Vatican

Photo By Michael Alexander

Vatican City

Pope proclaims year dedicated to St. Joseph

Marking the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph being declared patron of the universal church, Pope Francis proclaimed a yearlong celebration dedicated to the foster father of Jesus.

• Pope amends canon law so women can be installed as lectors, acolytes

  

  By CINDY WOODEN, Catholic News Service
  Published January 11, 2021

  Recognizing “the gifts of each baptized person”–women and men–Pope Francis ordered a change to canon law and liturgical norms so that women could be formally installed as lectors and acolytes.

• Despite year’s hardships, pope says there is much for which to be thankful

  

  By JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES, Catholic News Service
  Published December 31, 2020

  The notable absence of Pope Francis at the final liturgical celebration of 2020 in St. Peter’s Basilica capped off a difficult year for the Vatican and for the world.

• Pope on Christmas: Share hope, promote peace, give vaccine to all

  

  By CINDY WOODEN, Catholic News Service
  Published December 26, 2020

  On a Christmas like no other, Pope Francis prayed for people who could not be with their families because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he urged everyone to recognize and help those who are suffering even more.