(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has expressed his sorrow for the death of slain US journalist Steven Sotloff, urging people everywhere to reject violence, aggression and lack of compassion. His words came in a telegramme of condolences addressed to Sotloff’s family and signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of the Pope.…
Read more
Archbishop Eamon Martin has become Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland after Pope Francis on Monday accepted the resignation of his predecessor, Cardinal Sean Brady. For the past 16 months Archbishop Martin has been the Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese, with the right of succession. Aged 52, the new archbishop is a native…
Read more
(Vatican Radio) Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the head of the Holy Father’s Alms-giving office (“Elemosineria”), has confirmed that as of 1 January 2015, papal blessings will no longer be available from stores and businesses outside the Vatican. In a note, the apostolic Almoner recalls that the Alms-giving office is tasked with carrying out “works of charity for…
Read more
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent telgrams expressing his condolences for the violent deaths of three Xaverian missionary sisters in Burundi. Signed by the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the first telegram is addressed to Archbishop Evariste Ngoyagoye of Bujumbura, Burundi, and express the Holy Father’s sorrow at hearing of…
Read more
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday accepted the resignation of Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, after he reached the age of retirement. A native of Laragh in Co Cavan, Archbishop Brady was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI on the 24 November 2007. On 19 February…
Read more