In a first, Pope Francis on Saturday implicitly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine and launching a “savage” war.

"From the east of Europe, from the land of the sunrise, the dark shadows of war have now spread. We had thought that invasions of other countries, savage street fighting and atomic threats were grim memories of a distant past," he said.

''However, the icy winds of war, which bring only death, destruction and hatred in their wake, have swept down powerfully upon the lives of many people and affected us all," Francis said.

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"Once again, some potentate, sadly caught up in anachronistic claims of nationalist interests, is provoking and fomenting conflicts, whereas ordinary people sense the need to build a future that, will either be shared, or not be at all," he said, without mentioning Putin by name.

Blasting Russia’s ''infantile'' war, Pope said the clash of interests and ideologies had "re-emerged powerfully in the seductions of autocracy, new forms of imperialism (and) widespread aggressiveness."

When he was asked by a reporter whether a visit to Kyiv was still possible. The 85-year-old replied, "Yes, it's on the table."

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Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko had written a letter to the pope on March 8 saying Francis' presence in the capital "is key for saving lives and paving the path to peace in our city, country and beyond."

"We appeal to you, as a spiritual leader, to show your compassion, to stand with the Ukrainian people by jointly spreading the call for peace," wrote Klitschko.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/aerorozvidka-how-ukraines-elite-it-force-halted-russias-long-mechanised-brigade-eyeing-kyiv-467687" hreflang="en">Aerorozvidka: How Ukraine's elite IT force halted Russia's long mechanised brigade eyeing Kyiv</a>

The Vatican tends to not call out aggressors in hopes of keeping open options for dialogue. It had offered itself as a potential mediator but to date has been largely left on the diplomatic sidelines.

This was the pope's most pointed and personalised denunciation yet of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

"May you always cultivate legality and transparency, which will enable the eradication of corruption and criminality," the pope said.

Moscow denies targeting civilians in the action it launched on February 24, which it dubs a "special military operation." It claims that this operations is not designed to occupy territory but to demilitarise and "denazify" its neighbour. 
(With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Pope Francis on Saturday implicitly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine and launching a “savage” war. "From the east of Europe, from the land of the sunrise, the dark shadows of war have now spread.

In a first, Pope Francis on Saturday implicitly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine and launching a “savage” war. "From the east of Europe, from the land of the sunrise, the dark shadows of war have now spread. We had thought that invasions of other countries, savage street fighting and atomic threats were grim memories of a distant past," he said. ''However, the icy winds of war, which bring only death, destruction and hatred in their wake, have swept down powerfully upon the lives of many people and affected us all," Francis said. "Once again, some potentate, sadly caught up in anachronistic claims of nationalist interests, is provoking and fomenting conflicts, whereas ordinary people sense the need to build a future that, will either be shared, or not be at all," he said, without mentioning Putin by name. Blasting Russia’s ''infantile'' war, Pope said the clash of interests and ideologies had "re-emerged powerfully in the seductions of autocracy, new forms of imperialism (and) widespread aggressiveness." When he was asked by a reporter whether a visit to Kyiv was still possible. The 85-year-old replied, "Yes, it's on the table." Also read | Ukraine's economy could contract 40% in 2022 due to Russian invasion Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko had written a letter to the pope on March 8 saying Francis' presence in the capital "is key for saving lives and paving the path to peace in our city, country and beyond." "We appeal to you, as a spiritual leader, to show your compassion, to stand with the Ukrainian people by jointly spreading the call for peace," wrote Klitschko. Also see | Aerorozvidka: How Ukraine's elite IT force halted Russia's long mechanised brigade eyeing Kyiv The Vatican tends to not call out aggressors in hopes of keeping open options for dialogue. It had offered itself as a potential mediator but to date has been largely left on the diplomatic sidelines. This was the pope's most pointed and personalised denunciation yet of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. "May you always cultivate legality and transparency, which will enable the eradication of corruption and criminality," the pope said. Moscow denies targeting civilians in the action it launched on February 24, which it dubs a "special military operation." It claims that this operations is not designed to occupy territory but to demilitarise and "denazify" its neighbour. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion: Pope Francis implicitly criticises Putin for 'savage' war

Pope Francis on Sunday warned of a global conflict arising from war in Ukraine which, he said, had capacity to wipe out humankind from the face of the Earth.&nbsp;

More than a month has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, since the start of this cruel and senseless war, which, like every war, is a defeat for everyone, for all of us," he said to thousands of people in St. Peter's Square for his Sunday blessing.

"We must repudiate war, a place of death where fathers and mothers bury their children, where men kill their brothers without even seeing them, where the powerful decide and the poor die," he said.

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The war in Ukraine was destroying the country's future, he said, citing a statistic that half of the country's children had to flee the country.

"That is the bestiality of war, something that is barbarous and sacrilegious," he said, urging his listeners not to consider war as inevitable or something to get used to.

"If we emerge from this (war) the same as we were before, we will all be in some way guilty. Faced with the danger of self-destruction, humanity must understand that the time has come to abolish war, to cancel it from the history of man before it cancels man from history," he said.

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Since Russia invaded its neighbour on Feb. 24, Francis has several times spoken of a possible nuclear conflict.

"I beg every politician involved to reflect on this, to make a commitment, and, looking at martyred Ukraine, to understand that every day of war worsens the situation for everyone," he said.

"Enough! Stop! Let the weapons fall silent. Negotiate seriously for peace," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday warned of a global conflict arising from war in Ukraine which, he said, had capacity to wipe out humankind from the face of the Earth. More than a month has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, since the start of this cruel and senseless war, which, like every war, is a defeat for everyone, for all of us," he said to thousands of people in St.

Pope Francis on Sunday warned of a global conflict arising from war in Ukraine which, he said, had capacity to wipe out humankind from the face of the Earth. More than a month has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, since the start of this cruel and senseless war, which, like every war, is a defeat for everyone, for all of us," he said to thousands of people in St. Peter's Square for his Sunday blessing. "We must repudiate war, a place of death where fathers and mothers bury their children, where men kill their brothers without even seeing them, where the powerful decide and the poor die," he said. Also Read: If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump The war in Ukraine was destroying the country's future, he said, citing a statistic that half of the country's children had to flee the country. "That is the bestiality of war, something that is barbarous and sacrilegious," he said, urging his listeners not to consider war as inevitable or something to get used to. "If we emerge from this (war) the same as we were before, we will all be in some way guilty. Faced with the danger of self-destruction, humanity must understand that the time has come to abolish war, to cancel it from the history of man before it cancels man from history," he said. Also Read: Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' Since Russia invaded its neighbour on Feb. 24, Francis has several times spoken of a possible nuclear conflict. "I beg every politician involved to reflect on this, to make a commitment, and, looking at martyred Ukraine, to understand that every day of war worsens the situation for everyone," he said. "Enough! Stop! Let the weapons fall silent. Negotiate seriously for peace," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis warns of a global conflict over Ukraine war

Pope Francis has approved a new constitution for the Vatican's central administration, known as the Curia, which states that any baptised lay Catholic can lead Vatican ministries, including women.

Male clergy, usually cardinals, have led most Vatican offices.

Praedicate Evangelium (Preach the Gospel), the new 54-page constitution, took more than nine years to develop.

On the ninth anniversary of Francis' installation as Pope and the feast of St. Joseph, a key character in Francis' ministry, the document was released on Saturday.

It will take effect on June 5, replacing St John Paul II's founding constitution, Pastor Bonus, which was written in 1988.&nbsp;

One part of the preamble of the constitution says: "The pope, bishops and other ordained ministers are not the only evangelizers in the Church."&nbsp;

It adds that lay men and lay women "should have roles of government and responsibility".

"Any member of the faithful can head a dicastery (Curia department) or organism," according to the principles section, if the pope decides and instals them.

It doesn't differentiate between laymen and laywomen.

According to the 1988 constitution, departments were to be led by a cardinal or a bishop, with the assistance of a secretary, experts, and administrators.&nbsp; 
 
There is an estimated figure of 1.2 billion Catholics globally.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis has approved a new constitution for the Vatican's central administration, known as the Curia, which states that any baptised lay Catholic can lead Vatican ministries, including women.

Pope Francis has approved a new constitution for the Vatican's central administration, known as the Curia, which states that any baptised lay Catholic can lead Vatican ministries, including women. Male clergy, usually cardinals, have led most Vatican offices. Praedicate Evangelium (Preach the Gospel), the new 54-page constitution, took more than nine years to develop. On the ninth anniversary of Francis' installation as Pope and the feast of St. Joseph, a key character in Francis' ministry, the document was released on Saturday. It will take effect on June 5, replacing St John Paul II's founding constitution, Pastor Bonus, which was written in 1988. One part of the preamble of the constitution says: "The pope, bishops and other ordained ministers are not the only evangelizers in the Church." It adds that lay men and lay women "should have roles of government and responsibility". "Any member of the faithful can head a dicastery (Curia department) or organism," according to the principles section, if the pope decides and instals them. It doesn't differentiate between laymen and laywomen. According to the 1988 constitution, departments were to be led by a cardinal or a bishop, with the assistance of a secretary, experts, and administrators. There is an estimated figure of 1.2 billion Catholics globally. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis reforms Roman Curia with launch of Vatican constitution

Pope Francis on Sunday denounced Ukraine conflict&nbsp;as a "senseless massacre". He urged the leaders to stop "this repugnant war"

"The violent aggression against Ukraine is unfortunately not slowing down," he told about 30,0000 people in St. Peter's Square for his weekly Sunday address and blessing.

"It is a senseless massacre where every day slaughters and atrocities are being repeated," Francis said in his latest strong condemnation of the war, which has so far avoided mentioning Russia by name.

"There is no justification for this," he said.

Russia claims its invasion of Ukraine is a "special military operation. Moscow claims that the military action is not designed to occupy territory but to demilitarise Ukraine and purge it &nbsp;what it sees as dangerous nationalists. Francis has already rejected that terminology.

"I beg all the players in the international community to truly commit themselves to stopping this repugnant war," the pope said, drawing loud cheers and applause from the crowd.

"Even this week missiles and bombs hit civilians, the elderly, children and pregnant mothers," he said.

Russia denies targeting civilians.

Francis spoke about his visit on Saturday to a Rome hospital that is treating children wounded in Ukraine.

"One was missing an arm and another had a head wound," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday denounced Ukraine conflict as a "senseless massacre". He urged the leaders to stop "this repugnant war" "The violent aggression against Ukraine is unfortunately not slowing down," he told about 30,0000 people in St.

Pope Francis on Sunday denounced Ukraine conflict as a "senseless massacre". He urged the leaders to stop "this repugnant war" "The violent aggression against Ukraine is unfortunately not slowing down," he told about 30,0000 people in St. Peter's Square for his weekly Sunday address and blessing. "It is a senseless massacre where every day slaughters and atrocities are being repeated," Francis said in his latest strong condemnation of the war, which has so far avoided mentioning Russia by name. "There is no justification for this," he said. Russia claims its invasion of Ukraine is a "special military operation. Moscow claims that the military action is not designed to occupy territory but to demilitarise Ukraine and purge it what it sees as dangerous nationalists. Francis has already rejected that terminology. "I beg all the players in the international community to truly commit themselves to stopping this repugnant war," the pope said, drawing loud cheers and applause from the crowd. "Even this week missiles and bombs hit civilians, the elderly, children and pregnant mothers," he said. Russia denies targeting civilians. Francis spoke about his visit on Saturday to a Rome hospital that is treating children wounded in Ukraine. "One was missing an arm and another had a head wound," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope condemns 'slaughters and atrocities' taking place in Ukraine

Pope Francis on Friday decried the war in Ukraine terming it a "perverse abuse of power" waged for partisan interests and called for aid to Ukrainians who “have been attacked in their identity, history and tradition” and were “defending their land.”

Without naming Russia, Francis condemned the war during a message to a Catholic Church conference in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

“The tragedy of the war taking place in the heart of Europe has left us stunned,” he said, adding that few people would have imagined scenes similar to the two world wars in the 20th century.

“Once more humanity is threatened by a perverse abuse of power and partisan interests which condemns defenceless people to suffer every form of brutal violence,” he said, according to Reuters.

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The Pope also rejected the term “special military operation”—a phrase used by Russia which says that its intention is to demilitarise and “de-Nazify” its neighbour rather than occupying the territory.

“The blood and tears of children, the suffering of women and men who are defending their land or fleeing from bombardments shakes our conscience,” he said.

On&nbsp;March 16, the Pope held a video call with Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to reports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-not-had-unity-like-this-for-a-long-time-says-putin-at-a-concert-amid-ukraine-war-463574">We have not had unity like this for a long time, says Putin at a concert</a>

Kirill, 75, has made statements defending Moscow’s actions in Ukraine and sees the war as a bulwark against a West he considers decadent, particularly over the acceptance of homosexuality.

The Vatican said the Pope told Kirill: “The ones who pay the price of war are the people, the Russian soldiers and the people who are bombarded and die.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Friday decried the war in Ukraine terming it a "perverse abuse of power" waged for partisan interests and called for aid to Ukrainians who “have been attacked in their identity, history and tradition” and were “defending their land.

Pope Francis on Friday decried the war in Ukraine terming it a "perverse abuse of power" waged for partisan interests and called for aid to Ukrainians who “have been attacked in their identity, history and tradition” and were “defending their land.” Without naming Russia, Francis condemned the war during a message to a Catholic Church conference in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. “The tragedy of the war taking place in the heart of Europe has left us stunned,” he said, adding that few people would have imagined scenes similar to the two world wars in the 20th century. “Once more humanity is threatened by a perverse abuse of power and partisan interests which condemns defenceless people to suffer every form of brutal violence,” he said, according to Reuters. Also read | Ukraine war: Conflict in no one's interest, says President Xi to Biden The Pope also rejected the term “special military operation”—a phrase used by Russia which says that its intention is to demilitarise and “de-Nazify” its neighbour rather than occupying the territory. “The blood and tears of children, the suffering of women and men who are defending their land or fleeing from bombardments shakes our conscience,” he said. On March 16, the Pope held a video call with Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to reports. Also read | We have not had unity like this for a long time, says Putin at a concert Kirill, 75, has made statements defending Moscow’s actions in Ukraine and sees the war as a bulwark against a West he considers decadent, particularly over the acceptance of homosexuality. The Vatican said the Pope told Kirill: “The ones who pay the price of war are the people, the Russian soldiers and the people who are bombarded and die.” (With inputs from agencies)

Without naming Russia, Pope Francis decries 'perverse abuse of power' in Ukraine war

Pope Francis on Sunday deplored 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine and rejected Russia's assertion that it was just "a special military operation"

"In Ukraine rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not only a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction and misery," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square.

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However, as has been the case throughout the 11-day conflict, Francis did not publicly condemn Russia by name for its invasion.

Instead, he repeated his appeal for peace, the creation of humanitarian corridors and a return to negotiations.

"In that martyred country the need for humanitarian assistance is growing by the hour," the pope said, speaking from a window overlooking the square. "Let common sense prevail, let us return to the respect of international law."

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There were many more people than normal gathered infront of St. Peter's Basilica for the pope's Sunday appearance, with some holding aloft multi-coloured peace flags as well as the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine.

"The Holy See is willing to do all everything to put itself at the service of peace," the pope said, adding that two Roman Catholic cardinals had gone to Ukraine to help those in need.

"War is madness, please stop," the pope said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday deplored 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine and rejected Russia's assertion that it was just "a special military operation" "In Ukraine rivers of blood and tears are flowing.

Pope Francis on Sunday deplored 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine and rejected Russia's assertion that it was just "a special military operation" "In Ukraine rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not only a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction and misery," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square. Also Read | 3,000 Americans volunteer to fight invading Russian forces in Ukraine, says report However, as has been the case throughout the 11-day conflict, Francis did not publicly condemn Russia by name for its invasion. Instead, he repeated his appeal for peace, the creation of humanitarian corridors and a return to negotiations. "In that martyred country the need for humanitarian assistance is growing by the hour," the pope said, speaking from a window overlooking the square. "Let common sense prevail, let us return to the respect of international law." Also Read | 'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa There were many more people than normal gathered infront of St. Peter's Basilica for the pope's Sunday appearance, with some holding aloft multi-coloured peace flags as well as the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine. "The Holy See is willing to do all everything to put itself at the service of peace," the pope said, adding that two Roman Catholic cardinals had gone to Ukraine to help those in need. "War is madness, please stop," the pope said. (With inputs from agencies)

'War is madness, please stop': Pope Francis denounces 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine

Expressing concern over increasing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Pope Francis hoped that the talks between the two countries, adding that a war in the eastern European country “would be madness”.

Speaking at his Wednesday general audience, Francis thanked those who took part in his January 26 international day of prayer for peace in Ukraine.

“Let us continue to beg the God of peace so that the tensions and threats of war can be overcome through a serious dialogue and that the Normandy Format talks can contribute to this aim,” he said, referring to negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by Germany and France.

“And let's not forget. War is madness,” he said.

Russia has reportedly gathered troops near the Ukraine borders, stoking fears of an invasion. But Kremlin has reputedly denied the accusations made by the West and maintained that it doesn’t intend to repeat the 2014 skirmish that led to the annexation of Crimea.

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Most Ukrainians follow Orthodox Christianity, but the country is also home to its own branch of the Catholic Church, which practices an eastern rite similar to Orthodox worship while proclaiming loyalty to the Pope in Rome.

Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron, who is in Moscow to meet his counterpart Vladimir Putin, said that he was assured that Kremlin would not escalate the Ukrainian crisis.

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Macron also said it would take time to find a diplomatic solution to the rising tensions, which represent the biggest security crisis between Russia and the West since the Cold War.

His remarks on a visit to Kyiv came as the Kremlin denied reports that he and Putin struck a deal on de-escalating the crisis.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “in the current situation, Moscow and Paris can’t be reaching any deals.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Expressing concern over increasing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Pope Francis hoped that the talks between the two countries, adding that a war in the eastern European country “would be madness”.

Expressing concern over increasing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Pope Francis hoped that the talks between the two countries, adding that a war in the eastern European country “would be madness”. Speaking at his Wednesday general audience, Francis thanked those who took part in his January 26 international day of prayer for peace in Ukraine. “Let us continue to beg the God of peace so that the tensions and threats of war can be overcome through a serious dialogue and that the Normandy Format talks can contribute to this aim,” he said, referring to negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by Germany and France. “And let's not forget. War is madness,” he said. Russia has reportedly gathered troops near the Ukraine borders, stoking fears of an invasion. But Kremlin has reputedly denied the accusations made by the West and maintained that it doesn’t intend to repeat the 2014 skirmish that led to the annexation of Crimea. Also read | Ukraine row: Macron pushes for peace as Russian warships get ready for drills Most Ukrainians follow Orthodox Christianity, but the country is also home to its own branch of the Catholic Church, which practices an eastern rite similar to Orthodox worship while proclaiming loyalty to the Pope in Rome. Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron, who is in Moscow to meet his counterpart Vladimir Putin, said that he was assured that Kremlin would not escalate the Ukrainian crisis. Also read | It 'would be wise' for Americans to leave Ukraine, says Biden Macron also said it would take time to find a diplomatic solution to the rising tensions, which represent the biggest security crisis between Russia and the West since the Cold War. His remarks on a visit to Kyiv came as the Kremlin denied reports that he and Putin struck a deal on de-escalating the crisis. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “in the current situation, Moscow and Paris can’t be reaching any deals.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘War is madness’: Pope Francis backs for talks between Ukraine and Russia

Pope Francis on Monday claimed that dumping plastic in waterways is "criminal" and it should end. "Throwing plastic into the sea is criminal. It kills biodiversity, it kills the earth, it kills everything," he said."

He further added, "Looking after creation is an education (process) in which we must engage," citing a song by Brazilian singer Roberto Carlos in which a boy asks his father why "the river no longer sings," to which the father responds, "we finished it off".

He made these remarks in an hour-long interview on state broadcaster RAI's Channel 3.&nbsp;

Francis has made defending the environment a highlight of his pontificate.&nbsp;

During the interview, he recounted how Italian fishermen came to him and told him they had found many tons of plastic in the Adriatic Sea.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-denounces-female-genital-mutilation-calls-for-ending-practice-451027">Also read |&nbsp;Pope Francis denounces female genital mutilation, calls for ending practice</a>

Francis was also asked about the war, for which he said, "Think about it. If we were to stop making weapons for one year, we could feed and educate the whole world. We have become accustomed to wars. It's tough but it's the truth."

This comes a day after the Pope condemned female genital mutilation and trafficking for prostitution. His words came on United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

"This practice, which is unfortunately common in various parts of the world, humiliates the dignity of a woman and gravely attacks her physical integrity," Francis said

Francis, speaking to pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square for his weekly blessing and address, noted that the practice was often carried out in conditions that endangered a girl's health.

In a related appeal, Francis called for more efforts to stop human trafficking, particularly of women and girls for prostitution.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Monday claimed that dumping plastic in waterways is "criminal" and it should end. "Throwing plastic into the sea is criminal. It kills biodiversity, it kills the earth, it kills everything," he said.

Pope Francis on Monday claimed that dumping plastic in waterways is "criminal" and it should end. "Throwing plastic into the sea is criminal. It kills biodiversity, it kills the earth, it kills everything," he said." He further added, "Looking after creation is an education (process) in which we must engage," citing a song by Brazilian singer Roberto Carlos in which a boy asks his father why "the river no longer sings," to which the father responds, "we finished it off". He made these remarks in an hour-long interview on state broadcaster RAI's Channel 3. Francis has made defending the environment a highlight of his pontificate. During the interview, he recounted how Italian fishermen came to him and told him they had found many tons of plastic in the Adriatic Sea. Also read | Pope Francis denounces female genital mutilation, calls for ending practice Francis was also asked about the war, for which he said, "Think about it. If we were to stop making weapons for one year, we could feed and educate the whole world. We have become accustomed to wars. It's tough but it's the truth." This comes a day after the Pope condemned female genital mutilation and trafficking for prostitution. His words came on United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). "This practice, which is unfortunately common in various parts of the world, humiliates the dignity of a woman and gravely attacks her physical integrity," Francis said Francis, speaking to pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square for his weekly blessing and address, noted that the practice was often carried out in conditions that endangered a girl's health. In a related appeal, Francis called for more efforts to stop human trafficking, particularly of women and girls for prostitution. (With inputs from agencies)

Dumping plastic in waterways is 'criminal', claims Pope Francis

Pope Francis on Wednesday (January 26) made an important statement when he said that parents of gay children should support them instead of condemning them. He made the statement in unscripted comments at &nbsp;his weekly audience in reference to difficulties that parents can face in raising offspring.

Those issues included "parents who see different sexual orientations in their children and how to handle this, how to accompany their children, and not hide behind an attitude of condemnation," Francis said.

Pope Francis has previously said that gay children had a right to be accepted by their families as children and siblings.

He has also said that while the Church cannot accept same-sex marriage it can support civil union laws aimed at giving gay partners joint rights in areas of pensions and health care and inheritance issues.

Last year, the Vatican's doctrinal office issued a document saying that Catholic priests cannot bless same-sex unions, a ruling that greatly disappointed gay Catholics.

In some countries, such as the United States and Germany, parishes and ministers had begun blessing same-sex unions in lieu of marriage, and there have been calls for bishops to de facto institutionalise these.

Conservatives in the 1.3 billion-member Church have said the pope - who has sent notes of appreciation to priests and nuns who minister to gay Catholics - is giving mixed signals on homosexuality, confusing some of the faithful.

Last month, a Vatican department apologised for "causing pain to the entire LGBTQ community" by removing from its website a link to resource material from a Catholic gay rights advocacy group in preparation for a Vatican meeting in 2023 on the Church's future direction.

The Church teaches that gays should be treated with respect and that, while same-sex acts are sinful, same-sex tendencies are not.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Wednesday (January 26) made an important statement when he said that parents of gay children should support them instead of condemning them. He made the statement in unscripted comments at his weekly audience in reference to difficulties that parents can face in raising offspring.

Pope Francis on Wednesday (January 26) made an important statement when he said that parents of gay children should support them instead of condemning them. He made the statement in unscripted comments at his weekly audience in reference to difficulties that parents can face in raising offspring. Those issues included "parents who see different sexual orientations in their children and how to handle this, how to accompany their children, and not hide behind an attitude of condemnation," Francis said. Pope Francis has previously said that gay children had a right to be accepted by their families as children and siblings. He has also said that while the Church cannot accept same-sex marriage it can support civil union laws aimed at giving gay partners joint rights in areas of pensions and health care and inheritance issues. Last year, the Vatican's doctrinal office issued a document saying that Catholic priests cannot bless same-sex unions, a ruling that greatly disappointed gay Catholics. In some countries, such as the United States and Germany, parishes and ministers had begun blessing same-sex unions in lieu of marriage, and there have been calls for bishops to de facto institutionalise these. Conservatives in the 1.3 billion-member Church have said the pope - who has sent notes of appreciation to priests and nuns who minister to gay Catholics - is giving mixed signals on homosexuality, confusing some of the faithful. Last month, a Vatican department apologised for "causing pain to the entire LGBTQ community" by removing from its website a link to resource material from a Catholic gay rights advocacy group in preparation for a Vatican meeting in 2023 on the Church's future direction. The Church teaches that gays should be treated with respect and that, while same-sex acts are sinful, same-sex tendencies are not. (With inputs from agencies)

Don't condemn gay children, Pope Francis urges parents

Pope Francis for the first time conferred the lay Roman Catholic ministries of lector and catechist on women, roles that previously many had carried out without institutional recognition.

Pope Francis confers lay Roman Catholic ministries of lector and catechist on women

While speaking on parenthood during a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Francis said that people who prefer pets are selfish, adding that substituting pets for children "takes away our humanity".&nbsp;

Italy's International Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) called the remark "strange" as Pope said that pets "sometimes take the place of children" in society.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-street-view-helps-nab-mafia-boss-on-the-run-for-20-years-442560">Google street view helps nab Mafia boss on the run for 20 years</a>

During the audience, the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics said, "Today... we see a form of selfishness. We see that some people do not want to have a child. Sometimes they have one, and that's it, but they have dogs and cats that take the place of children. This may make people laugh but it is a reality."

Speaking further he said that "denial of fatherhood and motherhood and diminishes us, takes away our humanity". Thus, "civilisation grows old without humanity because we lose the richness of fatherhood and motherhood, and it is the country that suffers."

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Saint Joseph, you who loved Jesus with fatherly love, be close to the many children who have no family and who long for a daddy and mommy. Support the couples who are unable to have children, help them to discover, through this suffering, a greater plan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeneralAudience?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeneralAudience</a>
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pontifex/status/1478705338203344899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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While reacting to Pope's remark, OIPA said it was "strange to think that the pope considers the love in our lives limited quantitatively". The Italy-based animal rights group also cited the sacrifices of volunteers who save the lives of animals.&nbsp;

Pope Francis is not known to have a pet at his Vatican residence but important to note that his predecessor Benedict XVI was a cat lover.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pope Francis says 'choosing pets over kids is selfish'

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However, there have been instances when Francis was spotted petting dogs, he also allowed a baby lamb to be draped over his shoulders during Epiphany in 2014. He had even petted a tiger and a baby panther.&nbsp;

Social media users have reacted sharply to the remark made by Pope, either slamming the comments or using memes to express their opinions. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-toughens-vaccination-rules-mandates-jab-for-those-over-50-442536">Italy toughens vaccination rules, mandates jab for those over 50</a>

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I gotta say, if I were the pope, I would simply not have opinions about other people's children. <a href="https://t.co/1fPVhBoF2t">https://t.co/1fPVhBoF2t</a>
— Alice Southey (@alicesouthey) <a href="https://twitter.com/alicesouthey/status/1478819087283331087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Damn dude. Pope just told us we're selfish for having dogs instead of children. Huge L for us. Please respect our privacy as we take a year off trying to shake this burn, as the church is always right and has never had a bad take
— jacksfilms🌹 (@jacksfilms) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacksfilms/status/1478818436310466561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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I think its selfish for older generations to pressure younger people into having children when they have created a social and political landscape that makes it almost impossible. If you want us to have children, help us afford it, tackle inequality, and look after the planet
— Rach (@RachelTiplady3) <a href="https://twitter.com/RachelTiplady3/status/1478715426897121288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Drop my kids off with the pope for the weekend then see what he has to say come Monday.
— Andi (@smiles_and_nods) <a href="https://twitter.com/smiles_and_nods/status/1478897561851375618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Cat twitter getting mentally prepared to drag Pope Francis for saying people who choose pets over having kids are selfish. <a href="https://t.co/AyqAlxpggp">pic.twitter.com/AyqAlxpggp</a>
— ClockOutWars (@clockoutwars) <a href="https://twitter.com/clockoutwars/status/1478826473188380679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

While speaking on parenthood during a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Francis said that people who prefer pets are selfish, adding that substituting pets for children "takes away our humanity".

While speaking on parenthood during a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Francis said that people who prefer pets are selfish, adding that substituting pets for children "takes away our humanity". Italy's International Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) called the remark "strange" as Pope said that pets "sometimes take the place of children" in society. ALSO READ | Google street view helps nab Mafia boss on the run for 20 years During the audience, the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics said, "Today... we see a form of selfishness. We see that some people do not want to have a child. Sometimes they have one, and that's it, but they have dogs and cats that take the place of children. This may make people laugh but it is a reality." Speaking further he said that "denial of fatherhood and motherhood and diminishes us, takes away our humanity". Thus, "civilisation grows old without humanity because we lose the richness of fatherhood and motherhood, and it is the country that suffers." Saint Joseph, you who loved Jesus with fatherly love, be close to the many children who have no family and who long for a daddy and mommy. Support the couples who are unable to have children, help them to discover, through this suffering, a greater plan. #GeneralAudience — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 5, 2022 × While reacting to Pope's remark, OIPA said it was "strange to think that the pope considers the love in our lives limited quantitatively". The Italy-based animal rights group also cited the sacrifices of volunteers who save the lives of animals. Pope Francis is not known to have a pet at his Vatican residence but important to note that his predecessor Benedict XVI was a cat lover. Watch | Gravitas: Pope Francis says 'choosing pets over kids is selfish' However, there have been instances when Francis was spotted petting dogs, he also allowed a baby lamb to be draped over his shoulders during Epiphany in 2014. He had even petted a tiger and a baby panther. Social media users have reacted sharply to the remark made by Pope, either slamming the comments or using memes to express their opinions. ALSO READ | Italy toughens vaccination rules, mandates jab for those over 50 I gotta say, if I were the pope, I would simply not have opinions about other people's children. https://t.co/1fPVhBoF2t — Alice Southey (@alicesouthey) January 5, 2022 × Damn dude. Pope just told us we're selfish for having dogs instead of children. Huge L for us. Please respect our privacy as we take a year off trying to shake this burn, as the church is always right and has never had a bad take — jacksfilms🌹 (@jacksfilms) January 5, 2022 × I think its selfish for older generations to pressure younger people into having children when they have created a social and political landscape that makes it almost impossible. If you want us to have children, help us afford it, tackle inequality, and look after the planet — Rach (@RachelTiplady3) January 5, 2022 × Drop my kids off with the pope for the weekend then see what he has to say come Monday. — Andi (@smiles_and_nods) January 6, 2022 × Cat twitter getting mentally prepared to drag Pope Francis for saying people who choose pets over having kids are selfish. pic.twitter.com/AyqAlxpggp — ClockOutWars (@clockoutwars) January 5, 2022 ×

Pope Francis calls couples selfish who choose pets over kids, says it 'takes away humanity'

Pope Francis says couples who keep pets instead of having children are 'selfish'. His remarks have taken social media by storm. The 85-year-old pontiff is being slammed for being a 'hypocrite'. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Pope Francis says 'choosing pets over kids is selfish'

In his New Year message Pope Francis urged everyone to "roll up our sleeves" for peace. He told the faithful to keep positive while working to build a better society.&nbsp;

Pope marked 55th World Day of Peace. The head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics devoted his Angelus address to encouraging a stop to violence around the world, telling the assembled crowd at Saint Peter's Square to keep peace at the forefront of their thoughts.

"Let's go home thinking peace, peace, peace. We need peace," said the pope, following his Angelus prayer.&nbsp;

"I was looking at the images in the television programme "In His Image" today, about war, displaced people, the miseries. This is happening today in the world. We want peace."

Under sunny skies, the pope -- who turned 85 on December 17 -- reminded the faithful that peace required "concrete actions," such as forgiving others and promoting justice.

"And it needs a positive outlook as well, one that always sees, in the Church as well as in society, not the evil that divides us, but the good that unites us!" he said, speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace.

"Getting depressed or complaining is useless. We need to roll up our sleeves to build peace."

Earlier Saturday, during mass in Saint Peter's Basilica in honour of the Virgin Mary, Francis delivered a homily in which he called violence against women an insult to God.&nbsp;

"The Church is mother, the Church is woman. And since mothers bestow life and women 'keep' the world, let us all make greater efforts to promote mothers and to protect women," he said.&nbsp;

"How much violence is directed against women! Enough! To hurt a woman is to insult God, who from a woman took on our humanity."

On New Year's Eve, Pope Francis did not preside over vespers at St Peter's Basilica as planned, instead turning the service over to the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals.

(With inputs from agencies)

In his New Year message Pope Francis urged everyone to "roll up our sleeves" for peace. He told the faithful to keep positive while working to build a better society.

In his New Year message Pope Francis urged everyone to "roll up our sleeves" for peace. He told the faithful to keep positive while working to build a better society. Pope marked 55th World Day of Peace. The head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics devoted his Angelus address to encouraging a stop to violence around the world, telling the assembled crowd at Saint Peter's Square to keep peace at the forefront of their thoughts. "Let's go home thinking peace, peace, peace. We need peace," said the pope, following his Angelus prayer. "I was looking at the images in the television programme "In His Image" today, about war, displaced people, the miseries. This is happening today in the world. We want peace." Under sunny skies, the pope -- who turned 85 on December 17 -- reminded the faithful that peace required "concrete actions," such as forgiving others and promoting justice. "And it needs a positive outlook as well, one that always sees, in the Church as well as in society, not the evil that divides us, but the good that unites us!" he said, speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace. "Getting depressed or complaining is useless. We need to roll up our sleeves to build peace." Earlier Saturday, during mass in Saint Peter's Basilica in honour of the Virgin Mary, Francis delivered a homily in which he called violence against women an insult to God. "The Church is mother, the Church is woman. And since mothers bestow life and women 'keep' the world, let us all make greater efforts to promote mothers and to protect women," he said. "How much violence is directed against women! Enough! To hurt a woman is to insult God, who from a woman took on our humanity." On New Year's Eve, Pope Francis did not preside over vespers at St Peter's Basilica as planned, instead turning the service over to the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis' New Year message: 'Roll up sleeves' for peace

News reading is a talent and an art that requires a lot of practice and focus, but every human can make mistakes. However, those mistakes turn into disaster if recorded on live telecast.<o:p></o:p>

ITV News presenter Kylie Pentelow was presenting a segment about Pope Francis’ Christmas Day address. What began as a usual news telecast soon turned into an uncomfortable segment.

<o:p></o:p>

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ITV news accidentally announces the death of the pope 
 
👀 <a href="https://t.co/6XyVtuypDi">pic.twitter.com/6XyVtuypDi</a>
— CuriousRabitt 🐇🧐 (@ApocalypseBarB) <a href="https://twitter.com/ApocalypseBarB/status/1474941685696245760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pentelow started the segment by telling viewers about Pope’s festive address which was mainly concentrated on prayers for pandemic victims. However, after a pan shot from the Pope’s address to the anchor’s face, she suddenly said that the Pope's death was announced.<o:p></o:p>

Upon realising her mistake, she quickly apologised and changed the segment.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-prays-for-covid-19-pandemics-end-healthcare-for-all-on-christmas-439945">Pope Francis prays for COVID-19 pandemic’s end, healthcare for all on Christmas</a></o:p>

"The Pope's festive address focused on his prayers for the pandemic to come to an end. He said vaccines should be made available to those most in need,"&nbsp;Pentelow&nbsp;reported&nbsp;on Saturday evening, before adding,&nbsp;"His death was announced… uh, excuse me."<o:p></o:p>

As soon as she made the mistake, viewers could observe a change in expression in the face of the anchor.<o:p></o:p>

While some ridiculed her for this mistake, others supported the anchor and said 'we all make mistakes'.<o:p></o:p>

"Someone get this newsreader a drink STAT. We all make mistakes," BBC broadcaster Scott Bryan&nbsp;tweeted in support of Pentelow.

<o:p></o:p>

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Someone get this newsreader a drink STAT. We all make mistakes.
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottygb/status/1474799036506984451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"When I worked at ITN news we had to do practice runs for announcing the Queen’s death,"&nbsp;another broadcaster by the name of Jenni Regan explained on Twitter. "We had all the right obits ready but all the names were replaced with Mrs Brown to avoid mistakes like this."

<o:p></o:p>

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When I worked at ITN news we had to do practice runs for announcing the Queen’s death. We had all the right obits ready but all the names were replaced with Mrs Brown to avoid mistakes like this…
— Jenni Regan 💛 (@MsJenniRegan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MsJenniRegan/status/1474830106472427521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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During his Christmas address to the world from the St Peter's Square&nbsp;in Vatican City, Pope Francis talked about pandemic victims, urged vaccine for poor countries and also talked about the ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq and tensions in Ukraine and Ethiopia, and 'unprecedented crisis' in Lebanon.<o:p></o:p>

"We have become so used to them (conflicts) that immense tragedies are now being passed over in silence; we risk not hearing the cry of pain and distress of so many of our brothers and sisters," he said. "Son of God, comfort the victims of violence against women, which has increased in this time of pandemic. Offer hope to young children and adolescents suffering from bullying and abuse."<o:p></o:p>

News reading is a talent and an art that requires a lot of practice and focus, but every human can make mistakes. However, those mistakes turn into disaster if recorded on live telecast.

News reading is a talent and an art that requires a lot of practice and focus, but every human can make mistakes. However, those mistakes turn into disaster if recorded on live telecast. ITV News presenter Kylie Pentelow was presenting a segment about Pope Francis’ Christmas Day address. What began as a usual news telecast soon turned into an uncomfortable segment. ITV news accidentally announces the death of the pope 👀 pic.twitter.com/6XyVtuypDi — CuriousRabitt 🐇🧐 (@ApocalypseBarB) December 26, 2021 × Pentelow started the segment by telling viewers about Pope’s festive address which was mainly concentrated on prayers for pandemic victims. However, after a pan shot from the Pope’s address to the anchor’s face, she suddenly said that the Pope's death was announced. Upon realising her mistake, she quickly apologised and changed the segment. Also read | Pope Francis prays for COVID-19 pandemic’s end, healthcare for all on Christmas "The Pope's festive address focused on his prayers for the pandemic to come to an end. He said vaccines should be made available to those most in need," Pentelow reported on Saturday evening, before adding, "His death was announced… uh, excuse me." As soon as she made the mistake, viewers could observe a change in expression in the face of the anchor. While some ridiculed her for this mistake, others supported the anchor and said 'we all make mistakes'. "Someone get this newsreader a drink STAT. We all make mistakes," BBC broadcaster Scott Bryan tweeted in support of Pentelow. Someone get this newsreader a drink STAT. We all make mistakes. — Scott Bryan (@scottygb) December 25, 2021 × "When I worked at ITN news we had to do practice runs for announcing the Queen’s death," another broadcaster by the name of Jenni Regan explained on Twitter. "We had all the right obits ready but all the names were replaced with Mrs Brown to avoid mistakes like this." When I worked at ITN news we had to do practice runs for announcing the Queen’s death. We had all the right obits ready but all the names were replaced with Mrs Brown to avoid mistakes like this… — Jenni Regan 💛 (@MsJenniRegan) December 25, 2021 × During his Christmas address to the world from the St Peter's Square in Vatican City, Pope Francis talked about pandemic victims, urged vaccine for poor countries and also talked about the ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq and tensions in Ukraine and Ethiopia, and 'unprecedented crisis' in Lebanon. "We have become so used to them (conflicts) that immense tragedies are now being passed over in silence; we risk not hearing the cry of pain and distress of so many of our brothers and sisters," he said. "Son of God, comfort the victims of violence against women, which has increased in this time of pandemic. Offer hope to young children and adolescents suffering from bullying and abuse."

WATCH: News anchor mistakenly announces Pope's death on live TV

Pope Francis lamented&nbsp;Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St. Peter's Basilica, he said, "The demographic winter is a real worry, at least here in Italy. It seems that a lot of people have lost the wish to have children. Lots of couples prefer to remain childless or to have one child only. It's a tragedy which runs counter to our families, our country and our future."

In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. &nbsp;

Italian statistics agency ISTAT, in its recent survey has revealed that Italy's birth rate has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-fold-increase-observed-in-hospitalisation-of-new-yorks-children-amid-omicron-spread-440255">Also read |&nbsp;Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread</a>

January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861.

The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4.

Not only Italy but&nbsp;including&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pope Francis lamented Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St.

Pope Francis lamented Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St. Peter's Basilica, he said, "The demographic winter is a real worry, at least here in Italy. It seems that a lot of people have lost the wish to have children. Lots of couples prefer to remain childless or to have one child only. It's a tragedy which runs counter to our families, our country and our future." In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. Italian statistics agency ISTAT, in its recent survey has revealed that Italy's birth rate has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. Also read | Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861. The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4. Not only Italy but including Spain and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis laments Italy's declining birth rate, says it is a 'tragedy'

At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. &nbsp;

On Christmas, pope urged vaccines for the poor, healthcare for all and dialogue to prevail in resolving the different conflicts in the world. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-finally-revolutionary-james-webb-space-telescope-scales-sky-on-christmas-439928" hreflang="en">Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas</a>

Due to a record spike in Covid cases in Italy, only a few thousand people thronged St Peter's Square for Francis' annual ‘Urbi et Orbi' Christmas address. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the occasion, Francis rued ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq and tensions in Ukraine and Ethiopia. He also lamented an 'unprecedented crisis' in Lebanon. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pope gave the speech from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-horrific-shark-attack-us-male-surfer-loses-life-in-morro-bay-on-christmas-eve-439882" hreflang="en">In horrific shark attack, US male surfer loses life in Morro Bay on Christmas Eve</a>

"We have become so used to them (conflicts) that immense tragedies are now being passed over in silence; we risk not hearing the cry of pain and distress of so many of our brothers and sisters," pope said. &nbsp;

"Son of God, comfort the victims of violence against women, which has increased in this time of pandemic. Offer hope to young children and adolescents suffering from bullying and abuse," he said. &nbsp;

The speech was delivered hours after a 'Midnight Mass' service was held for around 2,000 people. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. On Christmas, pope urged vaccines for the poor, healthcare for all and dialogue to prevail in resolving the different conflicts in the world.

At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. On Christmas, pope urged vaccines for the poor, healthcare for all and dialogue to prevail in resolving the different conflicts in the world. Also Read: Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas Due to a record spike in Covid cases in Italy, only a few thousand people thronged St Peter's Square for Francis' annual ‘Urbi et Orbi' Christmas address. On the occasion, Francis rued ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq and tensions in Ukraine and Ethiopia. He also lamented an 'unprecedented crisis' in Lebanon. Pope gave the speech from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica. Also Read: In horrific shark attack, US male surfer loses life in Morro Bay on Christmas Eve "We have become so used to them (conflicts) that immense tragedies are now being passed over in silence; we risk not hearing the cry of pain and distress of so many of our brothers and sisters," pope said. "Son of God, comfort the victims of violence against women, which has increased in this time of pandemic. Offer hope to young children and adolescents suffering from bullying and abuse," he said. The speech was delivered hours after a 'Midnight Mass' service was held for around 2,000 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis prays for COVID-19 pandemic’s end, healthcare for all on Christmas

As more and more reports come out about increasing domestic violence against women in Italy, Pope Francis has raised strong message against it.<o:p></o:p>

Pope Francis made these comments during a programme being broadcasted on Sunday night on Italy’s famous TG5 network. While talking to three women belonging to different backgrounds and who have been victims of domestic violence, the Pope condemned such actions of men.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-an-example-and-role-model-for-religious-harmony-says-dalai-lama-438177">India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama</a></o:p>

"The number of women who are beaten and abused in their homes, even by their husbands, is very, very high," he said. "The problem is that, for me, it is almost satanic because it is taking advantage of a person who cannot defend herself, who can only [try to] block the blows."<o:p></o:p>

Pope made this strong-worded statement after a domestic violence survivor, Giovanna, had asked him a related question. The lady had revealed that she had recently escaped an abusive home and now has four children to care for in these tough times.<o:p></o:p>

Motivating Giovanna and several others like her to live their life in a free and safe world, the Pope said, "I see dignity in you because if you didn’t have dignity, you wouldn’t be here."<o:p></o:p>

This statement comes at a time when just a month ago the local police had released figures about rising domestic violence in Italy, especially during the Covid years — owing to the repeated coronavirus lockdowns.<o:p></o:p>

As per the official figures, there have been nearly 90 episodes of violence against women in Italy on a daily basis, out of which 62 per cent are cases of domestic violence.<o:p></o:p>

He also talked to some other people going through different struggles in their life such as homelessness and living on streets.<o:p></o:p>

As more and more reports come out about increasing domestic violence against women in Italy, Pope Francis has raised strong message against it. Pope Francis made these comments during a programme being broadcasted on Sunday night on Italy’s famous TG5 network.

As more and more reports come out about increasing domestic violence against women in Italy, Pope Francis has raised strong message against it. Pope Francis made these comments during a programme being broadcasted on Sunday night on Italy’s famous TG5 network. While talking to three women belonging to different backgrounds and who have been victims of domestic violence, the Pope condemned such actions of men. Also read | India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama "The number of women who are beaten and abused in their homes, even by their husbands, is very, very high," he said. "The problem is that, for me, it is almost satanic because it is taking advantage of a person who cannot defend herself, who can only [try to] block the blows." Pope made this strong-worded statement after a domestic violence survivor, Giovanna, had asked him a related question. The lady had revealed that she had recently escaped an abusive home and now has four children to care for in these tough times. Motivating Giovanna and several others like her to live their life in a free and safe world, the Pope said, "I see dignity in you because if you didn’t have dignity, you wouldn’t be here." This statement comes at a time when just a month ago the local police had released figures about rising domestic violence in Italy, especially during the Covid years — owing to the repeated coronavirus lockdowns. As per the official figures, there have been nearly 90 episodes of violence against women in Italy on a daily basis, out of which 62 per cent are cases of domestic violence. He also talked to some other people going through different struggles in their life such as homelessness and living on streets.

'Almost satanic': Pope Francis condemns rising violence against women

Pope Francis has compared the EU to a 'Nazi dictatorship' for trying to impose woke rules on language and ban using the word Christmas.

Pope Francis compares EU to 'Nazi Dictatorship', row over Christmas greeting guide

Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees.

Pope's first visit in Lesbos was 2016. At that time, he had taken 12 Syrian refugees with him back to Italy.

In his latest visit to Lesbos, Pope met refugees at Mavrovoni camp. The camp holds 2300 people.

He lamented that "little has changed with regard to the issue of migration" since his last visit five years ago.

The Mediterranean, where thousands have died trying to make the crossing from north Africa to Europe, was still "a grim cemetery without tombstones".

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"I am here to see your faces and look into your eyes. Eyes full of fear and expectancy, eyes that have seen violence and poverty, eyes streaked by too many tears," he said at the camp's reception and identification area.

Francis for the second straight day chided those who use the migration crisis for political ends.

"It is easy to stir up public opinion by instilling fear of others," he said, adding that people who are anti-immigrant "fail to speak with equal vehemence" about the exploitation of the poor, wars, and the arms industry.

"The remote causes should be attacked, not the poor people who pay the consequences and are even used for political propaganda," he said.

The camp, set up in a old army firing range, is made up of dozens of prefabricated structures, some similar to shipping containers and other, smaller ones made of plastic.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees.

Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees. Pope's first visit in Lesbos was 2016. At that time, he had taken 12 Syrian refugees with him back to Italy. In his latest visit to Lesbos, Pope met refugees at Mavrovoni camp. The camp holds 2300 people. He lamented that "little has changed with regard to the issue of migration" since his last visit five years ago. The Mediterranean, where thousands have died trying to make the crossing from north Africa to Europe, was still "a grim cemetery without tombstones". Also Read | For the first time in two decades, Pope Francis flies to Athens for papal visit "I am here to see your faces and look into your eyes. Eyes full of fear and expectancy, eyes that have seen violence and poverty, eyes streaked by too many tears," he said at the camp's reception and identification area. Francis for the second straight day chided those who use the migration crisis for political ends. "It is easy to stir up public opinion by instilling fear of others," he said, adding that people who are anti-immigrant "fail to speak with equal vehemence" about the exploitation of the poor, wars, and the arms industry. "The remote causes should be attacked, not the poor people who pay the consequences and are even used for political propaganda," he said. The camp, set up in a old army firing range, is made up of dozens of prefabricated structures, some similar to shipping containers and other, smaller ones made of plastic. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis visits refugee island, urges against exploitation of migrants for politics

Pope Francis arrived in Cyprus on Thursday, beginning a five-day trip that would also bring him to Greece and its island of Lesbos, where in 2016 he made a defining visit to refugees living in horrid conditions and brought some back to Rome on his plane.

The trip, the 35th abroad for Francis, who turns 85 later this month, reflects his determination to maintain a global focus on the plight of migrants and lands torn by strife, despite the world’s preoccupation this week with the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

His journey will include other hallmarks of the Francis papacy, including encouraging tiny Catholic minorities and reaching out to other religious leaders, this time in the Greek Orthodox Church. He is expected to help relocate to Italy some migrants in Cyprus — and possibly Lesbos again — this time.

“Europe cannot ignore the Mediterranean Sea that hosted the spread of the Gospel and the development of great civilizations,” Francis said in a video message before the trip. He lamented the sea becoming a “great cemetery” and said that in the age of the pandemic and climate change, it was imperative to “sail together, and not to split up by going our separate ways.”

The trip is the third this year for the pope, who is believed to have received a booster shot, though that has not been confirmed. He made a historic pilgrimage to Iraq in March and a politically symbolic trip to Hungary and Slovakia in September during which he appeared to speak out against nationalism.

This trip, which refocuses attention on the priorities of his pontificate, including opening borders and welcoming the destitute, comes as migrants are again facing awful conditions and tragic deaths, including at the Belarus-Poland border and in the English Channel, where at least 27 people died last week. But it also comes at an unpredictable and deeply concerning phase of the pandemic as countries around the world shut their borders to try to protect their populations from a variant whose effects are still very much unknown.

“The recommendation in general is prudence,” Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, said when asked about coronavirus precautions and worries that the new variant would eclipse the main themes of the trip.

Francis is the second pope, after his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, to visit Cyprus, and Thursday he will meet with local Catholic priests and the president and diplomats in Nicosia, the capital. On Friday, he will visit with the Orthodox archbishop and celebrate a holy Mass at an outdoor stadium.

He will end the day with a prayer at a parish church with migrants, and the Vatican has arranged to have about 50 migrants relocated to Italy.

Francis will stay at a Franciscan monastery in Nicosia — the divided capital of Cyprus. The medieval city is separated by a U.N.-protected buffer zone.

He will then spend Saturday reaching out to Orthodox leaders and meeting with officials before travelling on Sunday to Lesbos, which Bruni said had “become a symbolic place.”

Bruni said that the Cyprus visit would allow Francis to underline key themes of his pontificate, as it had over the centuries been “Europe’s outermost border to the Middle East, a laboratory of coexistence and a land of encounter with orthodoxy.”

Still, Cyprus is far from a tranquil place.

With Turkey to the north, Syria to the East, Israel to the South and Greece to the West, Cyprus is a small, stingray-shaped island between worlds and a crossroads for cultures and migrations.

The country has effectively been partitioned since 1974, with its Greek and Turkish communities — and its capital, Nicosia — separated by a buffer zone known as the Green Line.

The internationally recognized government of the Republic of Cyprus controls only the southern two-thirds of it, and the remaining third is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.

Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but the island is still divided along ethnic lines. Unification efforts start and stop periodically, most recently in 2017, but the talks broke down over Turkey’s refusal to remove its troops. They led to Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, declaring, “Turkey will be in Cyprus forever,” and rejecting a unified federation.

A recent uptick in migrant arrivals has intensified hard-right, nationalist sentiment and the resistance of the Republic of Cyprus government, which has appealed to the European Union for permission to stop processing asylum requests. But the spike in numbers, and suspicions that Turkey is funnelling the migrants to the border, have deepened the animosity between the north and the south.

Nearly 80% of the island’s population is Orthodox Christian, and about 20% is Sunni Muslim. There is only a tiny population of Catholics, about 38,000, who mostly fall under the jurisdiction of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and who trace their roots to the Crusades. That is less than the estimated number of Turkish troops based in the north.

Rev. Georgios Armand Houry, a Cypriot priest, said that many Catholics were hoping that the pope would help members of the faith “return home” to uninhabited towns after displacement earlier during the conflict.

During Benedict’s 2010 trip, Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the leader of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, accused Turkey of an “obscure plan” to take over the entire island and called for the pope’s “active cooperation” in resolving the long-standing dispute.

The north continues to use the Turkish lira and has an economy closely tied to the Turkish mainland.

In recent years, tensions have risen after the discovery of rich natural gas deposits under the eastern Mediterranean. Greece, with its islands scattered in the area, claims that it has sole drilling rights. The potential for enormous wealth from the deposits has created a profit-sharing unity among surrounding nations, including Greece, Israel, Israel, Egypt, Italy and Jordan.

But Turkey has used northern Cyprus as its toehold, sending drilling ships, accompanied by warships, to explore for gas off Cyprus; that, in turn, has prompted retribution by the European Union against Turkish companies. The prospect of a clash between Greece and Turkey, two NATO allies with centuries of bad blood, has proved worrying.

“It’s a wound that has been open for some time,” Bruni said. “The Holy See undoubtedly supports every effort to strengthen bilateral talks, which are the only solution for the island and its people.” He suggested Francis would indirectly take those issues on, saying that he would touch on environmental themes by speaking of the horrible fires that burned Greece’s forests this summer but also “the exploitation of the seabed.”

Cyprus is an ancient Christian land. Tradition holds that St. Paul arrived here around A.D. 46 to preach the Gospel with Barnabas, a Cypriot and a saint.

Francis, in his video message, said he would come “in the footsteps of the first great missionaries,” and for the chance “to drink from the ancient wellsprings of Europe: Cyprus, the outpost of the Holy Land on the continent; Greece, the home of classical culture.”

Pope Francis arrived in Cyprus on Thursday, beginning a five-day trip that would also bring him to Greece and its island of Lesbos, where in 2016 he made a defining visit to refugees living in horrid conditions and brought some back to Rome on his plane.

Pope Francis arrived in Cyprus on Thursday, beginning a five-day trip that would also bring him to Greece and its island of Lesbos, where in 2016 he made a defining visit to refugees living in horrid conditions and brought some back to Rome on his plane. The trip, the 35th abroad for Francis, who turns 85 later this month, reflects his determination to maintain a global focus on the plight of migrants and lands torn by strife, despite the world’s preoccupation this week with the omicron variant of the coronavirus. His journey will include other hallmarks of the Francis papacy, including encouraging tiny Catholic minorities and reaching out to other religious leaders, this time in the Greek Orthodox Church. He is expected to help relocate to Italy some migrants in Cyprus — and possibly Lesbos again — this time. “Europe cannot ignore the Mediterranean Sea that hosted the spread of the Gospel and the development of great civilizations,” Francis said in a video message before the trip. He lamented the sea becoming a “great cemetery” and said that in the age of the pandemic and climate change, it was imperative to “sail together, and not to split up by going our separate ways.” The trip is the third this year for the pope, who is believed to have received a booster shot, though that has not been confirmed. He made a historic pilgrimage to Iraq in March and a politically symbolic trip to Hungary and Slovakia in September during which he appeared to speak out against nationalism. This trip, which refocuses attention on the priorities of his pontificate, including opening borders and welcoming the destitute, comes as migrants are again facing awful conditions and tragic deaths, including at the Belarus-Poland border and in the English Channel, where at least 27 people died last week. But it also comes at an unpredictable and deeply concerning phase of the pandemic as countries around the world shut their borders to try to protect their populations from a variant whose effects are still very much unknown. “The recommendation in general is prudence,” Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, said when asked about coronavirus precautions and worries that the new variant would eclipse the main themes of the trip. Francis is the second pope, after his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, to visit Cyprus, and Thursday he will meet with local Catholic priests and the president and diplomats in Nicosia, the capital. On Friday, he will visit with the Orthodox archbishop and celebrate a holy Mass at an outdoor stadium. He will end the day with a prayer at a parish church with migrants, and the Vatican has arranged to have about 50 migrants relocated to Italy. Francis will stay at a Franciscan monastery in Nicosia — the divided capital of Cyprus. The medieval city is separated by a U.N.-protected buffer zone. He will then spend Saturday reaching out to Orthodox leaders and meeting with officials before travelling on Sunday to Lesbos, which Bruni said had “become a symbolic place.” Bruni said that the Cyprus visit would allow Francis to underline key themes of his pontificate, as it had over the centuries been “Europe’s outermost border to the Middle East, a laboratory of coexistence and a land of encounter with orthodoxy.” Still, Cyprus is far from a tranquil place. With Turkey to the north, Syria to the East, Israel to the South and Greece to the West, Cyprus is a small, stingray-shaped island between worlds and a crossroads for cultures and migrations. The country has effectively been partitioned since 1974, with its Greek and Turkish communities — and its capital, Nicosia — separated by a buffer zone known as the Green Line. The internationally recognized government of the Republic of Cyprus controls only the southern two-thirds of it, and the remaining third is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but the island is still divided along ethnic lines. Unification efforts start and stop periodically, most recently in 2017, but the talks broke down over Turkey’s refusal to remove its troops. They led to Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, declaring, “Turkey will be in Cyprus forever,” and rejecting a unified federation. A recent uptick in migrant arrivals has intensified hard-right, nationalist sentiment and the resistance of the Republic of Cyprus government, which has appealed to the European Union for permission to stop processing asylum requests. But the spike in numbers, and suspicions that Turkey is funnelling the migrants to the border, have deepened the animosity between the north and the south. Nearly 80% of the island’s population is Orthodox Christian, and about 20% is Sunni Muslim. There is only a tiny population of Catholics, about 38,000, who mostly fall under the jurisdiction of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and who trace their roots to the Crusades. That is less than the estimated number of Turkish troops based in the north. Rev. Georgios Armand Houry, a Cypriot priest, said that many Catholics were hoping that the pope would help members of the faith “return home” to uninhabited towns after displacement earlier during the conflict. During Benedict’s 2010 trip, Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the leader of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, accused Turkey of an “obscure plan” to take over the entire island and called for the pope’s “active cooperation” in resolving the long-standing dispute. The north continues to use the Turkish lira and has an economy closely tied to the Turkish mainland. In recent years, tensions have risen after the discovery of rich natural gas deposits under the eastern Mediterranean. Greece, with its islands scattered in the area, claims that it has sole drilling rights. The potential for enormous wealth from the deposits has created a profit-sharing unity among surrounding nations, including Greece, Israel, Israel, Egypt, Italy and Jordan. But Turkey has used northern Cyprus as its toehold, sending drilling ships, accompanied by warships, to explore for gas off Cyprus; that, in turn, has prompted retribution by the European Union against Turkish companies. The prospect of a clash between Greece and Turkey, two NATO allies with centuries of bad blood, has proved worrying. “It’s a wound that has been open for some time,” Bruni said. “The Holy See undoubtedly supports every effort to strengthen bilateral talks, which are the only solution for the island and its people.” He suggested Francis would indirectly take those issues on, saying that he would touch on environmental themes by speaking of the horrible fires that burned Greece’s forests this summer but also “the exploitation of the seabed.” Cyprus is an ancient Christian land. Tradition holds that St. Paul arrived here around A.D. 46 to preach the Gospel with Barnabas, a Cypriot and a saint. Francis, in his video message, said he would come “in the footsteps of the first great missionaries,” and for the chance “to drink from the ancient wellsprings of Europe: Cyprus, the outpost of the Holy Land on the continent; Greece, the home of classical culture.”

Pope Francis heads to Cyprus, aiming to highlight plight of migrants

Vatican’s Pope Francis has thanked journalists from around the world for their helping uncover the sexual abuse scandals of the Roman Catholic Church.<o:p></o:p>

The Pope has appreciated and thanked the journalists for carrying on their "mission"&nbsp;of journalism. He said it was extremely important that these cases were uncovered and presented infront of the world.<o:p></o:p>

He thanked the journalists for stepping out of the newsrooms to discover and present what was happening around the world. This helps counter misinformation that is spread online these days, he said, and added that "not everything can be told through email, the phone, or a screen."<o:p></o:p>

"(I) thank you for what you tell us about what is wrong in the Church, for helping us not to sweep it under the carpet, and for the voice you have given to the abuse victims," the Pope said.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-appoints-first-woman-to-serve-as-secretary-general-of-vatican-city-426890">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-appoints-first-woman-to-serve-as-secretary-general-of-vatican-city-426890/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The leader thanked the journalists while he was speaking at a ceremony to honour two veteran correspondents (Philip Pullella of Reuters and Valentina Alazraki of Mexico's Noticieros Televisa) who had spent their time covering the Vatican.<o:p></o:p>

Pope Francis was talking about the sexual abuse scandals that had hit the headlines in 2002. Journalists had uncovered several cases where minors had been sexually assaulted and abused by clerics. It was revealed that there was a silent culture of concealment within the Church about these issues.<o:p></o:p>

The exposure of these cases in 2002 continued and since then scandals have been making headlines across the globe. Recently, in October, it was revealed that more than 200,000 children have been abused by French clerics over the past 70 years.<o:p></o:p>

While journalists have, in the past, accused Pope Francis of not acting quickly on these cases, the leader thanked the media houses for their work and said the journalists have "to explain the world, to make it less obscure, to make those who live in it less fear it".<o:p></o:p>

Vatican’s Pope Francis has thanked journalists from around the world for their helping uncover the sexual abuse scandals of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope has appreciated and thanked the journalists for carrying on their "mission" of journalism.

Vatican’s Pope Francis has thanked journalists from around the world for their helping uncover the sexual abuse scandals of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope has appreciated and thanked the journalists for carrying on their "mission" of journalism. He said it was extremely important that these cases were uncovered and presented infront of the world. He thanked the journalists for stepping out of the newsrooms to discover and present what was happening around the world. This helps counter misinformation that is spread online these days, he said, and added that "not everything can be told through email, the phone, or a screen." "(I) thank you for what you tell us about what is wrong in the Church, for helping us not to sweep it under the carpet, and for the voice you have given to the abuse victims," the Pope said. WATCH | The leader thanked the journalists while he was speaking at a ceremony to honour two veteran correspondents (Philip Pullella of Reuters and Valentina Alazraki of Mexico's Noticieros Televisa) who had spent their time covering the Vatican. Pope Francis was talking about the sexual abuse scandals that had hit the headlines in 2002. Journalists had uncovered several cases where minors had been sexually assaulted and abused by clerics. It was revealed that there was a silent culture of concealment within the Church about these issues. The exposure of these cases in 2002 continued and since then scandals have been making headlines across the globe. Recently, in October, it was revealed that more than 200,000 children have been abused by French clerics over the past 70 years. While journalists have, in the past, accused Pope Francis of not acting quickly on these cases, the leader thanked the media houses for their work and said the journalists have "to explain the world, to make it less obscure, to make those who live in it less fear it".

Pope Francis thanks journalists for exposing sexual abuse cases

Pope Francis has appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini, to become the secretary-general of the office governing Vatican City State. The position previously had been held by a priest, who was named a bishop shortly after becoming secretary-general.

Pope Francis appoints first woman to serve as secretary-general of Vatican City

Pope Francis appointed a woman Thursday to head up the governorate of the Vatican, as he forges ahead with a mission to achieve greater gender equality in the Church.

The pontiff appointed Franciscan sister Raffaella Petrini as the new secretary general of the governorate, making her the first woman to ever hold the post.

Petrini, 52, who will be responsible for overseeing administrative operations, including the Vatican museums, post office and police, becomes the highest-ranking woman in the world's smallest state.

The National Catholic Reporter online newspaper said the role is traditionally held by a bishop.

Francis, 84, has repeatedly said he wants women to play a greater role in the Roman Catholic Church.

In January he changed the law to allow them to serve as readers at liturgies, altar servers and distributors of communion -- but stopped short of saying the change could one day open the door to female priests.

In February he broke with Catholic tradition to appoint a woman as an undersecretary of the synod of bishops, the first to hold the post with voting rights in a body that studies major questions of doctrine.

The pope created a commission in 2016 into the history of female deacons in the early year of the Catholic Church, in a move reformers hope could open the door to women taking up the role today.

After their findings were said by the pope to be inconclusive, he set up a fresh commission to look into the issue last year.

Pope Francis appointed a woman Thursday to head up the governorate of the Vatican, as he forges ahead with a mission to achieve greater gender equality in the Church.

Pope Francis appointed a woman Thursday to head up the governorate of the Vatican, as he forges ahead with a mission to achieve greater gender equality in the Church. The pontiff appointed Franciscan sister Raffaella Petrini as the new secretary general of the governorate, making her the first woman to ever hold the post. Petrini, 52, who will be responsible for overseeing administrative operations, including the Vatican museums, post office and police, becomes the highest-ranking woman in the world's smallest state. The National Catholic Reporter online newspaper said the role is traditionally held by a bishop. Francis, 84, has repeatedly said he wants women to play a greater role in the Roman Catholic Church. In January he changed the law to allow them to serve as readers at liturgies, altar servers and distributors of communion -- but stopped short of saying the change could one day open the door to female priests. In February he broke with Catholic tradition to appoint a woman as an undersecretary of the synod of bishops, the first to hold the post with voting rights in a body that studies major questions of doctrine. The pope created a commission in 2016 into the history of female deacons in the early year of the Catholic Church, in a move reformers hope could open the door to women taking up the role today. After their findings were said by the pope to be inconclusive, he set up a fresh commission to look into the issue last year.

Pope names Raffaella Petrini as first woman to head Vatican governorate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Pope Francis with a silver candle stand and a book on India's commitment to the environment on Saturday during their meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

Briefing reporters about Prime Minister's visit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said Pope reciprocated with a 'bronze plaque' with an inscription that the 'desert will become a garden'.

PM Modi, who participated in the G20 Summit, met Pope Francis earlier in the day. It was the first-ever meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis. PM Modi and Pope also discussed the challenge posed by climate change.

The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world.

He also briefed the Pope about the ambitious initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India's success in administering one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Pope Francis with a silver candle stand and a book on India's commitment to the environment on Saturday during their meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Pope Francis with a silver candle stand and a book on India's commitment to the environment on Saturday during their meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Briefing reporters about Prime Minister's visit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said Pope reciprocated with a 'bronze plaque' with an inscription that the 'desert will become a garden'. PM Modi, who participated in the G20 Summit, met Pope Francis earlier in the day. It was the first-ever meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis. PM Modi and Pope also discussed the challenge posed by climate change. The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world. He also briefed the Pope about the ambitious initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India's success in administering one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses.

PM Modi gifts silver candle stand, book on India's commitment on environment to Pope Francis

PM Narendra Modi, who arrived in Italy on Friday to participate in the two-day Summit, will be meeting Pope Francis in Vatican today. PM Modi will also hold a meeting with President of France Emmanuel Macron to strengthen strategic ties.

G20 summit: Prime Minister Modi to meet Pope Francis

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pope Francis at the Vatican city. The pope has also accepted an invitation by the Indian prime minister to visit India. This will be the first papal visit to India since 1999.

Indian PM Modi visits Italy, meets Pope Francis

Indian PM meets Pope Francis, discusses climate strategy ahead of COP26

President Joe Biden met Pope Francis at the Vatican amid a raging debate over abortion rights. The 'unusually long' 90-minute interaction was not open to journalists. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Biden meets Pope, Vatican cancels live coverage

PM Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday (October 30) and invited him to visit India. This historic meet between leader of India and the leader of the Christian religious world has made headlines everywhere. This was very first meeting between the two leaders.

But PM Modi's connect with the Christian community goes well beyond the customary festive wishes most other leaders are known for.

In February 2015, PM Narendra Modi addressed the National Celebration of the Elevation to Sainthood of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Mother Euphrasia.

On June 27, 2020, PM Modi attended 90th birth anniversary of Dr Joseph Mar Thoma

His connect with Indian Christians as well as the Christian community across the world has found reflection in 'Mann Ki Baat', the monthly radio address to the nation.

In 'Mann ki Baat' that aired in July 2021, PM Modi mentioned how India handed over Holy Relic of Saint Queen Ketevan to Georgia strengthening the ties between the two nations. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar himself went to Georgia to hand over the relics. The handover ceremony, held in an emotional atmosphere, was attended by Georgia's president, prime minister and many Georgian religious leaders.

On September 29, 2019, PM Modi mentioned Sister Mariam Thresia and expressed pride that Sister Mariam Thresia, an Indian who was to be declared a Saint by Pope Francis in the Vatican. He mentioned Sister Mariam as being a noble example to the world.

On December 31 2017, PM Modi paid a special homage to Jesus Christ. He said that pious occasion of Christmas reminded all of great teachings of Jesus Christ.

PM Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday (October 30) and invited him to visit India. This historic meet between leader of India and the leader of the Christian religious world has made headlines everywhere.

PM Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday (October 30) and invited him to visit India. This historic meet between leader of India and the leader of the Christian religious world has made headlines everywhere. This was very first meeting between the two leaders. But PM Modi's connect with the Christian community goes well beyond the customary festive wishes most other leaders are known for. In February 2015, PM Narendra Modi addressed the National Celebration of the Elevation to Sainthood of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Mother Euphrasia. On June 27, 2020, PM Modi attended 90th birth anniversary of Dr Joseph Mar Thoma His connect with Indian Christians as well as the Christian community across the world has found reflection in 'Mann Ki Baat', the monthly radio address to the nation. In 'Mann ki Baat' that aired in July 2021, PM Modi mentioned how India handed over Holy Relic of Saint Queen Ketevan to Georgia strengthening the ties between the two nations. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar himself went to Georgia to hand over the relics. The handover ceremony, held in an emotional atmosphere, was attended by Georgia's president, prime minister and many Georgian religious leaders. On September 29, 2019, PM Modi mentioned Sister Mariam Thresia and expressed pride that Sister Mariam Thresia, an Indian who was to be declared a Saint by Pope Francis in the Vatican. He mentioned Sister Mariam as being a noble example to the world. On December 31 2017, PM Modi paid a special homage to Jesus Christ. He said that pious occasion of Christmas reminded all of great teachings of Jesus Christ.

Historic meet with Pope Francis is latest in Indian PM Modi's connect with Christians

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Pope Francis to India after a one-on-one meeting in Vatican City on Saturday. PM Modi and the Pope discussed a wide range of issues aimed at climate change and removing poverty.

Italy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Pope Francis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday and invited the head of the Catholic Church to visit India.

According to officials, the prime minister's meeting with the pope lasted for more than an hour.

Notably, the last Papal visit by an Indian leader happened in 1999 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister and Pope John Paul II visited India.

During their meeting, PM Modi and the Pope discussed a wide range of issues including climate change and poverty.

"PM Modi had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. A meeting that was scheduled only for twenty minutes went on for an hour," said an official who didn't wish to be named.

It is the first-ever one-to-one meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Pope Francis.&nbsp;At the Vatican, Modi was accompanied by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Prime Minister also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican City State.

Modi is the fifth Indian Prime Minister to meet the head of the Roman Catholics. Before him, prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, I K Gujral and Atal Bihari Vajpayee had met the then popes at the Vatican.

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Had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis. I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with him and also invited him to visit India. <a href="https://twitter.com/Pontifex?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pontifex</a> <a href="https://t.co/QP0If1uJAC">pic.twitter.com/QP0If1uJAC</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1454369975171485696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While briefing media on the details of the prime minister’s engagements in Italy, India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday had said, “The Prime Minister will have a separate call. He will be meeting his Holiness on a one-on-one basis. And that could, after a certain period of time, be followed up by delegation-level talks.”

Shringla said health issues, COVID-19 might be the agenda of the talks, but he quickly added that the Vatican has not set any agenda.

“I believe tradition is not to have an agenda when you discuss issues with His Holiness. And I think we respect that. I'm sure the issues that will be covered will cover a range of areas of interests in terms of the general global perspectives and issues that are important to all of us,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-begins-engagements-in-rome-holds-meeting-with-european-council-european-commission-presidents-424989">PM Modi begins engagements in Rome, holds meeting with European Council, European Commission presidents</a>

Earlier, in India, Modi’s visit was welcomed by the Catholic Church. Even before the government officially announced the visit, the president of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference, Cardinal George Alenchery, issued a statement saying that it would “add more energy and warmth to the relations between our country and the Vatican and the Catholic Church”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-sanskrit-chants-selfies-as-pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-mahatma-gandhi-meets-indian-diaspora-in-rome-425033">Watch: Sanskrit chants, selfies as PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, meets Indian diaspora in Rome</a>

On Thursday, PM Modi, before leaving for Italy for the G20 Summit, had said that he would be visiting Rome and the Vatican City from October 29-31.

“During my visit to Italy, I will also visit the Vatican City, to call on His Holiness Pope Francis and meet Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday and invited the head of the Catholic Church to visit India. According to officials, the prime minister's meeting with the pope lasted for more than an hour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday and invited the head of the Catholic Church to visit India. According to officials, the prime minister's meeting with the pope lasted for more than an hour. Notably, the last Papal visit by an Indian leader happened in 1999 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister and Pope John Paul II visited India. During their meeting, PM Modi and the Pope discussed a wide range of issues including climate change and poverty. "PM Modi had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. A meeting that was scheduled only for twenty minutes went on for an hour," said an official who didn't wish to be named. It is the first-ever one-to-one meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Pope Francis. At the Vatican, Modi was accompanied by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Prime Minister also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican City State. Modi is the fifth Indian Prime Minister to meet the head of the Roman Catholics. Before him, prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, I K Gujral and Atal Bihari Vajpayee had met the then popes at the Vatican. Had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis. I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with him and also invited him to visit India. @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/QP0If1uJAC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 30, 2021 × While briefing media on the details of the prime minister’s engagements in Italy, India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday had said, “The Prime Minister will have a separate call. He will be meeting his Holiness on a one-on-one basis. And that could, after a certain period of time, be followed up by delegation-level talks.” Shringla said health issues, COVID-19 might be the agenda of the talks, but he quickly added that the Vatican has not set any agenda. “I believe tradition is not to have an agenda when you discuss issues with His Holiness. And I think we respect that. I'm sure the issues that will be covered will cover a range of areas of interests in terms of the general global perspectives and issues that are important to all of us,” he said. Also read | PM Modi begins engagements in Rome, holds meeting with European Council, European Commission presidents Earlier, in India, Modi’s visit was welcomed by the Catholic Church. Even before the government officially announced the visit, the president of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference, Cardinal George Alenchery, issued a statement saying that it would “add more energy and warmth to the relations between our country and the Vatican and the Catholic Church”. Watch: Sanskrit chants, selfies as PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, meets Indian diaspora in Rome On Thursday, PM Modi, before leaving for Italy for the G20 Summit, had said that he would be visiting Rome and the Vatican City from October 29-31. “During my visit to Italy, I will also visit the Vatican City, to call on His Holiness Pope Francis and meet Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin,” he said.

At historic meeting, PM Modi invites Pope Francis to visit India

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