Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
Pope Francis: At the end of a year of pandemic, 'we praise you, God'
Dec 31, 2020 / 10:20 amPope Francis explained Thursday why the Catholic Church gives thanks to God at the close of a calendar year, even years that have been marked by tragedy, such as 2020’s coronavirus pandemic.
'Painful sciatica' prevents Pope Francis from attending Vatican's New Year's liturgies
Dec 31, 2020 / 09:20 amBecause of sciatic pain, Pope Francis will not preside at the Vatican's liturgies on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, according to the Holy See press office.
Vatican COVID-19 commission promotes vaccine access for the vulnerable
Dec 29, 2020 / 13:27 pmThe Vatican’s COVID-19 commission said Tuesday it is working to help promote fair access to the coronavirus vaccine, especially for those who are most vulnerable.
Pope Francis appoints Bishop Dermot Farrell as head of Dublin archdiocese
Dec 29, 2020 / 10:06 amPope Francis Tuesday named theologian Bishop Dermot Farrell of Ossory, Ireland, as the next archbishop of Dublin.
As Christmas nears, Catholic priest sees ‘signs of hope’ at COVID hospital in Rome
Dec 18, 2020 / 04:00 amA Catholic chaplain at a COVID hospital in Rome said he has seen many reasons for hope this Advent, especially in the dedication of medical workers who give their all to save the lives of coronavirus patients.
Vatican permits priests to say up to four Masses on Christmas Day
Dec 17, 2020 / 13:00 pmThe Vatican’s liturgy congregation will permit priests to say up to four Masses on Christmas Day, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Jan. 1, and Epiphany to accommodate more worshippers amid the pandemic.
Council for the Economy discusses Vatican pension fund
Dec 17, 2020 / 12:00 pmThe Council for the Economy held an online meeting this week to discuss several challenges to Vatican finances, including the city state's pension fund.
Mini Pope Francis featured in Vatican’s annual 100 nativity scenes display
Dec 16, 2020 / 13:00 pmAmong the novelties of this year’s “100 Nativity Scenes at the Vatican” exhibit is the inclusion of a miniature Pope Francis honoring the Christ Child.
Blood of St. Januarius fails to liquefy on December feast
Dec 16, 2020 / 12:00 pmIn Naples, the blood of St. Januarius remained solid Wednesday, after having liquefied both in May and September this year.
‘It doesn’t embarrass us’: Art teacher defends Vatican’s much-maligned nativity scene
Dec 15, 2020 / 14:00 pmA teacher at the art institute where the Vatican’s much-maligned nativity scene was made has responded to its critics.
Pope Francis to agricultural sector: Seek solidarity, not just profit
Dec 15, 2020 / 07:00 amThose who work in agriculture should consider the relationship between Creator, man, and nature, and strive to operate on a paradigm of solidarity, not profit alone, Pope Francis said Tuesday.
As Italy hits record low births, is there a future for the family?
Dec 15, 2020 / 04:00 amWhat is causing the 50 years of steady decline in births across Europe, and especially in Italy, and is there any hope of reversing the trend?
Bishops in northeast Italy permit general absolution at Christmas due to pandemic
Dec 14, 2020 / 12:55 pmCatholic bishops in northeast Italy have said that the risk of illness amid the ongoing pandemic constitutes a grave necessity permitting priests to confer the Sacrament of Reconciliation under the “third form,” also called general absolution, before and during the Christmas season.
Pope Francis: Christian joy is not easy, but with Jesus it is possible
Dec 13, 2020 / 06:25 amArriving at Christian joy is no cakewalk, but if we put Jesus at the center of our lives, it is possible to have a joyful faith, Pope Francis said on Sunday.
Vatican committed to net zero emissions by 2050, Pope Francis says
Dec 12, 2020 / 09:00 amPope Francis urged Saturday the adoption of a "climate of care," and said the Vatican City State is committed to reducing its net emissions to zero by 2050.
Pope Francis: Art which transmits truth and beauty gives joy
Dec 12, 2020 / 06:45 amWhen truth and beauty are transmitted in art, it fills the heart with joy and hope, Pope Francis told a group of performers on Saturday.
Pope Francis: The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe points us to God
Dec 12, 2020 / 05:00 amThe Virgin Mary teaches us about God’s gift, abundance, and blessing, Pope Francis said Saturday on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Spain’s Catholic bishops: Fast and pray against legalization of euthanasia
Dec 11, 2020 / 08:00 amThe Catholic bishops of Spain called Thursday for a day of fasting and prayer ahead of the expected approval of a bill to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide in the country.
Belgium allows 15 people at Mass in ‘slight easing’ of public worship ban
Dec 11, 2020 / 04:00 amThe government of Belgium has agreed to ease restrictions on Mass celebrated with the public beginning Dec. 13, permitting a maximum of 15 people to participate in the liturgy.
Is the rare ‘Christmas Star’ visible this December the Star of Bethlehem?
Dec 10, 2020 / 13:00 pmThe “Great Conjunction” of Jupiter and Saturn taking place this month -- dubbed the “Christmas Star” -- is a pretty sight, but it is impossible to know for sure if it has any connection to the Star of Bethlehem, a Vatican astronomer said.