This week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican. 

New Saints from Papua New Guinea, Venezuela, Turkey 

Pope Francis has advanced the causes of five people on the path to sainthood Blessed Peter To Rot from Papua New Guinea, Blessed Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan from Turkey, and Blessed María Carmen from Venezuela will be proclaimed saints. The pope also approved the beatification of Italian diocesan priest Carmelo De Palma and declared Brazilian priest José Antônio de Maria Ibiapina a “venerable” of the Church. 

Polish President Visits Vatican  

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, received Polish President Andrzej Duda in a meeting in Rome. The talks took place ahead of the 20th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s death and near the millennium of the coronation of Poland’s first king, Bolesław Chrobry. According to the Vatican, the discussion covered also the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader concerns about European security and peace. 

Pope Sees Lent as a Time of Healing 

Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to continue their Lenten journey as a time of healing and to grow their faith in Jesus Christ. In his message the Holy Father said the Pharisees were “scandalized” by Jesus and would “murmur behind his back” because he welcomed sinners. Francis added that Jesus heals the wounds and helps to love each other as brothers and sisters.  

Vatican Appoints New Librarian 

Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi as the new archivist and librarian of the Holy Roman Church. Pagazzi, previously served as secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.  The 58-year-old prelate holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and has taught at numerous theological institutions across Italy.  

The Holy Week Schedule 

The Vatican has published the official calendar of liturgical celebrations planned for Holy Week, but it has not clarified whether Pope Francis will preside. After the pontiffs’ release from the hospital, doctors have prescribed complete rest for at least two months. It is expected that Pope Francis will give the Urbi et Orbi blessing. Also, the canonization of Carlo Acutis on Divine Mercy Sunday after Easter is confirmed in the Vatican planner, a celebration that usually requires the presence of the pope.  

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Adapted by Jacob Stein