Vatican

CNS photo/Vatican Media

Vatican City

Pope Francis announces extraordinary ‘urbi et orbi’ blessing March 27

In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time Friday, March 27.

• Vatican closes St. Peter’s Square, Basilica to tourists through April 3

  

  By CAROL GLATZ, Catholic News Service
  Published March 10, 2020

  In cooperation with Italian emergency measures, the Vatican has closed St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to tourists through April 3. The new measure, announced March 10, was the latest move by the Vatican to help stop the spread of the coronavirus by reducing access to places that attract large groups.

• Pope shares with U.S. bishops his frustration with reaction to Amazon text

  

  By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
  Published February 13, 2020

  Fifteen bishops from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina spent close to three hours with Pope Francis Feb. 13 as part of their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican.

• Beatitudes are a Christian’s ID card, pope says at audience

  

  Published February 6, 2020

  The beatitudes are a path to joy and true happiness mapped out by Jesus for all of humanity, Pope Francis said. “It is difficult not to be touched by these words,” the pope said Jan. 29 during his weekly general audience.