgical intervention. The Pope has experienced various health issues in recent years and relies on a cane and wheelchair due to a persistent knee ailment.

His medical team determined that surgery was necessary, and the procedure will involve a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery under general anesthesia. Pope Francis carried out his regular audience earlier on Wednesday without mentioning the upcoming operation.

This follows a scheduled check-up at the same hospital the day before, as well as a previous hospitalization in March for a lung infection. In 2021, he had part of his colon removed to address a painful bowel condition, and he recently disclosed that the issue had returned.

Despite his health challenges, the Pope remains committed to his role and has dismissed any notions of resignation. He is generally regarded as having been in good health during his tenure as the head of the Catholic Church and maintains a busy schedule, with upcoming visits planned to Portugal and Mongolia in August.

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Ukraine’s Zelensky in Rome to meet Pope Francis

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently on a visit to Rome, where he is scheduled to meet with political leaders and have an audience with Pope Francis. Zelensky expressed his anticipation for the visit, calling it an important step towards Ukraine’s victory.

The visit includes meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, followed by a visit to the Vatican on Saturday. In preparation for the visit, a significant security operation has been initiated, involving the deployment of over 1,000 police officers and the establishment of a no-fly zone over Rome.

Pope Francis has consistently expressed his willingness to act as a mediator in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Just a few weeks ago, he mentioned that the Vatican was working on a peace plan to end the war, although the details have not been made public yet.

The relationship between Ukraine and the Vatican has not always been smooth, as demonstrated by the Ukrainian ambassador’s rare criticism of the Pope in August. The ambassador took issue with the Pope referring to Darya Dugina, the daughter of a Russian ultra-nationalist, who was killed by a car bomb, as an “innocent” victim of war.

This meeting between President Zelensky and Pope Francis holds particular significance as it takes place in the context of Russia’s recent air strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The attacks caused injuries and damage to critical infrastructure, residential areas, and government buildings. In response, Ukrainian forces reported progress near the city of Bakhmut.

Explosions were also reported in the Russian-occupied city of Luhansk, with accusations that Kyiv used Storm Shadow missiles, which the UK claimed to have supplied to Ukraine earlier in the week. Further reports of blasts in Luhansk emerged on Saturday.

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Pope Francis warns pets must not replace children in Italy

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Pope Francis has expressed concern about the increasing difficulty of starting a family in Italy, stating that it has become a significant challenge that only the wealthy can afford. Speaking at a conference on Italy’s demographic crisis, he noted that pets are replacing children in many households. The country has one of the lowest fertility rates in the European Union, with births dropping to a new low of below 400,000 last year. The Pope attributed this decline to a lack of hope among younger generations, who face uncertainty, fragility, and precariousness due to difficulties in finding stable jobs, high rents, and insufficient wages.

The Pope shared an incident where a woman asked him to bless her baby, only to reveal a small dog instead. Expressing his frustration, he questioned why someone would prioritize a pet over hungry children. This remark received applause from the audience.

Italy is not the only country experiencing a decline in birth rates. Japan, South Korea, Puerto Rico, and Portugal are among the nations facing similar challenges. However, Italy’s situation is particularly worrisome due to its status as the third-largest country in the eurozone. The country could lose almost 20% of its population by 2050 while simultaneously facing a rapidly aging population, as evidenced by the tripling number of centenarians over the past two decades.

The shrinking population is a major concern, with experts warning that it could lead to the impoverishment of the nation. Italy’s Economy Minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti, predicts that the declining birth rate will result in an 18% reduction in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2042.

Several factors contribute to the declining birth rate in Italy. Young people face difficulties in finding stable employment, and the childcare support system is often inadequate, making it challenging for mothers to balance work and family life. Additionally, six out of ten mothers lack access to nurseries, and many pregnant women face resignations or dismissals from their jobs upon pregnancy.

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Pope Francis urges Hungarians to ‘open doors’ to migrants

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Pope Francis has called on Hungary and its leaders to open their doors to migrants during his visit to the country. Speaking at an open-air mass in Budapest, he expressed his disappointment that doors were being closed to those who were different.

Despite Hungary’s anti-immigration stance, up to 100,000 people, including Prime Minister Viktor Orban, attended the mass. Pope Francis urged everyone, especially those with political and social responsibilities, to be more open towards migrants and the poor. During the mass, he also prayed for peace between Ukraine and Russia, who are currently at war.

On his flight back home, Pope Francis disclosed that the Vatican was involved in a peace mission to put an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia, though he did not reveal the details of the mission yet. He also expressed his willingness to assist in the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia since the invasion.

During his three-day visit to Hungary, Pope Francis discussed the conflict in Ukraine with Prime Minister Viktor Orban and a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Pope’s visit to Hungary was his first since he became Pope 10 years ago, and it was driven by his support for Catholics and concern over the war in Ukraine.

Hungary shares a border with Ukraine, and Prime Minister Orban has maintained relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, refusing to support military aid for Ukraine unlike other leaders of the European Union. During his visit, the Pope met with people from all walks of life, including youths, the poor, politicians, and academics.

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