A scandal has led to a shake-up in the Vatican. The pope has taken a big decision of&nbsp;stripping the Vatican's most powerful office of its financial assets. This has come&nbsp;after dubious investments squandered millions of euros in church donations.

The scandal and the pandemic have now thrown up a bigger crisis for the pope — a budget deficit.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccines-glimmer-of-hope-must-be-given-to-all-pope-francis-352409">Vaccines 'glimmer of hope', must be given to all: Pope Francis</a>

Pope Francis has cut off the purse strings of the secretariat of state — the executive arm of the holy see. All of its financial holdings and real estate assets are being transferred to another office after a rather embarrassing scandal.

More than a year ago,&nbsp;the Vatican had conducted an unprecedented raid. The target was the offices of the banking regulator. The trigger was the mismanagement of donations.

Reports say some of it was used to buy a costly property in London for more than 300 million euros ($366 million) — a price that was well over the market value. The bill was inflated by middlemen by well over 100 million euros, according to one report. A detailed scrutiny of accounts revealed several dubious investments.&nbsp;Reports say&nbsp;they happened without the supervision of the central economic institutions.

Now Pope Francis seems to be taking matters in his own hands as he plans to bring in a committee of outside experts. They are expected to set new financial and ethical guidelines. The Vatican is also looking to tighten its belt as&nbsp;its coffers could be running dry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-celebrates-mass-in-near-empty-service-352214">WATCH|</a>

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This year, the Vatican is staring a major budget deficit. For most years, it has ranged between 60 to 70 million euros. This year, it could rise up to 100 million euros.

The pandemic has hit the earnings of the church. Collections from the museums of Vatican city tend to deliver a profit of more than 40 million euros. However,&nbsp;this year, all museums remained closed for long periods because of the coronavirus and the Vatican lost millions in revenue.

Pope Francis faces his biggest test now, as he was elected on a mandate to reform the Vatican's finances. However, this task has proved to be a major challenge in the past seven years.

Thanks to the pushback from the Vatican bureaucrats, now the scandals have battered the reputation of the catholic church and the budget deficit are causing more embarrassment.

Last year's budget deficit was plugged using donations meant for the poor, with the deficit now expected to touch 100 million euros. The Pope surey faces challenging times ahead.

A scandal has led to a shake-up in the Vatican. The pope has taken a big decision of stripping the Vatican's most powerful office of its financial assets. This has come after dubious investments squandered millions of euros in church donations.

A scandal has led to a shake-up in the Vatican. The pope has taken a big decision of stripping the Vatican's most powerful office of its financial assets. This has come after dubious investments squandered millions of euros in church donations. The scandal and the pandemic have now thrown up a bigger crisis for the pope — a budget deficit. Also read| Vaccines 'glimmer of hope', must be given to all: Pope Francis Pope Francis has cut off the purse strings of the secretariat of state — the executive arm of the holy see. All of its financial holdings and real estate assets are being transferred to another office after a rather embarrassing scandal. More than a year ago, the Vatican had conducted an unprecedented raid. The target was the offices of the banking regulator. The trigger was the mismanagement of donations. Reports say some of it was used to buy a costly property in London for more than 300 million euros ($366 million) — a price that was well over the market value. The bill was inflated by middlemen by well over 100 million euros, according to one report. A detailed scrutiny of accounts revealed several dubious investments. Reports say they happened without the supervision of the central economic institutions. Now Pope Francis seems to be taking matters in his own hands as he plans to bring in a committee of outside experts. They are expected to set new financial and ethical guidelines. The Vatican is also looking to tighten its belt as its coffers could be running dry. WATCH| × This year, the Vatican is staring a major budget deficit. For most years, it has ranged between 60 to 70 million euros. This year, it could rise up to 100 million euros. The pandemic has hit the earnings of the church. Collections from the museums of Vatican city tend to deliver a profit of more than 40 million euros. However, this year, all museums remained closed for long periods because of the coronavirus and the Vatican lost millions in revenue. Pope Francis faces his biggest test now, as he was elected on a mandate to reform the Vatican's finances. However, this task has proved to be a major challenge in the past seven years. Thanks to the pushback from the Vatican bureaucrats, now the scandals have battered the reputation of the catholic church and the budget deficit are causing more embarrassment. Last year's budget deficit was plugged using donations meant for the poor, with the deficit now expected to touch 100 million euros. The Pope surey faces challenging times ahead.

Pope Francis reorganizes Vatican's financial resources amid coronavirus and dubious investments

Describing vaccines as the "glimmers of hope" in the period of "darkness and uncertainty", Pope Francis on Friday called for "vaccines for all" in his Christmas message.&nbsp;

He said vaccines should be given to all, particularly to those most vulnerable and in dire need.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"I call on everyone, on leaders of states, on businesses, on international organisations, to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet," the pontiff said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-sit-at-family-tables-missing-a-familiar-face-who-chief-tedros-shares-christmas-message-352326">'We will sit at family tables missing a familiar face: WHO chief Tedros shares Christmas message</a>

The pope also said that the pandemic came at a time when there are already "ecological crisis" and "grave economic and social imbalances" and therefore it is important for each one to consider the other as "brothers and sisters".

He also spoke about the children who are stuck in the battle in Syria, Iraq and Yemen and hoped that peace should be established in this region.&nbsp;

"On this day... let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war," the pontiff said.

"May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of good will, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace."&nbsp;

Describing vaccines as the "glimmers of hope" in the period of "darkness and uncertainty", Pope Francis on Friday called for "vaccines for all" in his Christmas message.

Describing vaccines as the "glimmers of hope" in the period of "darkness and uncertainty", Pope Francis on Friday called for "vaccines for all" in his Christmas message. He said vaccines should be given to all, particularly to those most vulnerable and in dire need. Watch | "I call on everyone, on leaders of states, on businesses, on international organisations, to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet," the pontiff said. Also read | 'We will sit at family tables missing a familiar face: WHO chief Tedros shares Christmas message The pope also said that the pandemic came at a time when there are already "ecological crisis" and "grave economic and social imbalances" and therefore it is important for each one to consider the other as "brothers and sisters". He also spoke about the children who are stuck in the battle in Syria, Iraq and Yemen and hoped that peace should be established in this region. "On this day... let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war," the pontiff said. "May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of good will, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace."

Vaccines 'glimmer of hope', must be given to all: Pope Francis

Pope Francis delivered an early Mass Thursday to a small congregation at St Peter's Basilica to comply with Italy's 10 p.m. curfew.

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in near-empty service

A day after the Pope addressed a Christmas gathering, two cardinals close to Pope Francis have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, sources from the Vatican revealed on Tuesday.

One of the cardinals who tested positive is one of the most beloved cardinals who is also known as the "Robin Hood". The 57-year-old&nbsp;Konrad Krajewski is in charge of the charities managed by the Pope.&nbsp;Krajewski was showing symptoms of&nbsp;pneumonia and was put under&nbsp;surveillance in a hospital in Rome.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-will-always-have-your-jobs-pope-francis-assure-vatican-employees-351447">'You will always have your jobs': Pope Francis assure Vatican employees</a>

The 'Robin hood' of Vatican is reported to be someone who is usually in close contact with the Pope. Whether or not, he has been in contact with the Pope recently has not been made clear yet.

Another cardinal is 78-year-old&nbsp;Italian cardinal Giuseppe Bertello. He is&nbsp;president of the governorate of the tiny state of Vatican City. Bertello tested positive for the deadly virus around the same time.

The Pope has often been criticised for refusing to wear masks in public and during, however, his habits have now changed drastically, especially with the second wave taking over the world.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-says-it-is-morally-acceptable-to-get-virus-vaccines-using-abortion-cell-lines-351439" hreflang="en">Vatican permits use of COVID-19 vaccines despite abortion cell lines</a>

Meanwhile, the Pope has promised the Vatican employees that the state will retain their jobs and will keep paying their salaries on time, regardless of the economic condition of the state.&nbsp;

"You are the ones who count the most," he said while extending Christmas wishes to the employees and their families. "No one should lose their jobs (or) suffer the brutal economic consequences of this pandemic."

A day after the Pope addressed a Christmas gathering, two cardinals close to Pope Francis have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, sources from the Vatican revealed on Tuesday.

A day after the Pope addressed a Christmas gathering, two cardinals close to Pope Francis have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, sources from the Vatican revealed on Tuesday. One of the cardinals who tested positive is one of the most beloved cardinals who is also known as the "Robin Hood". The 57-year-old Konrad Krajewski is in charge of the charities managed by the Pope. Krajewski was showing symptoms of pneumonia and was put under surveillance in a hospital in Rome. Also read| 'You will always have your jobs': Pope Francis assure Vatican employees The 'Robin hood' of Vatican is reported to be someone who is usually in close contact with the Pope. Whether or not, he has been in contact with the Pope recently has not been made clear yet. Another cardinal is 78-year-old Italian cardinal Giuseppe Bertello. He is president of the governorate of the tiny state of Vatican City. Bertello tested positive for the deadly virus around the same time. The Pope has often been criticised for refusing to wear masks in public and during, however, his habits have now changed drastically, especially with the second wave taking over the world. Also read| Vatican permits use of COVID-19 vaccines despite abortion cell lines Meanwhile, the Pope has promised the Vatican employees that the state will retain their jobs and will keep paying their salaries on time, regardless of the economic condition of the state. "You are the ones who count the most," he said while extending Christmas wishes to the employees and their families. "No one should lose their jobs (or) suffer the brutal economic consequences of this pandemic."

Two cardinals close to Pope Francis test positive for coronavirus

As the world is battling with a downward spiral in economies, Pope Francis has assured the Vatican employees that their jobs will be safe even during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic.

Talking to the employees and families of Vatican, Pope Francis thanked them for their continuous efforts and assured them of financial security in these tough times.

"You are the ones who count the most," he said while extending Christmas wishes to the employees and their families. "No one should lose their jobs (or) suffer the brutal economic consequences of this pandemic."

The 84-year-old religious leader addressed a gathering to extend wishes of Christmas. The event was organised in the cavernous Paul VI Audience Hall, in a socially-distanced manner with everyone, including the Pope, wearing a face mask to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-says-it-is-morally-acceptable-to-get-virus-vaccines-using-abortion-cell-lines-351439" hreflang="en">Vatican permits use of COVID-19 vaccines despite abortion cell lines</a>

The Vatican is considered to be the world's smallest state which does not provide any unemployment fund. However, the state has been paying full wages to its workers, which is in direct contrast to the majority of the governments of the developed and developing countries around the world.

The state has incurred several economic losses due to a months-long lockdown followed by a steep decline in tourism. This has also led to the closure of the Vatican Museums. However, the Pope has made sure the workforces of the Vatican are paid their dues on time.

"The pandemic has exposed the plight of the poor and the great inequality that reigns in the world," he said.

He also talked about social inequality and injustice is an even greater virus than the coronavirus and called it "a larger virus, that of social injustice, inequality of opportunity, marginalisation and the lack of protection for the weakest."

The Vatican also allowed scientists to get virus vaccines using abortion cell lines. On Monday, the Vatican said it was ''morally acceptable'' for Roman Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines based on research that used fetal tissue from abortions.

As the world is battling with a downward spiral in economies, Pope Francis has assured the Vatican employees that their jobs will be safe even during the coronavirus pandemic.

As the world is battling with a downward spiral in economies, Pope Francis has assured the Vatican employees that their jobs will be safe even during the coronavirus pandemic. Talking to the employees and families of Vatican, Pope Francis thanked them for their continuous efforts and assured them of financial security in these tough times. "You are the ones who count the most," he said while extending Christmas wishes to the employees and their families. "No one should lose their jobs (or) suffer the brutal economic consequences of this pandemic." The 84-year-old religious leader addressed a gathering to extend wishes of Christmas. The event was organised in the cavernous Paul VI Audience Hall, in a socially-distanced manner with everyone, including the Pope, wearing a face mask to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Also read| Vatican permits use of COVID-19 vaccines despite abortion cell lines The Vatican is considered to be the world's smallest state which does not provide any unemployment fund. However, the state has been paying full wages to its workers, which is in direct contrast to the majority of the governments of the developed and developing countries around the world. The state has incurred several economic losses due to a months-long lockdown followed by a steep decline in tourism. This has also led to the closure of the Vatican Museums. However, the Pope has made sure the workforces of the Vatican are paid their dues on time. "The pandemic has exposed the plight of the poor and the great inequality that reigns in the world," he said. He also talked about social inequality and injustice is an even greater virus than the coronavirus and called it "a larger virus, that of social injustice, inequality of opportunity, marginalisation and the lack of protection for the weakest." The Vatican also allowed scientists to get virus vaccines using abortion cell lines. On Monday, the Vatican said it was ''morally acceptable'' for Roman Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines based on research that used fetal tissue from abortions.

'You will always have your jobs': Pope Francis assure Vatican employees

The Vatican&nbsp;on Monday said that it was ''morally acceptable'' for Roman Catholics to receive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines</a>&nbsp;based on research that used fetal tissue from abortions.

A note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican's watchdog office for doctrinal orthodoxy,&nbsp;said the use of such vaccines was permitted as long as there were no alternatives.

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The doctrine office noted that bishops, Catholic groups, and experts have offered “diverse and sometimes conflicting pronouncements” on the matter.

Both the Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc vaccines have some connection to cell lines that originated with tissue from abortions in the last century, according to the US&nbsp;Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which issued a separate note to American Catholics last week.

The Vatican note said the granting of moral legitimacy was related to the principle "differing degrees of responsibility of cooperation in evil."

This meant that because the pandemic is such grave danger, such vaccines "can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that (it) does not constitute formal cooperation with the abortion from which the cells used in the production of the vaccines derive," the note said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-coronavirus-vaccine-must-be-shared-worldwide-296424">Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide</a>

In the absence of safe vaccines made from other sources, "it is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process."

The American bishops said the vaccines employed cell lines drawn from tissue obtained from two abortions that took place in the 1960s and 1970s and that often have been replicated since.

The Vatican note said the use of such vaccines "does not in itself constitute a legitimation, even indirect, of the practice of abortion".

It urged the pharmaceutical industry to develop completely ethical vaccines and governments and international organisations to make them accessible to poorer nations.

The Vatican note said that while the use of vaccines was voluntary, "the common good may recommend vaccination, especially to protect the weakest and most exposed".

The Vatican on Monday said that it was ''morally acceptable'' for Roman Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines based on research that used fetal tissue from abortions.

The Vatican on Monday said that it was ''morally acceptable'' for Roman Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines based on research that used fetal tissue from abortions. A note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican's watchdog office for doctrinal orthodoxy, said the use of such vaccines was permitted as long as there were no alternatives. The doctrine office noted that bishops, Catholic groups, and experts have offered “diverse and sometimes conflicting pronouncements” on the matter. Both the Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc vaccines have some connection to cell lines that originated with tissue from abortions in the last century, according to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which issued a separate note to American Catholics last week. The Vatican note said the granting of moral legitimacy was related to the principle "differing degrees of responsibility of cooperation in evil." This meant that because the pandemic is such grave danger, such vaccines "can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that (it) does not constitute formal cooperation with the abortion from which the cells used in the production of the vaccines derive," the note said. Also read: Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide In the absence of safe vaccines made from other sources, "it is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process." The American bishops said the vaccines employed cell lines drawn from tissue obtained from two abortions that took place in the 1960s and 1970s and that often have been replicated since. The Vatican note said the use of such vaccines "does not in itself constitute a legitimation, even indirect, of the practice of abortion". It urged the pharmaceutical industry to develop completely ethical vaccines and governments and international organisations to make them accessible to poorer nations. The Vatican note said that while the use of vaccines was voluntary, "the common good may recommend vaccination, especially to protect the weakest and most exposed".

Vatican says it is 'morally acceptable' to get virus vaccines using abortion cell lines

Pope Francis urged countries on Saturday to work towards net zero carbon emissions and committed Vatican City - the world`s smallest state - to reaching the target by 2050.

Francis, who has championed environmental causes since his election in 2013, told a U.N. climate summit the 108-acre (44-hectare) city-state surrounded by Rome would be doing its bit to fight climate change.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-model-going-to-heaven-after-pope-francis-likes-her-image-on-instagram-344246">Brazilian model going to 'heaven' after Pope Francis likes her image on Instagram</a>

"The current pandemic and climate change, which are not only environmentally relevant, but also ethically, socially, economically and politically, affect, above all, the lives of the poorest and most fragile," he said in a video message to the summit.

"In addition to adopting some measures that cannot be postponed any longer, a strategy is needed to reduce net emissions to zero," Francis said.

He committed the Vatican "to reducing net emissions to zero by 2050," as well as intensifying environmental management efforts and furthering the rational use of natural resources such as water and planting more trees.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-to-make-first-trip-from-vatican-to-iraq-in-march-2021-348143">Pope Francis to make first trip from Vatican to Iraq in March 2021</a>

A Vatican statement said the city-state was moving ahead with plans to substitute all its combustion engine cars with electric or hybrid vehicles.

It said the Vatican, which began installing solar panels in 2008 and banned single-use plastic bags last year, was now recycling 65% of its waste and aimed to reach 75% in 2023.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-installs-new-cardinals-including-first-african-american-346172">Pope installs new cardinals, including first African-American</a>

In his address, Francis said the Holy See was committed to promoting, in Catholic schools and elsewhere, "an education for integral ecology" to favour development and sustainability and encourage economic policies that respect the environment.

In 2015, Francis wrote a landmark encyclical "Laudato Si" (Praised Be) on the need to protect nature. It backed scientific evidence that human activity was to blame for global warming.

Francis also strongly backed the Paris agreement to limit the global rise of temperatures and has said he was saddened by U.S. President Donald Trump`s decision to withdraw from it.

Pope Francis urged countries on Saturday to work towards net zero carbon emissions and committed Vatican City - the world`s smallest state - to reaching the target by 2050.

Pope Francis urged countries on Saturday to work towards net zero carbon emissions and committed Vatican City - the world`s smallest state - to reaching the target by 2050. Francis, who has championed environmental causes since his election in 2013, told a U.N. climate summit the 108-acre (44-hectare) city-state surrounded by Rome would be doing its bit to fight climate change. Also read| Brazilian model going to 'heaven' after Pope Francis likes her image on Instagram "The current pandemic and climate change, which are not only environmentally relevant, but also ethically, socially, economically and politically, affect, above all, the lives of the poorest and most fragile," he said in a video message to the summit. "In addition to adopting some measures that cannot be postponed any longer, a strategy is needed to reduce net emissions to zero," Francis said. He committed the Vatican "to reducing net emissions to zero by 2050," as well as intensifying environmental management efforts and furthering the rational use of natural resources such as water and planting more trees. Also read| Pope Francis to make first trip from Vatican to Iraq in March 2021 A Vatican statement said the city-state was moving ahead with plans to substitute all its combustion engine cars with electric or hybrid vehicles. It said the Vatican, which began installing solar panels in 2008 and banned single-use plastic bags last year, was now recycling 65% of its waste and aimed to reach 75% in 2023. Also read| Pope installs new cardinals, including first African-American In his address, Francis said the Holy See was committed to promoting, in Catholic schools and elsewhere, "an education for integral ecology" to favour development and sustainability and encourage economic policies that respect the environment. In 2015, Francis wrote a landmark encyclical "Laudato Si" (Praised Be) on the need to protect nature. It backed scientific evidence that human activity was to blame for global warming. Francis also strongly backed the Paris agreement to limit the global rise of temperatures and has said he was saddened by U.S. President Donald Trump`s decision to withdraw from it.

Pope commits Vatican to net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Pope Francis is all set to become the first Pope in history to visit Iraq on a four-day trip in March 2021,&nbsp;the Vatican reported on Monday.

The announcement was made by the&nbsp;Spokesman Matteo Bruni who reported the Pope will be visiting the capital Baghdad, as well as Ur, a city linked to the Old Testament figure of Abraham, and Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh in the plain of Nineveh.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-installs-new-cardinals-including-first-african-american-346172">Pope installs new cardinals, including first African-American</a>

As of now, the trip has been planned for March 5-8. However, a set programme has not been laid out yet and will soon be finalised, keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic. "The programme of the journey will be made known in due course, and will take into consideration the evolution of the worldwide health emergency," Bruni said.

This trip has been planned after the Vatican received an invitation from the&nbsp;Iraqi government and the local Catholic Church. The aim of this historic trip, as per sources, is to provide comfort and hope to the Christians who have been stuck and forced to flee from Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries due to the ongoing wars, conflicts and humanitarian crisis.

Iraqi President Barham Salih said in a post on Twitter that the trip "will be a message of peace to Iraqis of all religions &amp; serve to affirm our common values of justice &amp; dignity."

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Due to the ongoing pandemic, all trips scheduled for the Pope in 2020 were cancelled, making this the first overseas trip of Pope Francis after November 2019.

Lately, Iraq has been struggling to bring peace into the country borders with the rising tension in the middle-eastern countries and an ongoing conflict between the government and citizens.

Pope Francis is all set to become the first Pope in history to visit Iraq on a four-day trip in March 2021, the Vatican reported on Monday. The announcement was made by the Spokesman Matteo Bruni who reported the Pope will be visiting the capital Baghdad, as well as Ur, a city linked to the Old Testament figure of Abraham, and Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh in the plain of Nineveh.

Pope Francis is all set to become the first Pope in history to visit Iraq on a four-day trip in March 2021, the Vatican reported on Monday. The announcement was made by the Spokesman Matteo Bruni who reported the Pope will be visiting the capital Baghdad, as well as Ur, a city linked to the Old Testament figure of Abraham, and Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh in the plain of Nineveh. Also read| Pope installs new cardinals, including first African-American As of now, the trip has been planned for March 5-8. However, a set programme has not been laid out yet and will soon be finalised, keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic. "The programme of the journey will be made known in due course, and will take into consideration the evolution of the worldwide health emergency," Bruni said. This trip has been planned after the Vatican received an invitation from the Iraqi government and the local Catholic Church. The aim of this historic trip, as per sources, is to provide comfort and hope to the Christians who have been stuck and forced to flee from Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries due to the ongoing wars, conflicts and humanitarian crisis. Iraqi President Barham Salih said in a post on Twitter that the trip "will be a message of peace to Iraqis of all religions & serve to affirm our common values of justice & dignity." × Due to the ongoing pandemic, all trips scheduled for the Pope in 2020 were cancelled, making this the first overseas trip of Pope Francis after November 2019. Lately, Iraq has been struggling to bring peace into the country borders with the rising tension in the middle-eastern countries and an ongoing conflict between the government and citizens.

Pope Francis to make first trip from Vatican to Iraq in March 2021

Pope Francis has installed 13 new cardinals, including the first African-American to hold the high rank, further expanding the pontiff's impact on the group that will one day elect his successor.

The cardinals were installed in a ceremony, known as a consistory, on Saturday.

Nine of the 13 are under 80 and eligible under Church law to enter a secret conclave to choose the next pope from among themselves after Francis dies or resigns.

It was Francis' seventh consistory since his election in 2013. He has now appointed 57% of the 128 cardinal electors, most of whom share his vision of a more inclusive and outward-looking Church.

Thus far, he has appointed 18 cardinals from mostly far-flung countries that never had one, nearly all of them from the developing world. In Saturday's consistory, Brunei and Rwanda got their first cardinals.

While Europe still has the largest share of cardinal electors, with 41%, it is down from 52% in 2013 when Francis became the first Latin-American pope.

The nine new electors come from Italy, Malta, Rwanda, the United States, the Philippines, Chile, Brunei and Mexico.

In his homily, Francis told the men to keep their eyes on God, avoid all forms of corruption, and not succumb to a "worldly spirit" that can accompany the prestige and power of their new rank.

Wilton Gregory, the 72-year-old archbishop of Washington, DC, becomes the first African-American cardinal at a time the United States is examining race relations after a spate of police killings of unarmed Black people.

Everyone in the basilica except the pope wore a mask. Each new cardinal removed theirs when they knelt before him to be invested, except Gregory, who kept it on.

Gregory made headlines in June when he blasted President Donald Trump's visit to a Catholic shrine in Washington, after police and soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters so Trump could be photographed in front of a historic Washington church holding a Bible.

Gregory said he found it "baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated".

Catholic conservatives condemned Gregory and sided with Trump.

Gregory was one of a handful of new cardinals who were quarantined for about 10 days in their rooms in the Vatican guest house where the pope also lives. Cardinals from Brunei and the Philippines could not travel and will receive their ring and hat from a papal delegate.

Four non-electors over 80 were given the honour after a long service to the Church. The most prominent is Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, an Italian-American who has worked around the world and is one of the Church's top experts on immigration.

(with inputs)

Pope Francis has installed 13 new cardinals, including the first African-American to hold the high rank, further expanding the pontiff's impact on the group that will one day elect his successor.

Pope Francis has installed 13 new cardinals, including the first African-American to hold the high rank, further expanding the pontiff's impact on the group that will one day elect his successor. The cardinals were installed in a ceremony, known as a consistory, on Saturday. Nine of the 13 are under 80 and eligible under Church law to enter a secret conclave to choose the next pope from among themselves after Francis dies or resigns. It was Francis' seventh consistory since his election in 2013. He has now appointed 57% of the 128 cardinal electors, most of whom share his vision of a more inclusive and outward-looking Church. Thus far, he has appointed 18 cardinals from mostly far-flung countries that never had one, nearly all of them from the developing world. In Saturday's consistory, Brunei and Rwanda got their first cardinals. While Europe still has the largest share of cardinal electors, with 41%, it is down from 52% in 2013 when Francis became the first Latin-American pope. The nine new electors come from Italy, Malta, Rwanda, the United States, the Philippines, Chile, Brunei and Mexico. In his homily, Francis told the men to keep their eyes on God, avoid all forms of corruption, and not succumb to a "worldly spirit" that can accompany the prestige and power of their new rank. Wilton Gregory, the 72-year-old archbishop of Washington, DC, becomes the first African-American cardinal at a time the United States is examining race relations after a spate of police killings of unarmed Black people. Everyone in the basilica except the pope wore a mask. Each new cardinal removed theirs when they knelt before him to be invested, except Gregory, who kept it on. Gregory made headlines in June when he blasted President Donald Trump's visit to a Catholic shrine in Washington, after police and soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters so Trump could be photographed in front of a historic Washington church holding a Bible. Gregory said he found it "baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated". Catholic conservatives condemned Gregory and sided with Trump. Gregory was one of a handful of new cardinals who were quarantined for about 10 days in their rooms in the Vatican guest house where the pope also lives. Cardinals from Brunei and the Philippines could not travel and will receive their ring and hat from a papal delegate. Four non-electors over 80 were given the honour after a long service to the Church. The most prominent is Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, an Italian-American who has worked around the world and is one of the Church's top experts on immigration. (with inputs)

Pope installs new cardinals, including first African-American

For the first time, Pope Francis has referred to Muslim Uighurs in China as a “persecuted” community.

In a new book titled “Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future”, Francis also urged world governments to set up a universal minimum wage, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. The book includes a 150-page collaboration with Austen Ivereigh, Pope’s English language biographer.

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"I think often of persecuted peoples: the Rohingya, the poor Uighurs, the Yazidi," he said in a section. He also addressed the persecution of Christians in Islamic countries. This marked the first time that the Pope mentioned Uighurs. He has spoked about Myanmar’s Rohingya and Iraq’s Yazidi on earlier occasions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pompeo-says-china-treatment-of-uighurs-gravest-threat-to-religious-freedom-338812" hreflang="en">Pompeo says China treatment of Uighurs 'gravest threat' to religious freedom</a>

The Pope spoke about economic, social, and political changes which he says are required to address inequalities after the end of this pandemic. The book is set to go on sale on December 1. He also out at anti-maskers, and claimed that those who perceived masks as an imposition from the state are “victims only in their imagination”.

Pope Francis also praised those who protested against the death of George Floyd, who was killed by White police officers in the United States.&nbsp; According to activist groups and governments, China is holding 1 million Uighur Muslims in camps in Xinjiang, where crimes against humanity and genocide is taking place.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/apple-rallying-against-bill-to-stop-forced-uighur-labour-344963" hreflang="en">Apple rallying against bill to stop forced Uighur labour</a>

China claims that the camps are education centres and are part of the country’s deradicalisation efforts.

Pope Francis also criticised trickle-down economics, whereby the basic belief is that tax breaks and incentives for wealthy businesses will eventually benefit society and create jobs.

He referred to it as “the false assumption of the infamous trickle-down theory that a growing economy will make us all richer”.

For the first time, Pope Francis has referred to Muslim Uighurs in China as a “persecuted” community. In a new book titled “Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future”, Francis also urged world governments to set up a universal minimum wage, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.

For the first time, Pope Francis has referred to Muslim Uighurs in China as a “persecuted” community. In a new book titled “Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future”, Francis also urged world governments to set up a universal minimum wage, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. The book includes a 150-page collaboration with Austen Ivereigh, Pope’s English language biographer. "I think often of persecuted peoples: the Rohingya, the poor Uighurs, the Yazidi," he said in a section. He also addressed the persecution of Christians in Islamic countries. This marked the first time that the Pope mentioned Uighurs. He has spoked about Myanmar’s Rohingya and Iraq’s Yazidi on earlier occasions. Also read: Pompeo says China treatment of Uighurs 'gravest threat' to religious freedom The Pope spoke about economic, social, and political changes which he says are required to address inequalities after the end of this pandemic. The book is set to go on sale on December 1. He also out at anti-maskers, and claimed that those who perceived masks as an imposition from the state are “victims only in their imagination”. Pope Francis also praised those who protested against the death of George Floyd, who was killed by White police officers in the United States. According to activist groups and governments, China is holding 1 million Uighur Muslims in camps in Xinjiang, where crimes against humanity and genocide is taking place. Also read: Apple rallying against bill to stop forced Uighur labour China claims that the camps are education centres and are part of the country’s deradicalisation efforts. Pope Francis also criticised trickle-down economics, whereby the basic belief is that tax breaks and incentives for wealthy businesses will eventually benefit society and create jobs. He referred to it as “the false assumption of the infamous trickle-down theory that a growing economy will make us all richer”.

Pope Francis refers to Uighur Muslims as a 'persecuted' group for the first time

China&nbsp;on Tuesday dismissed Pope Francis's criticism of Muslim Uighurs in the country as a “persecuted” community, calling the charges&nbsp;groundless.

In a new book titled “Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future”, Francis also urged world governments to set up a universal minimum wage, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. The book includes a 150-page collaboration with Austen Ivereigh, Pope’s English language biographer.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-refers-to-uighur-muslims-as-a-persecuted-group-for-the-first-time-345000">Pope Francis refers to Uighur Muslims as 'persecuted' group for the first time</a>

It is the first time Pope Francis&nbsp;has&nbsp;called China's Uighurs a persecuted people, something human rights activists have been urging him to do for years.

China claims that the camps are education centres and are part of the country’s deradicalisation efforts. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian rejected his characterisation of the Uighurs.

"The Chinese government has always protected the legal rights of ethnic minorities equally," he told a media briefing.

''People of all ethnicities in Xinjiang enjoy the full protection of their subsistence rights, developmental rights, and religious freedom.&nbsp;The remarks by Pope Francis are groundless,"&nbsp;Zhao said.

&nbsp;While the pope has spoken out before about the Rohingya who has fled Myanmar and the killing of Yazidi by Islamic State in Iraq, it was the first time he mentioned the Uighurs.

Faith leaders, activist groups, and governments have said crimes against humanity and genocide are taking place against Uighurs in China's Xinjiang region, where more than 1 million people are held in camps.

Beijing has rejected the allegations as an attempt to discredit China, saying the camps are vocational education and training centres as part of counter-terrorism and deradicalisation measures.

Many commentators have said the Vatican was reluctant to speak out on the Uighurs earlier because it was in the process of renewing an accord with Beijing on the appointment of bishops. It was renewed in September.

China on Tuesday dismissed Pope Francis's criticism of Muslim Uighurs in the country as a “persecuted” community, calling the charges groundless. In a new book titled “Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future”, Francis also urged world governments to set up a universal minimum wage, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.

China on Tuesday dismissed Pope Francis's criticism of Muslim Uighurs in the country as a “persecuted” community, calling the charges groundless. In a new book titled “Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future”, Francis also urged world governments to set up a universal minimum wage, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. The book includes a 150-page collaboration with Austen Ivereigh, Pope’s English language biographer. Also read: Pope Francis refers to Uighur Muslims as 'persecuted' group for the first time It is the first time Pope Francis has called China's Uighurs a persecuted people, something human rights activists have been urging him to do for years. China claims that the camps are education centres and are part of the country’s deradicalisation efforts. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian rejected his characterisation of the Uighurs. "The Chinese government has always protected the legal rights of ethnic minorities equally," he told a media briefing. ''People of all ethnicities in Xinjiang enjoy the full protection of their subsistence rights, developmental rights, and religious freedom. The remarks by Pope Francis are groundless," Zhao said. While the pope has spoken out before about the Rohingya who has fled Myanmar and the killing of Yazidi by Islamic State in Iraq, it was the first time he mentioned the Uighurs. Faith leaders, activist groups, and governments have said crimes against humanity and genocide are taking place against Uighurs in China's Xinjiang region, where more than 1 million people are held in camps. Beijing has rejected the allegations as an attempt to discredit China, saying the camps are vocational education and training centres as part of counter-terrorism and deradicalisation measures. Many commentators have said the Vatican was reluctant to speak out on the Uighurs earlier because it was in the process of renewing an accord with Beijing on the appointment of bishops. It was renewed in September.

China calls Pope Francis' remarks on 'persecuted' Uighurs 'groundless'

Pope Francis&nbsp;hosted a delegation of NBA players and union officials at the Vatican in a bid to discuss the wide-ranging issues of racial equality and social justice. The delegation of five players and five union executives met with Pope Francis&nbsp;in the papal library of the Apostolic Palace on Monday, presenting gifts and discussed their share of experiences in tacking racism and social injustice. Interestingly, no one wore a mask to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Photos and videos from the meeting showed at least 16 people sitting and exchanging gifts and opinions with no masks and almost no social-distancing measures.

The National Basketball Players Association (NLBPA) confirmed that the members of the delegation underwent COVID-19 tests before meeting Pope Francis, in accordance with the Vatican protocols.

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Pope Francis, 83, over the months, has received criticism for rarely wearing a mask while meeting people indoors.

Notably, the US has reported around 12 million coronavirus cases with death toll north to 250,000 from the virus – the most in the world.

The NBA player delegation included the likes of Sterling Brown and Kyle Korver of Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony Tolliver of the Memphis Grizzlies, Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic and Marco Belinelli of the San Antonio Spurs. Belinelli spoke to the Pope in Italian.&nbsp;

<h2>"Meeting validates the power of our players' voices"</h2>

“Today's meeting validates the power of our players' voices,” NLBPA executive director Michele Roberts said. “That one of the most influential leaders in the world sought to have a conversation with them demonstrates the influence of their platforms.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-announces-structure-and-format-for-2020-21-season-343846" hreflang="en">NBA announces structure and format for 2020-21 season</a>

The NBA became central to political storm this year in the aftermath of the massive Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest across the US after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, under police custody. Players boycotted matches after another African-American man Jacob Blake was shot dead by police in Wisconsin.

Korver stated that players were honoured to share their experiences with Pope Francis. “His openness and eagerness to discuss these issues was inspiring and a reminder that our work has had a global impact and must continue moving forward,” Korver said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-2020-draft-history-stats-and-all-the-numbers-you-need-to-know-343844" hreflang="en">NBA 2020 Draft: History, Stats and all the numbers you need to know</a>

Pope Francis’s book is due out on December 1 in which he has supported demands for racial justice among many other social causes. 
&nbsp;

Pope Francis hosted a delegation of NBA players and union officials at the Vatican in a bid to discuss the wide-ranging issues of racial equality and social justice.

Pope Francis hosted a delegation of NBA players and union officials at the Vatican in a bid to discuss the wide-ranging issues of racial equality and social justice. The delegation of five players and five union executives met with Pope Francis in the papal library of the Apostolic Palace on Monday, presenting gifts and discussed their share of experiences in tacking racism and social injustice. Interestingly, no one wore a mask to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Photos and videos from the meeting showed at least 16 people sitting and exchanging gifts and opinions with no masks and almost no social-distancing measures. The National Basketball Players Association (NLBPA) confirmed that the members of the delegation underwent COVID-19 tests before meeting Pope Francis, in accordance with the Vatican protocols. ALSO READ: NBA Draft 2020: Top picks, trivia and best quotes Pope Francis, 83, over the months, has received criticism for rarely wearing a mask while meeting people indoors. Notably, the US has reported around 12 million coronavirus cases with death toll north to 250,000 from the virus – the most in the world. The NBA player delegation included the likes of Sterling Brown and Kyle Korver of Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony Tolliver of the Memphis Grizzlies, Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic and Marco Belinelli of the San Antonio Spurs. Belinelli spoke to the Pope in Italian. "Meeting validates the power of our players' voices" “Today's meeting validates the power of our players' voices,” NLBPA executive director Michele Roberts said. “That one of the most influential leaders in the world sought to have a conversation with them demonstrates the influence of their platforms.” ALSO READ: NBA announces structure and format for 2020-21 season The NBA became central to political storm this year in the aftermath of the massive Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest across the US after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, under police custody. Players boycotted matches after another African-American man Jacob Blake was shot dead by police in Wisconsin. Korver stated that players were honoured to share their experiences with Pope Francis. “His openness and eagerness to discuss these issues was inspiring and a reminder that our work has had a global impact and must continue moving forward,” Korver said. ALSO READ: NBA 2020 Draft: History, Stats and all the numbers you need to know Pope Francis’s book is due out on December 1 in which he has supported demands for racial justice among many other social causes.

Pope Francis hosts delegation of NBA players for maskless meeting over social justice

China and the Vatican renewed a secretive agreement signed two years ago. It allows both Beijing and the Vatican a say in appointing Bishops in China. The agreement gives Pope a final say in the appointments of the Bishop in China, but Beijing is the one that will have to come up with the choices.

Chinese authorities had previously selected bishops without the say of the Vatican. And a division formed between state-sanctioned clergy — and underground bishops who operated outside state control.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-china-renew-bishop-appointment-deal-for-two-years-337095">Vatican, China renew bishop appointment deal for two years</a>

The former bishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Joseph Zen, has spoken up about this. Cardinal Zen was born in Shanghai 88 years ago. He came to Hong Kong in 1948, just before the communist took power in China.

Cardinal Zen accuses says this deal is a betrayal to the 12 million Catholic population.&nbsp;

In an exclusive conversation with Praphul Singh from WION, Cardinal Joseph Zen reveals how the secret Vatican-China deal has worsened the situation for Catholics in China and Hong Kong.

WION: How do you see the two years of agreement between China and the Vatican? Did it improve anything in China for the Catholics?

Cardinal Zen: I don't even know the content of the agreement, the agreement is a secret, even for me, a Chinese cardinal. But then you can guess that the content is not very important. I mean, before this written agreement there was a compromise in the nomination of the Bishops. I mean, they had a kind of secret mutual understanding and then they try to appoint somebody acceptable to both, somebody, not the best but acceptable to both. But what happened with this deal is very much alarming because using this agreement they did many wrong things. They never named any Bishops in these 2 years. The two Bishops ordained in these 2 years were already agreed upon. But then, they legitimise 7 Bishops. Presenting it as a part of the agreement, but the agreement should be about future Bishops, not the bishops they ordained several years ago. Not, the legitimisation of those 7 is unacceptable. The people completely working for the govt, not for the church. They were ordained without permission of the Pope and during all those years they were defiant, disrespecting all the doctrines of faith and all the rules of cardinal law. They used the power, which they took by force. To ordain priests, to ordain the bishops, it was very bad behaviour over the years. And with this legitimisation, they should show some repentance of what they did. They should promise in some way to behave but nothing like that. They just went around triumphant because they succeeded by the pressure of the govt to be recognised as Bishops. Then the Holy Sea impose such people on the faithful. It is a very cruel thing. Among them, there are two of them who doesn't follow the celibacy, just imagine. It is very sad, the holy sea got nothing but lost everything.

WION: Why do you think a Vatican-China deal is harming the Catholics in China? 
Cardinal Zen: Sometimes they say a bad agreement is better than no agreement, that's impossible to understand because a bad thing is bad. You may accept an imperfect agreement but not a bad agreement. The agreement is very bad because any agreement should be fair to both sides. And so both sides should gain something, but we gained nothing and the Chinese Government gained everything. I think in the negotiations, they should mention the Bishops and the arrest but nothing happened, even more, harsh persecution.&nbsp;

WION: Do you think that the Vatican is giving legitimacy to the Communist Party of China and their ways of persecuting the Catholics in China?

Cardinal Zen: In a big secret that the agreement is, the government use it to demand the faithful to do everything they want. For eg., they tell the underground churches to come out and join the independent church, if the people they, no, it isn't allowed, it is against our Catholic effect. The official says, no, the Pope has agreed already. But since the people don't know the content of the agreement, they are confused, if it is the Pope who has approved everything? Even the Vatican recognises something the govt is demanding was not in the agreement. But then last year a document came from the Holy Sea, encouraging the people to join the independent church. That's incredible because that church, that community is the cosmetic church, not the true catholic church. The Popes from all these years have abstained from calling it cosmetic church just because there were several good bishops, good priests and good people, but the situation worsened year by year just because of the wrong policy by the Holy Sea. This policy of compromise is a surrender. We didn't get the agreement but the agreement was a pretext, was an instrument in the hands of the government to persecute the church.

WION: You feel very strongly against the deal, so much so, that you flew to Rome a couple of years back to express your views? What did you say to Pope and how did he respond to it? 
Cardinal Zen: I flew to Rome several times in the year 2018 because I couldn't be sure that the Pope have been receiving my letters, the many letters that I have written to him. So I went to Rome to give letters to his hands, twice. He was very kind to see me and even give me a personal audience. But he did not answer my questions and last year towards the end of June a document came from the Holy Sea encouraging the people to join the Independent Church. It's a very contradictory attitude from the Holy Sea. On one side, they say, we have no agreement from the government so that the underground should come to the independent church, but then they encourage the underground priests to accept and sign the document for registration to become part of the independent church, that's terrible, that's why I took to the flight the next day to Rome, I asked the holy father to be present in the discussion between me and Cardinal Parolin, he was the author of the document, but I could not have that. The Holy Father even invited me to the supper with Cardinal Parolin but not to have such a discussion. I came back empty-handed, but not completely empty-handed, coz I could an embarrassment in the eyes of the Holy Father. It is also clear that Parolin, the Secretary of State is manipulating the Holy Father which is very saddening to see.

WION: How risky is it for people to worship in underground churches of China? 
Cardinal Zen: The underground church means a church which is against the law. So they can be any moment arrested and brought to prison. But, for many years the govt in some places, sometimes even tolerated the underground community. Why? Because they are good, hard-working, well-behaved people. In villages, they are the majority of people behaving very well, no fighting, no quarrels and so they just wanted a place to be able to worship. So the govt closed its eyes. In several places, there were churches, big buildings and they could worship there. In big cities like Shanghai, they couldn't allow the churches, but they allowed underground churches and allowed mass to happen. Everybody knew that it couldn't be a secret. But, two years ago, when they signed the agreement, the govt started to enforce those laws and they started to take away the churches because they said now you have to join the independent church, it is already recognised as the only church by the Holy Father. They told the priest that they cannot say the mass anymore in secret. The priest told the people to not go to the mass anymore because it was too dangerous. The government may arrest them, find them, they may lose all their money, their property and they may end up going to prison. But then, there are also other laws which they did not enforce before but after the agreement, they did enforce the law. One of the law was very harsh and terrible, any person below 18 years of age are not allowed to go to the church, are not allowed to join any religious activities. So all these activities were done on the pretext of the agreement, it was not written in the agreement. They used the agreement to enforce these things after the agreement was signed, so things are much worse than before.

WION: What kind of methods does China use to enforce a ban on underground churches? Do they arrest the Bishops? What do they do with them? 
Cardinal Zen: The underground bishops, they are always in danger of being arrested. Sometimes they arrest them and put them in prison. We have even 1 Bishop who disappeared 20 years ago, we don't even know whether he is still alive or dead. Several other Bishops gets arrested from time to time and then released. Mostly before summer Church festivities with continuous harassment. They use both the threats and enticement, they also use the family to threaten. They (Chinese Officials) may come to you and say, your brother is having difficulties at the workplace, do you want us to put in a word for him? If you agree to it, you will have to obey to them, but if you do not agree with them and say that you can manage on your own, then they will get your family member fired because the government can do anything. They will offer you to help your sick parents and if you agree you will feel obliged to obey to them, but if you deny to their help, they will order the hospital to not accept your sick family members. They use all kind of tactics. That's why the underground church over the years started weakening because we all are human beings and under such difficult situations people tend to give up and now with the Holy Sea allowing people to join the independent church, people are doing so unaware of the agreement. But still, there are many people left who aren't crumbling under the pressure as they think that this isn't allowed in their Catholic Doctrine.

WION: Do you think that Pope Francis is being lenient towards China and Xi Xinping? Also, does this mean that the Vatican is trying to appease Beijing just to have a deal with them?&nbsp; 
Cardinal Zen: They call this leniency, appeasement or politics, that means this is made to the use by the Chairman of the CCP or the government. The reason is since the communist maybe there for long we had to engage them and not ignore them completely. The Pope and the Vatican are practising that policy. The Pope who is very courageous to blame certain govt and unjust activities of those government never said any word to tell the Chinese govt that they should improve their human rights issue records. They should grant religious freedom. That is very sad. Not only for the Catholic church but similar persecution of the protestant church. because they tear down the crosses from their church, demolishing their churches as well. Even for the Buddhists in Tibet to the Muslims in Xinjiang, everybody knows what happens in those concentrations camps. The Chinese officials try to destroy their culture not only their faith. The ways through which they enforce including sterilization, they're doing something like genocide. Even people outside the church say why the Pope doesn't say anything about what China is doing. It is very sad. The Pope has spiritual power and he should use that power to encourage the govt to the better to change their ways. But, seemingly he believes that by this compromise, this leniency he can get anything, but the facts show that he got nothing during all these years.

WION: Aren't you scared of the new security law imposed by China and that you speaking out against the so-called deal might result in your arrest? Do you think that the deal is, in fact, a betrayal towards the Catholic Community in China?&nbsp; 
Cardinal Zen: When Hong Kong went back under the sovereignty of the Chinese govt they promise a high degree of autonomy and one country-two system. So they gave us the basic law which is like a mini-constitution and in that law Article-23 said, in HK we should have our law to guarantee the security of our nation. But, it was a failure because they drafted a very bad law. But now the CCP made a new law for us, with now consultation in the harshest terms. So we lost everything, even the freedom of speech. If we say anything against the govt we can be arrested, brought to mainland China with no lawyers to assist or even visited by our family members. This is a terrible new law. Do some people ask if you're afraid? I say, nowadays nobody in Hong Kong can feel safe because we are under such a limited faith. This is a betrayal to what they promised us. During the first years, we may have had some illusion that they may live by some promises but slowly we got to know that the central government is going back on their promises. We felt that we were more and more controlled by the Central Govt with very less autonomy. There is something very bad for everybody from people in Hong Kong to our relation with China. Even for China, it's sad, because HK is still very useful for China, but with this new law Hong Kong is just like any other city of Mainland China. The new law made all the people and country doing business with China lose their trust. They cannot trust the govt anymore, because we lost the rule of law. It's something terrible and a big betrayal. All of a sudden even many courageous people said that they wanted to leave Hong Kong, while some were scared to say anything as it can be damaging. It looks like the end of anything. We are really at the bottom. We hope that the whole world notices the terrible change in our situation and they may encourage the Chinese govt to be wiser. It is very dangerous today and I encourage people to go away if they are in the position to do that. Especially the people with children to go away because the education here is being used for brainwashing them.

WION: Is there a way that this deal can be modified for the better of the Catholic's in China?&nbsp; 
Cardinal Zen: You can be optimistic and pessimistic but you must have a foundation for that. There can be no optimism in this situation because there is no foundation. There are facts to see, the world can see that the Chinese totalitarian system is built on lies, they make fake promises and hide the truth, so there is no basis of any optimism. We must be cautious not to be deceived anymore, but then what we do for the church? We are in no position to do anything because we are confronting an enormous force and a strong govt and we have only the moral strength to resist peacefully against the persecution. It's imp for us to keep our faith, not to surrender our faith, we can even sacrifice the sacraments, when you are arrested you cannot keep the sacraments but your faith is in your hearts, to help you but you cannot deny your faith. People can be more prudent, don't provoke the regime because they can be terrible but in certain moments, tell the truth and do not support the lies. All religious leaders are forced to declare their very difficult position. How can you say that the new security law doesn't take away the religious freedom? It takes away all freedoms along with religious freedoms. In the mainland, all the religions have to cynicism or assimilate to be made Chinese. We must understand that it is about accepting the Chinese government and its authority, the authority of the communist party which cannot be accepted. The only thing we can do is raising questions. We can ask why the new security law is so harsh on us. We are in no position to do anything to harm the security of the country. We can ask, why are you going back to the basic law? Why are you risking your prestige in the international community? Why aren't you keeping your promises, because the people realise that you don't keep promise along with other nations? You don't respect your promises which is very damaging to the CCP too. We can raise questions but if we will say that this is a very bad law then we will be brought to the court in China. We have to avoid saying things too clearly. The most threatening thing is what they do to education. They don't respect the teachers, they disqualify the teachers who don't even say anything. The management committee of the schools says the teachers have done nothing wrong yet they face actions.

China and the Vatican renewed a secretive agreement signed two years ago. It allows both Beijing and the Vatican a say in appointing Bishops in China. The agreement gives Pope a final say in the appointments of the Bishop in China, but Beijing is the one that will have to come up with the choices.

China and the Vatican renewed a secretive agreement signed two years ago. It allows both Beijing and the Vatican a say in appointing Bishops in China. The agreement gives Pope a final say in the appointments of the Bishop in China, but Beijing is the one that will have to come up with the choices. Chinese authorities had previously selected bishops without the say of the Vatican. And a division formed between state-sanctioned clergy — and underground bishops who operated outside state control. Watch | Also read | Vatican, China renew bishop appointment deal for two years The former bishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Joseph Zen, has spoken up about this. Cardinal Zen was born in Shanghai 88 years ago. He came to Hong Kong in 1948, just before the communist took power in China. Cardinal Zen accuses says this deal is a betrayal to the 12 million Catholic population. In an exclusive conversation with Praphul Singh from WION, Cardinal Joseph Zen reveals how the secret Vatican-China deal has worsened the situation for Catholics in China and Hong Kong. WION: How do you see the two years of agreement between China and the Vatican? Did it improve anything in China for the Catholics? Cardinal Zen: I don't even know the content of the agreement, the agreement is a secret, even for me, a Chinese cardinal. But then you can guess that the content is not very important. I mean, before this written agreement there was a compromise in the nomination of the Bishops. I mean, they had a kind of secret mutual understanding and then they try to appoint somebody acceptable to both, somebody, not the best but acceptable to both. But what happened with this deal is very much alarming because using this agreement they did many wrong things. They never named any Bishops in these 2 years. The two Bishops ordained in these 2 years were already agreed upon. But then, they legitimise 7 Bishops. Presenting it as a part of the agreement, but the agreement should be about future Bishops, not the bishops they ordained several years ago. Not, the legitimisation of those 7 is unacceptable. The people completely working for the govt, not for the church. They were ordained without permission of the Pope and during all those years they were defiant, disrespecting all the doctrines of faith and all the rules of cardinal law. They used the power, which they took by force. To ordain priests, to ordain the bishops, it was very bad behaviour over the years. And with this legitimisation, they should show some repentance of what they did. They should promise in some way to behave but nothing like that. They just went around triumphant because they succeeded by the pressure of the govt to be recognised as Bishops. Then the Holy Sea impose such people on the faithful. It is a very cruel thing. Among them, there are two of them who doesn't follow the celibacy, just imagine. It is very sad, the holy sea got nothing but lost everything. WION: Why do you think a Vatican-China deal is harming the Catholics in China? Cardinal Zen: Sometimes they say a bad agreement is better than no agreement, that's impossible to understand because a bad thing is bad. You may accept an imperfect agreement but not a bad agreement. The agreement is very bad because any agreement should be fair to both sides. And so both sides should gain something, but we gained nothing and the Chinese Government gained everything. I think in the negotiations, they should mention the Bishops and the arrest but nothing happened, even more, harsh persecution. WION: Do you think that the Vatican is giving legitimacy to the Communist Party of China and their ways of persecuting the Catholics in China? Cardinal Zen: In a big secret that the agreement is, the government use it to demand the faithful to do everything they want. For eg., they tell the underground churches to come out and join the independent church, if the people they, no, it isn't allowed, it is against our Catholic effect. The official says, no, the Pope has agreed already. But since the people don't know the content of the agreement, they are confused, if it is the Pope who has approved everything? Even the Vatican recognises something the govt is demanding was not in the agreement. But then last year a document came from the Holy Sea, encouraging the people to join the independent church. That's incredible because that church, that community is the cosmetic church, not the true catholic church. The Popes from all these years have abstained from calling it cosmetic church just because there were several good bishops, good priests and good people, but the situation worsened year by year just because of the wrong policy by the Holy Sea. This policy of compromise is a surrender. We didn't get the agreement but the agreement was a pretext, was an instrument in the hands of the government to persecute the church. WION: You feel very strongly against the deal, so much so, that you flew to Rome a couple of years back to express your views? What did you say to Pope and how did he respond to it? Cardinal Zen: I flew to Rome several times in the year 2018 because I couldn't be sure that the Pope have been receiving my letters, the many letters that I have written to him. So I went to Rome to give letters to his hands, twice. He was very kind to see me and even give me a personal audience. But he did not answer my questions and last year towards the end of June a document came from the Holy Sea encouraging the people to join the Independent Church. It's a very contradictory attitude from the Holy Sea. On one side, they say, we have no agreement from the government so that the underground should come to the independent church, but then they encourage the underground priests to accept and sign the document for registration to become part of the independent church, that's terrible, that's why I took to the flight the next day to Rome, I asked the holy father to be present in the discussion between me and Cardinal Parolin, he was the author of the document, but I could not have that. The Holy Father even invited me to the supper with Cardinal Parolin but not to have such a discussion. I came back empty-handed, but not completely empty-handed, coz I could an embarrassment in the eyes of the Holy Father. It is also clear that Parolin, the Secretary of State is manipulating the Holy Father which is very saddening to see. WION: How risky is it for people to worship in underground churches of China? Cardinal Zen: The underground church means a church which is against the law. So they can be any moment arrested and brought to prison. But, for many years the govt in some places, sometimes even tolerated the underground community. Why? Because they are good, hard-working, well-behaved people. In villages, they are the majority of people behaving very well, no fighting, no quarrels and so they just wanted a place to be able to worship. So the govt closed its eyes. In several places, there were churches, big buildings and they could worship there. In big cities like Shanghai, they couldn't allow the churches, but they allowed underground churches and allowed mass to happen. Everybody knew that it couldn't be a secret. But, two years ago, when they signed the agreement, the govt started to enforce those laws and they started to take away the churches because they said now you have to join the independent church, it is already recognised as the only church by the Holy Father. They told the priest that they cannot say the mass anymore in secret. The priest told the people to not go to the mass anymore because it was too dangerous. The government may arrest them, find them, they may lose all their money, their property and they may end up going to prison. But then, there are also other laws which they did not enforce before but after the agreement, they did enforce the law. One of the law was very harsh and terrible, any person below 18 years of age are not allowed to go to the church, are not allowed to join any religious activities. So all these activities were done on the pretext of the agreement, it was not written in the agreement. They used the agreement to enforce these things after the agreement was signed, so things are much worse than before. WION: What kind of methods does China use to enforce a ban on underground churches? Do they arrest the Bishops? What do they do with them? Cardinal Zen: The underground bishops, they are always in danger of being arrested. Sometimes they arrest them and put them in prison. We have even 1 Bishop who disappeared 20 years ago, we don't even know whether he is still alive or dead. Several other Bishops gets arrested from time to time and then released. Mostly before summer Church festivities with continuous harassment. They use both the threats and enticement, they also use the family to threaten. They (Chinese Officials) may come to you and say, your brother is having difficulties at the workplace, do you want us to put in a word for him? If you agree to it, you will have to obey to them, but if you do not agree with them and say that you can manage on your own, then they will get your family member fired because the government can do anything. They will offer you to help your sick parents and if you agree you will feel obliged to obey to them, but if you deny to their help, they will order the hospital to not accept your sick family members. They use all kind of tactics. That's why the underground church over the years started weakening because we all are human beings and under such difficult situations people tend to give up and now with the Holy Sea allowing people to join the independent church, people are doing so unaware of the agreement. But still, there are many people left who aren't crumbling under the pressure as they think that this isn't allowed in their Catholic Doctrine. WION: Do you think that Pope Francis is being lenient towards China and Xi Xinping? Also, does this mean that the Vatican is trying to appease Beijing just to have a deal with them? Cardinal Zen: They call this leniency, appeasement or politics, that means this is made to the use by the Chairman of the CCP or the government. The reason is since the communist maybe there for long we had to engage them and not ignore them completely. The Pope and the Vatican are practising that policy. The Pope who is very courageous to blame certain govt and unjust activities of those government never said any word to tell the Chinese govt that they should improve their human rights issue records. They should grant religious freedom. That is very sad. Not only for the Catholic church but similar persecution of the protestant church. because they tear down the crosses from their church, demolishing their churches as well. Even for the Buddhists in Tibet to the Muslims in Xinjiang, everybody knows what happens in those concentrations camps. The Chinese officials try to destroy their culture not only their faith. The ways through which they enforce including sterilization, they're doing something like genocide. Even people outside the church say why the Pope doesn't say anything about what China is doing. It is very sad. The Pope has spiritual power and he should use that power to encourage the govt to the better to change their ways. But, seemingly he believes that by this compromise, this leniency he can get anything, but the facts show that he got nothing during all these years. WION: Aren't you scared of the new security law imposed by China and that you speaking out against the so-called deal might result in your arrest? Do you think that the deal is, in fact, a betrayal towards the Catholic Community in China? Cardinal Zen: When Hong Kong went back under the sovereignty of the Chinese govt they promise a high degree of autonomy and one country-two system. So they gave us the basic law which is like a mini-constitution and in that law Article-23 said, in HK we should have our law to guarantee the security of our nation. But, it was a failure because they drafted a very bad law. But now the CCP made a new law for us, with now consultation in the harshest terms. So we lost everything, even the freedom of speech. If we say anything against the govt we can be arrested, brought to mainland China with no lawyers to assist or even visited by our family members. This is a terrible new law. Do some people ask if you're afraid? I say, nowadays nobody in Hong Kong can feel safe because we are under such a limited faith. This is a betrayal to what they promised us. During the first years, we may have had some illusion that they may live by some promises but slowly we got to know that the central government is going back on their promises. We felt that we were more and more controlled by the Central Govt with very less autonomy. There is something very bad for everybody from people in Hong Kong to our relation with China. Even for China, it's sad, because HK is still very useful for China, but with this new law Hong Kong is just like any other city of Mainland China. The new law made all the people and country doing business with China lose their trust. They cannot trust the govt anymore, because we lost the rule of law. It's something terrible and a big betrayal. All of a sudden even many courageous people said that they wanted to leave Hong Kong, while some were scared to say anything as it can be damaging. It looks like the end of anything. We are really at the bottom. We hope that the whole world notices the terrible change in our situation and they may encourage the Chinese govt to be wiser. It is very dangerous today and I encourage people to go away if they are in the position to do that. Especially the people with children to go away because the education here is being used for brainwashing them. WION: Is there a way that this deal can be modified for the better of the Catholic's in China? Cardinal Zen: You can be optimistic and pessimistic but you must have a foundation for that. There can be no optimism in this situation because there is no foundation. There are facts to see, the world can see that the Chinese totalitarian system is built on lies, they make fake promises and hide the truth, so there is no basis of any optimism. We must be cautious not to be deceived anymore, but then what we do for the church? We are in no position to do anything because we are confronting an enormous force and a strong govt and we have only the moral strength to resist peacefully against the persecution. It's imp for us to keep our faith, not to surrender our faith, we can even sacrifice the sacraments, when you are arrested you cannot keep the sacraments but your faith is in your hearts, to help you but you cannot deny your faith. People can be more prudent, don't provoke the regime because they can be terrible but in certain moments, tell the truth and do not support the lies. All religious leaders are forced to declare their very difficult position. How can you say that the new security law doesn't take away the religious freedom? It takes away all freedoms along with religious freedoms. In the mainland, all the religions have to cynicism or assimilate to be made Chinese. We must understand that it is about accepting the Chinese government and its authority, the authority of the communist party which cannot be accepted. The only thing we can do is raising questions. We can ask why the new security law is so harsh on us. We are in no position to do anything to harm the security of the country. We can ask, why are you going back to the basic law? Why are you risking your prestige in the international community? Why aren't you keeping your promises, because the people realise that you don't keep promise along with other nations? You don't respect your promises which is very damaging to the CCP too. We can raise questions but if we will say that this is a very bad law then we will be brought to the court in China. We have to avoid saying things too clearly. The most threatening thing is what they do to education. They don't respect the teachers, they disqualify the teachers who don't even say anything. The management committee of the schools says the teachers have done nothing wrong yet they face actions.

EXCLUSIVE: The Vatican got nothing, while China received everything, says Hong Kong's Cardinal Zen

Pope Francis' Instagram was caught liking and later unliking a photo of a Brazilian bikini model. The 27-year-old says she is going to heaven for sure. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: The Pope's Instagram faux pas

China waged a war against Christianity. It hacked the Holy See. But have you wondered why Pope Francis and the Vatican have never spoken a word against China? WION's Palki Sharma has the answer.

Gravitas: Vatican's authority under the shadow

Pope John Paul II promoted ex-U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick in 2000 despite rumours of his sexual misconduct, a Vatican report found, one of a series of failings by popes and officials who let him rise through the ranks regardless of repeated allegations against him.

Report into disgraced ex U.S. cardinal shows failings by popes

Catholic church in England and Wales had ignored close to 3,000&nbsp;cases of child sex abuse. In America, the former Archbishop of Washington D.C sexually abused minors and in France, an ambassador of the Vatican molested four men.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the head of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales is being accused of hiding paedophile priests. The United Kingdom conducted an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

The report details are shocking. The inquiry looked into complaints from 1970 to 2015. In this period, the church received more than three thousand complaints. The complaints were against more than 900 individuals connected to the church with more than 1,750 victims and complainants involved.

The church brushed all the complaints under the carpet. In fact, it covered up the entire scandal. When someone complained against a priest, they were moved to another parish without any supervision and any probe or corrective measures.

Some continued to prey on children and in all these years, the Archbishop did nothing including Cardinal Vincent Nichols. He inherited the problem from his predecessors and he did nothing to fix it. Instead, he became a part of it and tried to suppress new cases.

The inquiry found that since 2016 more than 100 allegations of abuse have been reported.

Pope Francis asked Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of the Catholic church in England and Wales to stay in his post despite a damning report that criticised his leadership and concluded that the church repeatedly prioritised its reputation over the welfare of child sex abuse victims.

Reports say Pope Francis asked Cardinal Vincent Nichols to stay on despite a report that criticised the cardinal's leadership. The findings were clear as water. The church was prioritising its reputation over protecting children and the Pope looked the other way. Worse, it is still not a one-off case. &nbsp;

The same story repeats in different countries with different priests.

Catholic church in England and Wales had ignored close to 3,000 cases of child sex abuse. In America, the former Archbishop of Washington D.C sexually abused minors and in France, an ambassador of the Vatican molested four men.

Catholic church in England and Wales had ignored close to 3,000 cases of child sex abuse. In America, the former Archbishop of Washington D.C sexually abused minors and in France, an ambassador of the Vatican molested four men. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the head of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales is being accused of hiding paedophile priests. The United Kingdom conducted an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse. The report details are shocking. The inquiry looked into complaints from 1970 to 2015. In this period, the church received more than three thousand complaints. The complaints were against more than 900 individuals connected to the church with more than 1,750 victims and complainants involved. The church brushed all the complaints under the carpet. In fact, it covered up the entire scandal. When someone complained against a priest, they were moved to another parish without any supervision and any probe or corrective measures. Some continued to prey on children and in all these years, the Archbishop did nothing including Cardinal Vincent Nichols. He inherited the problem from his predecessors and he did nothing to fix it. Instead, he became a part of it and tried to suppress new cases. The inquiry found that since 2016 more than 100 allegations of abuse have been reported. Pope Francis asked Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of the Catholic church in England and Wales to stay in his post despite a damning report that criticised his leadership and concluded that the church repeatedly prioritised its reputation over the welfare of child sex abuse victims. Reports say Pope Francis asked Cardinal Vincent Nichols to stay on despite a report that criticised the cardinal's leadership. The findings were clear as water. The church was prioritising its reputation over protecting children and the Pope looked the other way. Worse, it is still not a one-off case. The same story repeats in different countries with different priests.

How the Vatican protected priests involved in child sex abuse

Pope Francis has blunted the powers of the Vatican department involved in a controversial London property deal and ordered all ties cut with a suspect investment fund, his spokesman said Thursday.

The Secretariat of State is the most important department in the Vatican administration, overseeing the Holy See's diplomacy and general affairs inside the Vatican and has historically controlled its own funds, investments, and real estate holdings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-pressure-pope-francis-remains-silent-on-uighur-muslims-319565">Chinese pressure? Pope Francis remains silent on Uighur Muslims</a>

The pontiff created a commission Wednesday to oversee the changes, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said, following a vast financial scandal which has already cost one high-ranking Catholic cardinal his post.

An investigation into the London deal, which involved several middlemen, led to the suspension last year of five Vatican employees, the resignation of its police chief and the exit of the former head of its Financial Information Authority.

In a letter released by the Vatican press office on Thursday, the pope said he was transferring all the assets to a Vatican department called APSA, which will manage them, while they will be overseen by the Secretariat for the Economy.

The Secretariat of State's assets include an annual fund for the pope's charities, which is known as Peter's Pence.

In September, Francis fired Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was number two at the Secretariat when it purchased a building in London as an investment.

Becciu has denied any wrongdoing after the pope alleged embezzlement and nepotism.

Pope Francis has blunted the powers of the Vatican department involved in a controversial London property deal and ordered all ties cut with a suspect investment fund, his spokesman said Thursday.

Pope Francis has blunted the powers of the Vatican department involved in a controversial London property deal and ordered all ties cut with a suspect investment fund, his spokesman said Thursday. The Secretariat of State is the most important department in the Vatican administration, overseeing the Holy See's diplomacy and general affairs inside the Vatican and has historically controlled its own funds, investments, and real estate holdings. Also read: Chinese pressure? Pope Francis remains silent on Uighur Muslims The pontiff created a commission Wednesday to oversee the changes, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said, following a vast financial scandal which has already cost one high-ranking Catholic cardinal his post. An investigation into the London deal, which involved several middlemen, led to the suspension last year of five Vatican employees, the resignation of its police chief and the exit of the former head of its Financial Information Authority. In a letter released by the Vatican press office on Thursday, the pope said he was transferring all the assets to a Vatican department called APSA, which will manage them, while they will be overseen by the Secretariat for the Economy. The Secretariat of State's assets include an annual fund for the pope's charities, which is known as Peter's Pence. In September, Francis fired Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was number two at the Secretariat when it purchased a building in London as an investment. Becciu has denied any wrongdoing after the pope alleged embezzlement and nepotism.

Pope halts controversial Vatican investments after London property scandal

Venezuelan forensic experts on Monday (October 26) exhumed the remains of Jose Gregorio Hernandez, whose beatification decree was signed in June by Pope Francis, as part of Roman Catholic protocols to verify the condition of the body and guarantee its preservation.

Venezuela exhumes remains of doctor beatified by Vatican

Pope Francis will have to forego meeting Catholics at the annual Advent and Christmas masses in the Vatican owing to the resurgent coronavirus pandemic, the specialist Catholic News Agency (CNA) reported on Monday.

The 83-year-old pontiff was deprived of a congregation at Easter when he had to celebrate mass at Saint Peter's with very few people present.

In a letter to foreign envoys to the Vatican, its foreign minister informed them that Christmas ceremonies would take "a private form" this year.

Members of the diplomatic corps would not be present, and events would be made available online, a document seen by CNA said.

Tens of thousands of Catholics typically visit Rome in December to attend services at the Vatican.

The pope has scheduled a prayer on Saint Peter's Square on December 8 in lieu of a public appearance to honour the Virgin Mary, but he is still due to celebrate mass on Christmas Eve and deliver his traditional Urbi and Orbi message to the world.

The Argentinian-born pontiff is fond of greeting the public, but since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Italy he has had to curtail his agenda, cancelling trips, receptions and ceremonies.

Italy has re-imposed restrictions to battle a second wave of the pandemic, and officials face a backlash after ordering restaurants and bars to shut from 6:00 pm and theatres, cinemas and gyms to close for a month.

The virus has killed more than 37,000 people in Italy, but thousands have also turned out in recent days to protest curbs on social activities. 
&nbsp;

Pope Francis will have to forego meeting Catholics at the annual Advent and Christmas masses in the Vatican owing to the resurgent coronavirus pandemic, the specialist Catholic News Agency (CNA) reported on Monday.

Pope Francis will have to forego meeting Catholics at the annual Advent and Christmas masses in the Vatican owing to the resurgent coronavirus pandemic, the specialist Catholic News Agency (CNA) reported on Monday. The 83-year-old pontiff was deprived of a congregation at Easter when he had to celebrate mass at Saint Peter's with very few people present. In a letter to foreign envoys to the Vatican, its foreign minister informed them that Christmas ceremonies would take "a private form" this year. Members of the diplomatic corps would not be present, and events would be made available online, a document seen by CNA said. Tens of thousands of Catholics typically visit Rome in December to attend services at the Vatican. The pope has scheduled a prayer on Saint Peter's Square on December 8 in lieu of a public appearance to honour the Virgin Mary, but he is still due to celebrate mass on Christmas Eve and deliver his traditional Urbi and Orbi message to the world. The Argentinian-born pontiff is fond of greeting the public, but since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Italy he has had to curtail his agenda, cancelling trips, receptions and ceremonies. Italy has re-imposed restrictions to battle a second wave of the pandemic, and officials face a backlash after ordering restaurants and bars to shut from 6:00 pm and theatres, cinemas and gyms to close for a month. The virus has killed more than 37,000 people in Italy, but thousands have also turned out in recent days to protest curbs on social activities.

Pope Francis to celebrate Christmas without congregation: Report 

Pope Francis said on October 25, that he would raise 13 men to the rank of cardinal, including Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Washington, DC, who will become the first Black American to receive the honour.

In a surprise announcement from his studio window to faithful standing below in St Peter's Square, Francis said the churchmen would be elevated to a cardinal's rank in a ceremony on November 28. 
 
<img alt="Wilton Gregory" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2bfc44b-9d98-4780-87a4-31aa41ad4e29" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Wilton%20Gregory.JPG" /> 
 
(File photo: Washington DC Archbishop Wilton Gregory.)

Archbishop Wilton Gregory turns 73 just days after the naming ceremony for new cardinals next month.

An outspoken civil rights advocate, Gregory has addressed the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes in May.

In June, he blasted Trump’s visit to a Washington shrine honouring Pope John Paul II, a day after police and armed soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters so Trump could be photographed in front of a historic Washington church holding up a Bible.

“I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree,” Gregory said in a statement before Trump and the first lady Melania Trump arrived at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.

Francis asked for prayers so the new cardinals “may help me in my ministry as bishop of Rome for the good of all God's faithful holy people.” The selection of Gregory won praise from LGBTQ advocates in the United States, days after Pope Francis grabbed headlines for voicing support for civil unions for gay couples.

Other new cardinals include an Italian who is the long-time papal preacher at the Vatican, the Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa, who is a Franciscan friar; the Kigali, Rwanda, Archbishop Antoine Kambanda; the Capiz, Philippines, Archbishop Jose Fuerte Advincula, and the Santiago, Chile, Archbishop Celestino Aos Braco.

The cardinals will be installed in a ceremony at the Vatican on November 28. Cardinals are the most senior clergymen in the Roman Catholic Church below the pontiff.

Their role includes electing the pope - the head of the Church - who is chosen from among them at a secret gathering known as a conclave.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis said on October 25, that he would raise 13 men to the rank of cardinal, including Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Washington, DC, who will become the first Black American to receive the honour.

Pope Francis said on October 25, that he would raise 13 men to the rank of cardinal, including Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Washington, DC, who will become the first Black American to receive the honour. In a surprise announcement from his studio window to faithful standing below in St Peter's Square, Francis said the churchmen would be elevated to a cardinal's rank in a ceremony on November 28. (File photo: Washington DC Archbishop Wilton Gregory.) Archbishop Wilton Gregory turns 73 just days after the naming ceremony for new cardinals next month. An outspoken civil rights advocate, Gregory has addressed the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes in May. In June, he blasted Trump’s visit to a Washington shrine honouring Pope John Paul II, a day after police and armed soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters so Trump could be photographed in front of a historic Washington church holding up a Bible. “I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree,” Gregory said in a statement before Trump and the first lady Melania Trump arrived at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. Francis asked for prayers so the new cardinals “may help me in my ministry as bishop of Rome for the good of all God's faithful holy people.” The selection of Gregory won praise from LGBTQ advocates in the United States, days after Pope Francis grabbed headlines for voicing support for civil unions for gay couples. Other new cardinals include an Italian who is the long-time papal preacher at the Vatican, the Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa, who is a Franciscan friar; the Kigali, Rwanda, Archbishop Antoine Kambanda; the Capiz, Philippines, Archbishop Jose Fuerte Advincula, and the Santiago, Chile, Archbishop Celestino Aos Braco. The cardinals will be installed in a ceremony at the Vatican on November 28. Cardinals are the most senior clergymen in the Roman Catholic Church below the pontiff. Their role includes electing the pope - the head of the Church - who is chosen from among them at a secret gathering known as a conclave. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis names first black American among 13 new cardinals in a surprise announcement

Wilton Gregory became the first African-American cardinal which is Catholic churches highest governing body.

Pope Francis names Wilton Gregory 1st African-American cardinal

Wilton Gregory, the first African American to be named as cardinal and known as a refined diplomat, made headlines when he blasted President Donald Trump’s photo opportunity hoisting a Bible at a Washington church after police used tear gas to clear demonstrators in June.

Gregory, who was among 13 new cardinals named by Pope Francis on Sunday, was installed as the first Black archbishop of Washington, D.C. in 2019. He turns 73 just days after the naming ceremony for new cardinals next month.

Pope Francis on Sunday said Gregory was picked with others from Rwanda, the Philippines and elsewhere to wear the revered red cap.

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An outspoken civil rights advocate, Gregory has addressed the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes in May.

In June, he blasted Trump`s visit to a Washington shrine honoring Pope John Paul II, a day after police and armed soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters so Trump could be photographed in front of a historic Washington church holding up a Bible.

"I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree," Gregory said in a statement before Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.

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Gregory also has been a leader in aggressively addressing the Roman Catholic Church`s sexual abuse scandals and shoring up the church`s zero-tolerance policy.

Leading Catholic organizations cheered the choice and noted Pope Francis was sending a clear message "in the midst of our nation`s reckoning in systemic racism, as millions assert that Black Lives Matter," said Johnny Zokovitch, executive director of Pax Christi USA, a national Catholic peace and justice organization based in Washington, D.C.

"It`s validation of the archbishop`s opposition this past summer of President Trump using the St. John Paul II Shrine for a photo op when the president`s policies are so radically contrary to our faith and the teachings of the church," Zokovitch said in a statement.

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The move was also praised by the head of the nation`s largest Catholic community, Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, who is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, a position once held by Gregory.

"Pope Francis is sending a powerful message of hope and inclusion to the Church in the United States. The naming of the first African American cardinal from the United States gives us an opportunity to pause and offer thanks for the many gifts African American Catholics have given the Church," Gomez said.

Wilton Gregory, the first African American to be named as cardinal and known as a refined diplomat, made headlines when he blasted President Donald Trump’s photo opportunity hoisting a Bible at a Washington church after police used tear gas to clear demonstrators in June.

Wilton Gregory, the first African American to be named as cardinal and known as a refined diplomat, made headlines when he blasted President Donald Trump’s photo opportunity hoisting a Bible at a Washington church after police used tear gas to clear demonstrators in June. Gregory, who was among 13 new cardinals named by Pope Francis on Sunday, was installed as the first Black archbishop of Washington, D.C. in 2019. He turns 73 just days after the naming ceremony for new cardinals next month. Pope Francis on Sunday said Gregory was picked with others from Rwanda, the Philippines and elsewhere to wear the revered red cap. Also read| Virus surge shadows Trump and Biden campaign events after final debate An outspoken civil rights advocate, Gregory has addressed the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes in May. In June, he blasted Trump`s visit to a Washington shrine honoring Pope John Paul II, a day after police and armed soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters so Trump could be photographed in front of a historic Washington church holding up a Bible. "I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree," Gregory said in a statement before Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. Also read| As US election near, White House starts preparations for presidential inauguration Gregory also has been a leader in aggressively addressing the Roman Catholic Church`s sexual abuse scandals and shoring up the church`s zero-tolerance policy. Leading Catholic organizations cheered the choice and noted Pope Francis was sending a clear message "in the midst of our nation`s reckoning in systemic racism, as millions assert that Black Lives Matter," said Johnny Zokovitch, executive director of Pax Christi USA, a national Catholic peace and justice organization based in Washington, D.C. "It`s validation of the archbishop`s opposition this past summer of President Trump using the St. John Paul II Shrine for a photo op when the president`s policies are so radically contrary to our faith and the teachings of the church," Zokovitch said in a statement. Also read| US election 2020: How the States vote for the Presidential elections The move was also praised by the head of the nation`s largest Catholic community, Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, who is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, a position once held by Gregory. "Pope Francis is sending a powerful message of hope and inclusion to the Church in the United States. The naming of the first African American cardinal from the United States gives us an opportunity to pause and offer thanks for the many gifts African American Catholics have given the Church," Gomez said.

First Black American cardinal is outspoken civil rights advocate

In a landmark, Pope Francis move has endorsed same-sex civil unions. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the Vatican is not surprised.

Gravitas: Pope Francis endorses same-sex civil unions

The Vatican has abandoned the Christians of China. Beijing & the Holy See have announced a 2-year extension of a 2018 agreement on the appointment of Chinese bishops. WION's Palki Sharma asks: Why is Pope Francis turning a blind eye to China's atrocities on Christians?

Gravitas: Vatican-China renew 'power-sharing' deal

Pope Francis has publicly endorsed same-sex civil unions for the very first time. In a documentary, the head of the catholic church urged for a civil union law that would allow LGBTQ+ people to be in a family.

Pope Francis calls for civil union laws for same-sex couples

Pope&nbsp;Francis wore a mask for the first time at a public function on Tuesday for the first time in public after 11 Swiss guards came down with COVID-19, prompting fears for his health.

The&nbsp;pope&nbsp;wore a white mask during the service at the Rome Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli. Previously he wore masks only in a car taking him to his weekly audiences in the Vatican.

He had come under some criticism, particularly on social media, for not wearing a mask at his general audiences and sometimes coming in relatively close contact with visitors.

Francis, 83, attended the service with other Christian leaders in the basilica, including the Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians.

Simultaneously in other locations in Rome, Jews were praying in the city's synagogue and Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim leaders also prayed for peace.

The event took place as the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus has risen steadily in Italy in the past few weeks. Italy recorded 10,874 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, up from 9,338 on Monday.

Previously, the Vatican witnessed a&nbsp;small spike in cases after four members of the Swiss Guards, the elite and colourfully dressed corps that protects the&nbsp;pope, have also tested positive for COVID-19.

The annual event was started by the late&nbsp;Pope&nbsp;John Paul and Rome's Catholic Community of Sant' Egido in 1986. It was scaled down this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The&nbsp;pope&nbsp;took off his mask while he read his address, as did other leaders when they spoke, but put it back on when he finished speaking.

The event continued in the adjacent Campidoglio square designed by Michelangelo, where both Christian and non-Christian religious leaders read addresses, some with messages to politicians.

"Peace is the priority of all politics," Francis said. "God will ask an accounting of those who failed to seek peace, or who fomented tensions and conflicts. He will call them to account for all the days, months and years of war endured by the world’s peoples."

Francis said the pandemic had shown that "no one is saved alone".

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the world's Anglicans, was to have attended the event but could not because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Pope Francis wore a mask for the first time at a public function on Tuesday for the first time in public after 11 Swiss guards came down with COVID-19, prompting fears for his health.

Pope Francis wore a mask for the first time at a public function on Tuesday for the first time in public after 11 Swiss guards came down with COVID-19, prompting fears for his health. The pope wore a white mask during the service at the Rome Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli. Previously he wore masks only in a car taking him to his weekly audiences in the Vatican. He had come under some criticism, particularly on social media, for not wearing a mask at his general audiences and sometimes coming in relatively close contact with visitors. Francis, 83, attended the service with other Christian leaders in the basilica, including the Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians. Simultaneously in other locations in Rome, Jews were praying in the city's synagogue and Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim leaders also prayed for peace. The event took place as the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus has risen steadily in Italy in the past few weeks. Italy recorded 10,874 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, up from 9,338 on Monday. Previously, the Vatican witnessed a small spike in cases after four members of the Swiss Guards, the elite and colourfully dressed corps that protects the pope, have also tested positive for COVID-19. The annual event was started by the late Pope John Paul and Rome's Catholic Community of Sant' Egido in 1986. It was scaled down this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The pope took off his mask while he read his address, as did other leaders when they spoke, but put it back on when he finished speaking. The event continued in the adjacent Campidoglio square designed by Michelangelo, where both Christian and non-Christian religious leaders read addresses, some with messages to politicians. "Peace is the priority of all politics," Francis said. "God will ask an accounting of those who failed to seek peace, or who fomented tensions and conflicts. He will call them to account for all the days, months and years of war endured by the world’s peoples." Francis said the pandemic had shown that "no one is saved alone". Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the world's Anglicans, was to have attended the event but could not because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Pope wears mask for first time at public event prompting fears for his health

Pope Francis expressed support on Sunday for 18 fishermen held in Libya, weighing in on a standoff between Italy and the administration of Khalifa Haftar, one of the North African country`s two rival leaders.

"I want to say a word of encouragement and support for the fishermen who have been held in Libya for more than a month, and for their families (who) are hoping to be able to embrace their dear ones soon," Francis said at his weekly blessing in St. Peter`s Square.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-resident-tests-positive-for-covid-19-pope-tested-negative-336032">Also read|&nbsp;Vatican resident tests positive for COVID-19; Pope tested negative</a>

Libyan patrol boats detained two Sicilian fishing boats on September 1 and brought the crews to Benghazi, where the military commander Haftar holds sway. The crews, made up of Italians and Tunisians, were accused of operating in Libya`s territorial waters.

The fishing grounds have been disputed since 2005, when Libya`s then ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, unilaterally extended Libyan territorial waters to 74 nautical miles offshore from 12. Haftar, who controls eastern Libya, is trying to enforce this.

Italian newspapers have reported that Haftar wants Italy to hand over four Libyan nationals convicted of human trafficking in return for freeing the fishermen. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told parliament on Thursday that such an exchange would be "unacceptable".

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Francis also called for talks to bring peace to Libya, which is divided between Haftar`s Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). The GNA is internationally recognised.

"Brothers and sisters, the time has come to stop every form of hostility and favour dialogue that brings peace, stability and unity to the country," he said.

Pope Francis expressed support on Sunday for 18 fishermen held in Libya, weighing in on a standoff between Italy and the administration of Khalifa Haftar, one of the North African country`s two rival leaders.

Pope Francis expressed support on Sunday for 18 fishermen held in Libya, weighing in on a standoff between Italy and the administration of Khalifa Haftar, one of the North African country`s two rival leaders. "I want to say a word of encouragement and support for the fishermen who have been held in Libya for more than a month, and for their families (who) are hoping to be able to embrace their dear ones soon," Francis said at his weekly blessing in St. Peter`s Square. Also read| Vatican resident tests positive for COVID-19; Pope tested negative Libyan patrol boats detained two Sicilian fishing boats on September 1 and brought the crews to Benghazi, where the military commander Haftar holds sway. The crews, made up of Italians and Tunisians, were accused of operating in Libya`s territorial waters. The fishing grounds have been disputed since 2005, when Libya`s then ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, unilaterally extended Libyan territorial waters to 74 nautical miles offshore from 12. Haftar, who controls eastern Libya, is trying to enforce this. Italian newspapers have reported that Haftar wants Italy to hand over four Libyan nationals convicted of human trafficking in return for freeing the fishermen. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told parliament on Thursday that such an exchange would be "unacceptable". × Francis also called for talks to bring peace to Libya, which is divided between Haftar`s Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). The GNA is internationally recognised. "Brothers and sisters, the time has come to stop every form of hostility and favour dialogue that brings peace, stability and unity to the country," he said.

Pope expresses support for detained fishermen in Libya

A Vatican city resident has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and has been transferred&nbsp;into an isolation ward, the Vatican said on Saturday.

The man has not been identified by authorities. However, the Vatican has confirmed that the infected man resided in the same residence as&nbsp;Pope Francis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-in-first-trip-outside-rome-since-virus-lockdown-332169">Also read|&nbsp;Pope in first trip outside Rome since virus lockdown</a>

He has now left the&nbsp;Santa Marta residence and is now in isolation with all the people he had recently come in direct contact with in the last few days.

The&nbsp;Santa Marta residence&nbsp;has nearly 130 rooms and suites, and while the spread of the virus has been contained,&nbsp;this is not the first time someone has tested positive from the residence. A man earlier, in March, had tested positive when Italy had seen a surge in the coronavirus cases. A total of three Vatican residents have tested positive and recovered till now,&nbsp;Saturday's statement added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/truce-too-fragile-pope-francis-calls-for-dialogue-as-karabakh-ceasefire-under-severe-strain-334515">Also read|&nbsp;'Truce too fragile': Pope Francis calls for dialogue as Karabakh ceasefire under severe strain</a>

However,&nbsp;Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed during an illness when he was a young man in his native Argentina, is tested regularly for COVID-19. The Pope met three people in private audience and addressed a large group of Italian police on Saturday.

Four members of the Swiss Guard, the elite and colourfully dressed corps that protects the pope, tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

A Vatican city resident has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and has been transferred into an isolation ward, the Vatican said on Saturday. The man has not been identified by authorities.

A Vatican city resident has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and has been transferred into an isolation ward, the Vatican said on Saturday. The man has not been identified by authorities. However, the Vatican has confirmed that the infected man resided in the same residence as Pope Francis. Also read| Pope in first trip outside Rome since virus lockdown He has now left the Santa Marta residence and is now in isolation with all the people he had recently come in direct contact with in the last few days. The Santa Marta residence has nearly 130 rooms and suites, and while the spread of the virus has been contained, this is not the first time someone has tested positive from the residence. A man earlier, in March, had tested positive when Italy had seen a surge in the coronavirus cases. A total of three Vatican residents have tested positive and recovered till now, Saturday's statement added. Also read| 'Truce too fragile': Pope Francis calls for dialogue as Karabakh ceasefire under severe strain However, Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed during an illness when he was a young man in his native Argentina, is tested regularly for COVID-19. The Pope met three people in private audience and addressed a large group of Italian police on Saturday. Four members of the Swiss Guard, the elite and colourfully dressed corps that protects the pope, tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

Vatican resident tests positive for COVID-19; Pope tested negative

Standing in circles marked to keep social distance, thousands of faithful gathered and held candles at one of Catholicism’s most famous sanctuaries in Portugal on Monday evening, with many praying for the end of the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Thousands pray in Portugal's main catholic site

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