Pope Francic changed the Catholic Church Law. According to the new law, women will now be allowed to perform certain tasks during mass.

Pope Francis allows women to serve at mass, but cannot be Priests

The Vatican is caught in yet another financial row. AUSTRAC has revealed that $1.8 billion were transferred from the Vatican to Australia in the last 7 years. What for?

Gravitas: Another financial row at The Vatican

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

Vatican’s space-themed nativity scene confuses some, angers many

The Christmas season has began but COVID-19 pandemic has cast a large shadow on the celebrations this year. So how are different nations around the world preparing for Christmas, WION brings you a report.

Nations around the world preparing for Christmas amid pandemic

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

A global scandal has hit the Vatican. - 3000+ complaints of child sexual abuse by priests were ignored in Britain - Former Archbishop of Washington sexually abused a minor - Pope's ex-envoy to France has been charged for misconduct. WION's Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Church sex abuse: A decades-long Priest sex abuse crisis explained

For decades, The Vatican has received thousands of complaints from around the world against 'predator priests'. But the institution repeatedly chose secrecy over transparency and protected the guilty priests.

Gravitas: Why 'Predator Priests' must face trial in courts

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

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

Two 'predatory priests' at the Vatican have been put on trial for forcing a 16-yr-old altar boy into cardinal relations & sodomy. The Vatican has a long history of sex abuse & coverups. Palki Sharma Upadhyay asks: Is it time the Roman Catholic church opens itself to scrutiny?

Gravitas: Vatican's first sexual abuse trial

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wrote an open letter to Pope Francis on Saturday and called on the Roman Catholic Church to apologise for atrocities on indigenous people of Mexico during the Spanish conquest in 1500s.

Mexico asks Pope to apologise for atrocities during Spanish conquests

Pope Francis refused to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo - who has slammed a 'secret' agreement between China and the Vatican. Is the Vatican turning a blind eye to China's persecution of Christians? WION's Palki tells you more.

Gravitas: Pope Francis refuses to meet the US Secretary of State

In 2018, China and the Vatican reached a provisional agreement. But the agreement has failed to stop the oppression of Catholics in China. WION's Palki tells you how China has used this deal to craft its own version of Christianity.

China-Vatican deal: Did the Pope concede too much? | Gravitas

Why has Pope Francis never slammed China for its persecution of the Uighurs? Why did the Pope stray from the script to avoid mention of Hong Kong? Is this Pope's neutrality or selective activism? WION's Palki makes a case.

Gravitas: The Pope's selective activism

Roman Catholic Church has been banned in China for at least 60 years. Under Pope Francis, the Vatican is trying to change that.

Mao Zedong, the founding father of modern-day China severed ties with the Vatican in 1951 soon after the communist party took over.

China created the Chinese Catholic patriotic association. The Vatican did not give recognition to the association. The association chose its own bishops.

World over, only the pope has the authority to appoint senior catholic clergy. But this rule doesn't apply in China.

Catholics loyal to Rome started underground churches but in the eyes of Beijing, they are illegal. These churches have been demolished and their followers have faced persecution

Pope Francis is perhaps the first Pope in decades to successfully open a dialogue with China. Before him, Pope John Paul the second and Pope Benedict the 16th both tried but failed. Pope Francis is bending the rules for China and considering giving China a say in the appointment of bishops.

In 2018, a provincial agreement was signed. The specifics of this agreement are unclear. The deal allows the Vatican to only confirm the candidates picked by China.

Not everyone in the Catholic Church cheered this arrangement. Hong Kong's outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen has criticised the deal.

In 2018, he said that the deal will put 12 million Catholics in China in a communist cage. Despite the criticism, the Vatican and China signed the accord in September 2018. On his part, Pope Francis did try to assuage some of the critics.

The Pope wanted the last word on naming bishops in China But the arrangement has failed to halt the oppression of Catholics in China.

More Churches have been demolished, Crosses have been removed, clerics have bee detained at black sites. Online sales of the Bible have been banned.

Talks are believed to be underway to renew the Vatican-China accord. If the deal is extended, the Vatican may continue to turn a blind eye to China's religious persecution and human rights violation. 
&nbsp;

Roman Catholic Church has been banned in China for at least 60 years. Under Pope Francis, the Vatican is trying to change that. Mao Zedong, the founding father of modern-day China severed ties with the Vatican in 1951 soon after the communist party took over.

Roman Catholic Church has been banned in China for at least 60 years. Under Pope Francis, the Vatican is trying to change that. Mao Zedong, the founding father of modern-day China severed ties with the Vatican in 1951 soon after the communist party took over. China created the Chinese Catholic patriotic association. The Vatican did not give recognition to the association. The association chose its own bishops. World over, only the pope has the authority to appoint senior catholic clergy. But this rule doesn't apply in China. Catholics loyal to Rome started underground churches but in the eyes of Beijing, they are illegal. These churches have been demolished and their followers have faced persecution Pope Francis is perhaps the first Pope in decades to successfully open a dialogue with China. Before him, Pope John Paul the second and Pope Benedict the 16th both tried but failed. Pope Francis is bending the rules for China and considering giving China a say in the appointment of bishops. In 2018, a provincial agreement was signed. The specifics of this agreement are unclear. The deal allows the Vatican to only confirm the candidates picked by China. Not everyone in the Catholic Church cheered this arrangement. Hong Kong's outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen has criticised the deal. In 2018, he said that the deal will put 12 million Catholics in China in a communist cage. Despite the criticism, the Vatican and China signed the accord in September 2018. On his part, Pope Francis did try to assuage some of the critics. The Pope wanted the last word on naming bishops in China But the arrangement has failed to halt the oppression of Catholics in China. More Churches have been demolished, Crosses have been removed, clerics have bee detained at black sites. Online sales of the Bible have been banned. Talks are believed to be underway to renew the Vatican-China accord. If the deal is extended, the Vatican may continue to turn a blind eye to China's religious persecution and human rights violation.

Why is Vatican so keen on engaging with China?

Uighurs in China are among the most persecuted ethnic minority communities in the world. Religious leaders are condemning China, but Pope Francis remains quiet. Is a 2018 deal between the Vatican and Beijing the reason behind the silence?

Gravitas: Pope Francis' Silence On Uighurs In China

Pope Francis has appointed six women to the 15-member Council for the Economy. These are some of the most senior roles offered to women in the Vatican City as of now.

Pope Francis appoints six women to Vatican Economic Council

Pope Francis said on Sunday (July 12) he was hurt by Turkey's decision to make Istanbul's Hagia Sophia museum a mosque, the latest religious leader to condemn the move.

Pope "very pained" by decision to turn Istanbul's Hagia Sophia museum into mosque

On Saturday, Pope Francis held his first audience post-coronavirus. He granted this audience to the healthcare workers of the country, who, he believes, have been one of the strongest support pillars of the society in these tough times.

"You were one of the supporting pillars of the entire country," he told doctors and nurses from the Lombardy region gathered in the Vatican's frescoed Clementine Hall, which had not been used for months because of the crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-calls-for-help-to-end-libyan-civil-war-305842">Also read:&nbsp;Pope Francis calls for help to end Libyan civil war</a>

"To those of you here and to your colleagues all across Italy go my esteem and my sincere thanks, and I know very well I am interpreting everyone's sentiments," he said.

Thanking the doctors for their selfless efforts, he talked about how these frontline workers event gave their pwn phones to the coronavirus patients to let them say goodbye to their loved ones, before breathing their last breath.

He called these doctors angels for helping the society so selflessly in such tough times.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/education-is-listening-and-celebrating-life-pope-francis-says-in-video-conference-with-latin-first-ladies-304315">Also watch:&nbsp;'Education is listening and celebrating life', Pope Francis says in video conference with Latin first ladies</a>

All the attendees were wearing masks and had maintained social distance from each other.&nbsp;At the end the meeting, the Pope posed for a picture with the doctors calling it&nbsp;"the liturgy of the greeting". While bidding them farewell, the Pope greeted them from a distance as he passed down the aisle.

He has also resumed mas service, capping the maximum capacity to 50 people.

Italy is slowly returning back to the normal life, after losing almost 35,000 people, including over 170 healthcare workers, to the novel coronavirus.

On Saturday, Pope Francis held his first audience post-coronavirus. He granted this audience to the healthcare workers of the country, who, he believes, have been one of the strongest support pillars of the society in these tough times.

On Saturday, Pope Francis held his first audience post-coronavirus. He granted this audience to the healthcare workers of the country, who, he believes, have been one of the strongest support pillars of the society in these tough times. "You were one of the supporting pillars of the entire country," he told doctors and nurses from the Lombardy region gathered in the Vatican's frescoed Clementine Hall, which had not been used for months because of the crisis. Also read: Pope Francis calls for help to end Libyan civil war "To those of you here and to your colleagues all across Italy go my esteem and my sincere thanks, and I know very well I am interpreting everyone's sentiments," he said. Thanking the doctors for their selfless efforts, he talked about how these frontline workers event gave their pwn phones to the coronavirus patients to let them say goodbye to their loved ones, before breathing their last breath. He called these doctors angels for helping the society so selflessly in such tough times. Also watch: 'Education is listening and celebrating life', Pope Francis says in video conference with Latin first ladies All the attendees were wearing masks and had maintained social distance from each other. At the end the meeting, the Pope posed for a picture with the doctors calling it "the liturgy of the greeting". While bidding them farewell, the Pope greeted them from a distance as he passed down the aisle. He has also resumed mas service, capping the maximum capacity to 50 people. Italy is slowly returning back to the normal life, after losing almost 35,000 people, including over 170 healthcare workers, to the novel coronavirus.

Pope Francis thanks 'angelic' doctors in his first post-lockdown audience

Pope Francis on Saturday urged politicians to divert funds from weapons to research to avoid such pandemics in the future.

The request was made in the outdoor prayer service with about 130 people, largest gathering in the Vatican in nearly three months. Majority of these people&nbsp;had been directly affected by the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-coronavirus-vaccine-must-be-shared-worldwide-296424">Also read:&nbsp;Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide</a>

The prayer gathering took place in&nbsp;the Vatican gardens. The devotees, who&nbsp;prayed the rosary,&nbsp; joined in large numbers through video from about 50 Catholic shrines around the world. A large screen in the gardens showed video links with about 25 locations.

Pope Francis, who maintained enough distance from everyone but was spotted without a facemask,&nbsp;in his closing prayer, said the national leaders should take a far-sighted attitude, help the most needy and establish&nbsp;long-term economic and social solutions.

He prayed that the Madonna would "touch (leaders') consciences so that enormous sums spent to possess more armaments and to perfect them be instead destined to the promotion of sufficient research to prevent such catastrophes in the future".

For the last few months, Pope Francis has been delivering his address through video messages with no audience present, due to the pandemic. St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square were fully reopened on May 18 as Italy entered the second phase of easing restrictions.

On Sunday, Francis will say a Mass with only about 50 people inside the basilica but will later deliver his Sunday message from his window overlooking the square for the first time since early March.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pope Francis on Saturday urged politicians to divert funds from weapons to research to avoid such pandemics in the future. The request was made in the outdoor prayer service with about 130 people, largest gathering in the Vatican in nearly three months.

Pope Francis on Saturday urged politicians to divert funds from weapons to research to avoid such pandemics in the future. The request was made in the outdoor prayer service with about 130 people, largest gathering in the Vatican in nearly three months. Majority of these people had been directly affected by the pandemic. Also read: Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide The prayer gathering took place in the Vatican gardens. The devotees, who prayed the rosary, joined in large numbers through video from about 50 Catholic shrines around the world. A large screen in the gardens showed video links with about 25 locations. Pope Francis, who maintained enough distance from everyone but was spotted without a facemask, in his closing prayer, said the national leaders should take a far-sighted attitude, help the most needy and establish long-term economic and social solutions. He prayed that the Madonna would "touch (leaders') consciences so that enormous sums spent to possess more armaments and to perfect them be instead destined to the promotion of sufficient research to prevent such catastrophes in the future". For the last few months, Pope Francis has been delivering his address through video messages with no audience present, due to the pandemic. St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square were fully reopened on May 18 as Italy entered the second phase of easing restrictions. On Sunday, Francis will say a Mass with only about 50 people inside the basilica but will later deliver his Sunday message from his window overlooking the square for the first time since early March. (With inputs from Reuters)

Direct funding towards research to avoid another pandemic: Pope Francis

St Peter's Basilica will reopen to visitors on Monday (May 18), after a two-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

St Peter's Basilica reopens to tourists on Monday

Pope Francis called on Sunday for international scientific cooperation to discover a vaccine for the coronavirus and said any successful vaccine should be made available around the world.

Francis, who has been delivering his Sunday address from the papal library instead of St. Peter’s Square because of the lockdown in Italy, thanked all those around the world who were providing essential services.

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He encouraged international cooperation to deal with the crisis and combat the virus, which has infected nearly 3.5 million people and killed more than 240,000 people worldwide.

“In fact, it is important to unite scientific capabilities, in a transparent and impartial way to find vaccines and treatments,” he said.

Francis said it was also important to “guarantee universal access to essential technologies that allow each infected person, in every part of the world, to receive the necessary medical treatment.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-enjoys-the-new-found-freedom-post-lockdown-296409">Also read:&nbsp;Spain enjoys the new-found freedom post-lockdown</a>

World leaders pledged in April to accelerate work on tests, drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 and to share them around the globe, but the United States did not take part in the launch of the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the WHO was slow to react to the outbreak and was being “China-centric”, and as a consequence has announced a suspension of funding. The WHO has defended its handling of the crisis.

A number of pharmaceutical companies around the world have developed tests to identify antibodies that develop after somebody has come into contact with the virus.

The Trump administration is planning to speed up development of a coronavirus vaccine with the goal of having 100 million doses ready by the end of 2020, according to a senior U.S. administration official.

Most experts have suggested clinical trials to guarantee a vaccine is safe and effective could take a minimum of 12 to 18 months.

On Sunday, the pope also backed a proposal by an inter-religious group known as the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity for an international day of prayer and fasting on May 14 to ask God to help humanity overcome the pandemic.

Pope Francis called on Sunday for international scientific cooperation to discover a vaccine for the coronavirus and said any successful vaccine should be made available around the world.

Pope Francis called on Sunday for international scientific cooperation to discover a vaccine for the coronavirus and said any successful vaccine should be made available around the world. Francis, who has been delivering his Sunday address from the papal library instead of St. Peter’s Square because of the lockdown in Italy, thanked all those around the world who were providing essential services. Also read: Kim Jong Un did not go through any surgery: South Korean official claims He encouraged international cooperation to deal with the crisis and combat the virus, which has infected nearly 3.5 million people and killed more than 240,000 people worldwide. “In fact, it is important to unite scientific capabilities, in a transparent and impartial way to find vaccines and treatments,” he said. Francis said it was also important to “guarantee universal access to essential technologies that allow each infected person, in every part of the world, to receive the necessary medical treatment.” Also read: Spain enjoys the new-found freedom post-lockdown World leaders pledged in April to accelerate work on tests, drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 and to share them around the globe, but the United States did not take part in the launch of the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the WHO was slow to react to the outbreak and was being “China-centric”, and as a consequence has announced a suspension of funding. The WHO has defended its handling of the crisis. A number of pharmaceutical companies around the world have developed tests to identify antibodies that develop after somebody has come into contact with the virus. The Trump administration is planning to speed up development of a coronavirus vaccine with the goal of having 100 million doses ready by the end of 2020, according to a senior U.S. administration official. Most experts have suggested clinical trials to guarantee a vaccine is safe and effective could take a minimum of 12 to 18 months. On Sunday, the pope also backed a proposal by an inter-religious group known as the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity for an international day of prayer and fasting on May 14 to ask God to help humanity overcome the pandemic.

Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide

Cardinal George Pell was released from prison on Tuesday, hours after Australia's High Court quashed his conviction for child sex abuse, bringing to an abrupt end the most high-profile paedophilia case faced by the Catholic Church.

The 78-year-old left Barwon Prison near Melbourne after the court overturned five counts of sexually abusing two 13-year-old choirboys in the 1990s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-court-delays-final-verdict-on-cardinal-pell-appeal-285810">Australian court delays final verdict on Cardinal Pell appeal</a>

Pell, who had steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout a lengthy court process, exited the jail where he has been held for the last year and issued a statement saying that a "serious injustice" had been remedied by the decision.

A jury had convicted Pell of the offences in December 2018 and that decision was upheld by a three-judge panel in Victoria state's Court of Appeal last August, in a split 2-1 verdict.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-vatican-cleric-cardinal-pell-convicted-of-child-sex-crimes-199719">Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes</a>

But Australia's High Court found there was "a significant possibility that an innocent person has been convicted because the evidence did not establish guilt to the requisite standard of proof".

The seven justices unanimously found a lower court had "failed to engage with the question of whether there remained a reasonable possibility that the offending had not taken place".

However Pell's legal woes may not be at an end, as he faces several possible civil cases including from the father of one of the alleged victims -- now deceased -- who is planning to launch a claim for damages.

The prosecution's case had relied heavily on the testimony of Pell's surviving accuser, who told a closed-door hearing that Pell had sexually assaulted the two boys in a Melbourne cathedral while he was archbishop of the city.

The second choirboy -- who is not known to have ever spoken of the abuse -- died of a drug overdose in 2014. Neither man can be identified for legal reasons.

Lisa Flynn, the lawyer for the deceased man's father, said her client was "disgusted" and "in utter disbelief" at the outcome.

"He is struggling to comprehend the decision by the High Court of Australia. He says he no longer has faith in our country's criminal justice system," she said.

"He is furious the man he believes is responsible for sexually abusing his son was convicted by a unanimous jury only to have that decision overturned today."

Victims' support group the Blue Knot Foundation said the decision would be&nbsp;"crushing" for survivors of abuse.

"The child sexual abuse pandemic within the Catholic Church has threatened the safety of millions of children, the adults they become and the very moral fibre of what it means to be human," said Blue Knot president Cathy Kezelman.

Pell now has his freedom, but many abuse victims have never been free -- trapped in the horror of the crimes which decimated their lives."

In his statement, Pell thanked his lawyers, supporters and family and said he held "no ill will" toward his accuser.

"I do not want my acquittal to add to the hurt and bitterness so many feel; there is certainly hurt and bitterness enough," he said.

"However my trial was not a referendum on the Catholic Church; nor a referendum on how Church authorities in Australia dealt with the crime of paedophilia in the Church. The point was whether I had committed these awful crimes, and I did not."

Cardinal George Pell was released from prison on Tuesday, hours after Australia's High Court quashed his conviction for child sex abuse, bringing to an abrupt end the most high-profile paedophilia case faced by the Catholic Church.

Cardinal George Pell was released from prison on Tuesday, hours after Australia's High Court quashed his conviction for child sex abuse, bringing to an abrupt end the most high-profile paedophilia case faced by the Catholic Church. The 78-year-old left Barwon Prison near Melbourne after the court overturned five counts of sexually abusing two 13-year-old choirboys in the 1990s. Also read: Australian court delays final verdict on Cardinal Pell appeal Pell, who had steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout a lengthy court process, exited the jail where he has been held for the last year and issued a statement saying that a "serious injustice" had been remedied by the decision. A jury had convicted Pell of the offences in December 2018 and that decision was upheld by a three-judge panel in Victoria state's Court of Appeal last August, in a split 2-1 verdict. Also read: Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes But Australia's High Court found there was "a significant possibility that an innocent person has been convicted because the evidence did not establish guilt to the requisite standard of proof". The seven justices unanimously found a lower court had "failed to engage with the question of whether there remained a reasonable possibility that the offending had not taken place". However Pell's legal woes may not be at an end, as he faces several possible civil cases including from the father of one of the alleged victims -- now deceased -- who is planning to launch a claim for damages. The prosecution's case had relied heavily on the testimony of Pell's surviving accuser, who told a closed-door hearing that Pell had sexually assaulted the two boys in a Melbourne cathedral while he was archbishop of the city. The second choirboy -- who is not known to have ever spoken of the abuse -- died of a drug overdose in 2014. Neither man can be identified for legal reasons. Lisa Flynn, the lawyer for the deceased man's father, said her client was "disgusted" and "in utter disbelief" at the outcome. "He is struggling to comprehend the decision by the High Court of Australia. He says he no longer has faith in our country's criminal justice system," she said. "He is furious the man he believes is responsible for sexually abusing his son was convicted by a unanimous jury only to have that decision overturned today." Victims' support group the Blue Knot Foundation said the decision would be "crushing" for survivors of abuse. "The child sexual abuse pandemic within the Catholic Church has threatened the safety of millions of children, the adults they become and the very moral fibre of what it means to be human," said Blue Knot president Cathy Kezelman. Pell now has his freedom, but many abuse victims have never been free -- trapped in the horror of the crimes which decimated their lives." In his statement, Pell thanked his lawyers, supporters and family and said he held "no ill will" toward his accuser. "I do not want my acquittal to add to the hurt and bitterness so many feel; there is certainly hurt and bitterness enough," he said. "However my trial was not a referendum on the Catholic Church; nor a referendum on how Church authorities in Australia dealt with the crime of paedophilia in the Church. The point was whether I had committed these awful crimes, and I did not."

Cardinal Pell freed after winning appeal over child sex abuse

Pope Francis marked a surreal Palm Sunday in an empty St. Peter's Basilica, urging people living through the coronavirus pandemic not to be so concerned with what they lack but how they can ease the suffering of others.

The service, kicking off Holy Week events leading to Easter, usually attracts tens of thousands of people to a St. Peter's Square bedecked with olive and palm trees. The service normally includes a long procession of cardinals, priests and faithful carrying palm fronds.

This time, it was held from a secondary altar behind the main one Francis normally uses and attended by only about two dozen people, including a few aides, nuns and a scaled-down choir, all practicing social distancing.

The symbolic procession was only several metres long and a few potted olive trees were brought in.

The Mass was broadcast on television and over the internet to many millions. Churches in countries around the world were holding similar, virtual services this week because of restrictions on gatherings.

Cutting a solitary figure, Francis listened as three priests read the gospel account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and being hailed as the messiah.

Holy Week marks the period when Christians commemorate events surrounding the key tenets of their faith - that Jesus was betrayed, crucified and rose from the dead.

In his sermon, Francis urged his listeners to turn to God "in the tragedy of a pandemic, in the face of the many false securities that have now crumbled, in the face of so many hopes betrayed, in the sense of abandonment that weighs upon our hearts".

The pandemic could help transform fear into service, he said.

The Vatican has been in its own lockdown, mostly mirroring that in Italy, where more than 15,500 people have died since the outbreak of the new coronavirus epidemic in northern Italy on Feb. 21.

There are nearly 125,000 cases of the virus in Italy and seven in the Vatican. The pope and his closest aides have tested negative.

"The tragedy we are experiencing summons us to take seriously the things that are serious, and not to be caught up in those that matter less; to rediscover that life is of no use if not used to serve others. For life is measured by love," Francis said on Sunday.

"May we reach out to those who are suffering and those most in need. May we not be concerned about what we lack, but what good we can do for others," he said.

All of the pope's Holy Week services, which normally draw tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists to Rome, will take place in the empty basilica in a scaled-down version.

The Good Friday Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession, which normally takes place around Rome's Colosseum, will instead be held in the relatively small atrium of the basilica.

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Pope Francis marked a surreal Palm Sunday in an empty St. Peter's Basilica, urging people living through the coronavirus pandemic not to be so concerned with what they lack but how they can ease the suffering of others.

Pope Francis marked a surreal Palm Sunday in an empty St. Peter's Basilica, urging people living through the coronavirus pandemic not to be so concerned with what they lack but how they can ease the suffering of others. The service, kicking off Holy Week events leading to Easter, usually attracts tens of thousands of people to a St. Peter's Square bedecked with olive and palm trees. The service normally includes a long procession of cardinals, priests and faithful carrying palm fronds. This time, it was held from a secondary altar behind the main one Francis normally uses and attended by only about two dozen people, including a few aides, nuns and a scaled-down choir, all practicing social distancing. The symbolic procession was only several metres long and a few potted olive trees were brought in. The Mass was broadcast on television and over the internet to many millions. Churches in countries around the world were holding similar, virtual services this week because of restrictions on gatherings. Cutting a solitary figure, Francis listened as three priests read the gospel account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and being hailed as the messiah. Holy Week marks the period when Christians commemorate events surrounding the key tenets of their faith - that Jesus was betrayed, crucified and rose from the dead. In his sermon, Francis urged his listeners to turn to God "in the tragedy of a pandemic, in the face of the many false securities that have now crumbled, in the face of so many hopes betrayed, in the sense of abandonment that weighs upon our hearts". The pandemic could help transform fear into service, he said. The Vatican has been in its own lockdown, mostly mirroring that in Italy, where more than 15,500 people have died since the outbreak of the new coronavirus epidemic in northern Italy on Feb. 21. There are nearly 125,000 cases of the virus in Italy and seven in the Vatican. The pope and his closest aides have tested negative. "The tragedy we are experiencing summons us to take seriously the things that are serious, and not to be caught up in those that matter less; to rediscover that life is of no use if not used to serve others. For life is measured by love," Francis said on Sunday. "May we reach out to those who are suffering and those most in need. May we not be concerned about what we lack, but what good we can do for others," he said. All of the pope's Holy Week services, which normally draw tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists to Rome, will take place in the empty basilica in a scaled-down version. The Good Friday Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession, which normally takes place around Rome's Colosseum, will instead be held in the relatively small atrium of the basilica.

Pope opens Holy Week amid pandemic; says now is the time to serve

Lawyers for disgraced ex-Vatican treasurer and Cardinal George Pell claimed that he remains behind bars for child sex abuse based on "wrong" and "egregious" legal decisions, as they concluded a last-ditch appeal in Australia's top court.

The 78-year-old former Vatican treasurer is trying to overturn a six-year sentence for sexually assaulting two choirboys in the 1990s.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-cardinal-george-pell-remanded-into-custody-for-child-sex-offences-199969">Australia's Cardinal George Pell remanded into custody for child sex offences</a>

He began serving a six-year prison sentence a year ago, becoming the highest-ranking Catholic clergyman worldwide to be jailed for child sex offences.

Pell's barrister Bret Walker told the High Court there were "compounding improbabilities" in the case that had pitted the powerful clergyman against a former choirboy victim.

Walker said the "shocking allegations" of sexual abuse were said to have taken place in a crowded cathedral and another public space, which he argued was "quite different" from typical sexual offending that tended to occur in "covert" settings.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-court-to-consider-cardinal-george-pells-appeal-hearing-in-june-201572">Australian court to consider Cardinal George Pell's appeal&nbsp;</a>

In written submissions the prosecution&nbsp;called the appeal "problematic", saying the defence argument "glosses over evidence" that supports the victim's account.

The High Court of Australia began a two-day hearing on Wednesday that marks Pell's last avenue of appeal.&nbsp;

The court's seven judges could decide to reject the appeal, leaving Pell to serve the remainder of his sentence, or allow it, giving him the prospect of walking free. They could also send the case back to a lower court to reconsider.

A jury found him guilty in December 2018 on five counts of abusing the 13-year-old choirboys at a Melbourne cathedral when he was archbishop of the city.

That verdict was upheld in August 2019 by a three-judge panel in a 2-1 decision, finding that it was open to the trial jury to find Pell guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Lawyers for disgraced ex-Vatican treasurer and Cardinal George Pell claimed that he remains behind bars for child sex abuse based on "wrong" and "egregious" legal decisions, as they concluded a last-ditch appeal in Australia's top court.

Lawyers for disgraced ex-Vatican treasurer and Cardinal George Pell claimed that he remains behind bars for child sex abuse based on "wrong" and "egregious" legal decisions, as they concluded a last-ditch appeal in Australia's top court. The 78-year-old former Vatican treasurer is trying to overturn a six-year sentence for sexually assaulting two choirboys in the 1990s. Also read: Australia's Cardinal George Pell remanded into custody for child sex offences He began serving a six-year prison sentence a year ago, becoming the highest-ranking Catholic clergyman worldwide to be jailed for child sex offences. Pell's barrister Bret Walker told the High Court there were "compounding improbabilities" in the case that had pitted the powerful clergyman against a former choirboy victim. Walker said the "shocking allegations" of sexual abuse were said to have taken place in a crowded cathedral and another public space, which he argued was "quite different" from typical sexual offending that tended to occur in "covert" settings. Also read: Australian court to consider Cardinal George Pell's appeal In written submissions the prosecution called the appeal "problematic", saying the defence argument "glosses over evidence" that supports the victim's account. The High Court of Australia began a two-day hearing on Wednesday that marks Pell's last avenue of appeal. The court's seven judges could decide to reject the appeal, leaving Pell to serve the remainder of his sentence, or allow it, giving him the prospect of walking free. They could also send the case back to a lower court to reconsider. A jury found him guilty in December 2018 on five counts of abusing the 13-year-old choirboys at a Melbourne cathedral when he was archbishop of the city. That verdict was upheld in August 2019 by a three-judge panel in a 2-1 decision, finding that it was open to the trial jury to find Pell guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Child sex conviction 'wrong', says lawyers of ex- Vatican treasurer Pell

Saying he felt "caged," Pope Francis delivered his Sunday blessing over the internet from inside the Vatican on Sunday instead of from a window to stop crowds gathering during Italy's coronavirus outbreak.

He did, however, go to the window and wave silently to a mere several hundred people in the huge square, which often draws tens of thousands. Most kept a safe distance from each other as they watched the pope deliver the address on four mega-screens.

"It's a bit strange this Angelus prayer today with the pope caged in the library, but I see you and I am close to you," he said.

It was the first time that Francis had skipped giving the blessing and reading an address from the window since his election in 2013, apart from times he was travelling outside Rome.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-cardinal-barbarin-over-sex-abuse-case-284809">&nbsp;Pope Francis accepts resignation of cardinal Barbarin over sex abuse case</a>

Francis appeared to have recovered from a cold that forced him to skip a Lenten retreat with senior Vatican officials near Rome last week.

"I am close in prayer to people who are suffering because of the current coronavirus epidemic as well as to all those who are taking care of them," he said, speaking while standing in the frescoed room which is used mostly for private audiences.

He encouraged the faithful "to live this difficult moment with the strength of faith, the certainty of hope and the fervour of charity". The window was then opened and he waved briefly and silently.

Some pilgrims had come a long way hoping to get the blessing directly.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourism-industry-across-the-world-takes-a-hit-as-covid-19-spreads-more-widely-284923">Tourism industry across the world takes a hit as COVID-19 spreads more widely &nbsp;</a>

"I am bitterly disappointed," said Pamela Kennedy, 66, of Yukon, Oklahoma, who was in the square with her husband, Bill.

"We started planning this trip a couple of years ago to mark our 20th wedding anniversary and the 20th anniversary of my becoming Catholic," she told Reuters.

Italy has imposed a virtual lockdown across a swathe of its wealthy north, including the financial capital Milan, in its latest attempt to contain a growing outbreak of coronavirus. The government has also imposed other restrictions throughout the country, such as the closing of museums.

A Vatican source said the Vatican museums, which get six million visitors a year, would be closed as of Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-reports-its-first-coronavirus-case-284754">Vatican reports its first coronavirus case</a>

During his address, Francis also appealed for an end to the conflict in northwest Syria, where nearly a million people have been displaced in a three-month Russian-backed offensive by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces.

"We should not take our eyes off this humanitarian crisis," Francis said.

Saying he felt "caged," Pope Francis delivered his Sunday blessing over the internet from inside the Vatican on Sunday instead of from a window to stop crowds gathering during Italy's coronavirus outbreak.

Saying he felt "caged," Pope Francis delivered his Sunday blessing over the internet from inside the Vatican on Sunday instead of from a window to stop crowds gathering during Italy's coronavirus outbreak. He did, however, go to the window and wave silently to a mere several hundred people in the huge square, which often draws tens of thousands. Most kept a safe distance from each other as they watched the pope deliver the address on four mega-screens. "It's a bit strange this Angelus prayer today with the pope caged in the library, but I see you and I am close to you," he said. It was the first time that Francis had skipped giving the blessing and reading an address from the window since his election in 2013, apart from times he was travelling outside Rome. Also read: Pope Francis accepts resignation of cardinal Barbarin over sex abuse case Francis appeared to have recovered from a cold that forced him to skip a Lenten retreat with senior Vatican officials near Rome last week. "I am close in prayer to people who are suffering because of the current coronavirus epidemic as well as to all those who are taking care of them," he said, speaking while standing in the frescoed room which is used mostly for private audiences. He encouraged the faithful "to live this difficult moment with the strength of faith, the certainty of hope and the fervour of charity". The window was then opened and he waved briefly and silently. Some pilgrims had come a long way hoping to get the blessing directly. Also see: Tourism industry across the world takes a hit as COVID-19 spreads more widely "I am bitterly disappointed," said Pamela Kennedy, 66, of Yukon, Oklahoma, who was in the square with her husband, Bill. "We started planning this trip a couple of years ago to mark our 20th wedding anniversary and the 20th anniversary of my becoming Catholic," she told Reuters. Italy has imposed a virtual lockdown across a swathe of its wealthy north, including the financial capital Milan, in its latest attempt to contain a growing outbreak of coronavirus. The government has also imposed other restrictions throughout the country, such as the closing of museums. A Vatican source said the Vatican museums, which get six million visitors a year, would be closed as of Monday. Also read: Vatican reports its first coronavirus case During his address, Francis also appealed for an end to the conflict in northwest Syria, where nearly a million people have been displaced in a three-month Russian-backed offensive by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces. "We should not take our eyes off this humanitarian crisis," Francis said.

Feeling 'caged' by coronavirus alarm, Pope delivers Sunday address over internet

The Vatican has rejected the second appeal by Sister Lucy Kalappura — one of the nuns who protested against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal — against her expulsion from Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC).

In her plea, she had demanded that her version be heard and her expulsion from FCC revoked.

She was expelled from FCC for participating in public protests demanding the arrest of Franco Mulakkal in the nun rape case.

''I got a letter from the Vatican which says my appeal has been rejected. But the rest of the letter is written in the Latin language. So after I understand it, I will respond," Sister Lucy said.

''The authorities are contemptuous of those who make such complaints. That is why the letter is written in Latin. Sister Lucy would continue her legal fight in the courts,'' said George Moolechalil, who has been authorised by Sister Lucy to communicate with the media on her behalf.

A petition of Sister Lucy is still pending at Mananthavady Munsif Court at Wayanad that demands that she should not be expelled from the convent where she is staying.

The Vatican has rejected the second appeal by Sister Lucy Kalappura — one of the nuns who protested against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal — against her expulsion from Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC).

The Vatican has rejected the second appeal by Sister Lucy Kalappura — one of the nuns who protested against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal — against her expulsion from Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC). In her plea, she had demanded that her version be heard and her expulsion from FCC revoked. She was expelled from FCC for participating in public protests demanding the arrest of Franco Mulakkal in the nun rape case. ''I got a letter from the Vatican which says my appeal has been rejected. But the rest of the letter is written in the Latin language. So after I understand it, I will respond," Sister Lucy said. ''The authorities are contemptuous of those who make such complaints. That is why the letter is written in Latin. Sister Lucy would continue her legal fight in the courts,'' said George Moolechalil, who has been authorised by Sister Lucy to communicate with the media on her behalf. A petition of Sister Lucy is still pending at Mananthavady Munsif Court at Wayanad that demands that she should not be expelled from the convent where she is staying.

Vatican rejects second appeal of Kerala nun Sister Lucy Kalappura against her expulsion from congregation

Ten years after the Vatican took it over, the Legion of Christ religious order is in crisis again. This religious order in Mexico founded in 1941 was once powerful influential. But it now faces an existential crisis.

Its founder, a Paedophile, is said to have sexually abused more than 60 boys. And this latest scandal will raise questions that the Vatican will have to answer.&nbsp;

A Mexican TV host has revealed that she was sexually abused when she was 8 at an elite Catholic school in Cancun. 36-year-old Ana Lucia Salazar is a mother of 3 children. She was sexually abused at an elite Catholic school.

Legion of Christ was once an influential religious order which was founded by Marcial Maciel in 1941. He passed away in 2008. The Legion of Christ was taken over by the Vatican in 2010.&nbsp;

The administrator of the school in Cancun, Mexico used to take girls out of class and send them to the chapel, where the priest from the Legion of Christ religious order would sexually abuse them.

Salazar's horrific story has been corroborated by other victims and the legion itself. The revelations have sparked a new credibility crisis for the once-influential order.

A recent investigation has revealed that sexual abuse of minors was rife, especially among superiors of the legionaries of the ultraconservative religious order. 175 minors were victims of abuse by 33 priests and 71 seminarians. Most victims were boys between 11 and 16.

For decades the Vatican dismissed accusations that Maciel had abused them sexually. The Vatican first acknowledged Maciel's crimes in 2006, when former Pope Benedict ordered him to retire to a life of 'prayer and penitence.'

But he resisted calls for the order to be dissolved because it was toxic to the core. The Vatican instead took over the order in 2010 and began a process of reform.

Even as a gathering in Rome begins to choose new leaders for the Legion of Christ, Ana Lucia Salazar's confession has shaken the order's foundations and reverberations of the scandal will hit the Vatican.

Salazar’s case is particularly grave since her parents went to the bishop to denounce the priest, Fernando Martínez Suárez. Martínez was one of nearly a dozen legion priests who were childhood victims of the founder and went onto molest other minors.

It's clear that the Vatican reform process has failed to address one key area - punishing known historic abusers and the people who covered for them. 
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Ten years after the Vatican took it over, the Legion of Christ religious order is in crisis again. This religious order in Mexico founded in 1941 was once powerful influential.

Ten years after the Vatican took it over, the Legion of Christ religious order is in crisis again. This religious order in Mexico founded in 1941 was once powerful influential. But it now faces an existential crisis. Its founder, a Paedophile, is said to have sexually abused more than 60 boys. And this latest scandal will raise questions that the Vatican will have to answer. A Mexican TV host has revealed that she was sexually abused when she was 8 at an elite Catholic school in Cancun. 36-year-old Ana Lucia Salazar is a mother of 3 children. She was sexually abused at an elite Catholic school. Legion of Christ was once an influential religious order which was founded by Marcial Maciel in 1941. He passed away in 2008. The Legion of Christ was taken over by the Vatican in 2010. The administrator of the school in Cancun, Mexico used to take girls out of class and send them to the chapel, where the priest from the Legion of Christ religious order would sexually abuse them. Salazar's horrific story has been corroborated by other victims and the legion itself. The revelations have sparked a new credibility crisis for the once-influential order. A recent investigation has revealed that sexual abuse of minors was rife, especially among superiors of the legionaries of the ultraconservative religious order. 175 minors were victims of abuse by 33 priests and 71 seminarians. Most victims were boys between 11 and 16. For decades the Vatican dismissed accusations that Maciel had abused them sexually. The Vatican first acknowledged Maciel's crimes in 2006, when former Pope Benedict ordered him to retire to a life of 'prayer and penitence.' But he resisted calls for the order to be dissolved because it was toxic to the core. The Vatican instead took over the order in 2010 and began a process of reform. Even as a gathering in Rome begins to choose new leaders for the Legion of Christ, Ana Lucia Salazar's confession has shaken the order's foundations and reverberations of the scandal will hit the Vatican. Salazar’s case is particularly grave since her parents went to the bishop to denounce the priest, Fernando Martínez Suárez. Martínez was one of nearly a dozen legion priests who were childhood victims of the founder and went onto molest other minors. It's clear that the Vatican reform process has failed to address one key area - punishing known historic abusers and the people who covered for them.

Sex scandal shocks Mexico: The Vatican must probe cover-up of child sexual abuse

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