Valentina di Giorgio, Author at ZENIT - English https://zenit.org/author/valentinadigiorgioo/ The World Seen From Rome Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:38:14 +0000 es hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://zenit.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/8049a698-cropped-dc1b6d35-favicon_1.png Valentina di Giorgio, Author at ZENIT - English https://zenit.org/author/valentinadigiorgioo/ 32 32 A woman to rule the Vatican: Pope Francis reveals in interview who she is https://zenit.org/2025/01/20/a-woman-to-rule-the-vatican-pope-francis-reveals-in-interview-who-she-is/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:36:20 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=218351 The Pope celebrated the increasing involvement of women in Vatican leadership, citing Sister Simona Brambilla’s recent appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life. “Women manage better than we do,” he quipped, acknowledging the transformative role they play within the Church.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 01.20.2025).- On January 19, 2025, Pope Francis captivated audiences in an in-depth interview with Italian journalist Fabio Fazio on “Che tempo che fa”. This marked his third appearance on the program, following previous interviews in 2022 and 2024. In just under an hour, the Pope traversed a spectrum of critical issues, from global politics to personal anecdotes, offering a blend of humor, wisdom, and profound insight.

The occasion also served as the launchpad for his autobiography, Spera («Hope»), a heartfelt collection of stories that illuminates his character, personality and history.

Announcement of the next governor of the Vatican

In a historic move, Pope Francis announced that Sister Raffaella Petrini, currently serving as Secretary of the Vatican City Governorate, will become its president in March 2025. This appointment makes her the first woman to hold the position, following the retirement of Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, LC.

The Pope celebrated the increasing involvement of women in Vatican leadership, citing Sister Simona Brambilla’s recent appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life. “Women manage better than we do,” he quipped, acknowledging the transformative role they play within the Church.

A Voice for the Voiceless: Immigration and Justice

Turning to global issues, Pope Francis condemned proposed mass deportations of immigrants in the United States, calling them “a shame” that punishes the most vulnerable. Reflecting on migration as both a challenge and a necessity, he reiterated his “four verbs” for addressing the crisis: welcome, accompany, promote, and integrate.

The pontiff also revisited his urgent call to address declining birthrates, particularly in aging societies like Italy’s. “If you don’t have children, bring in migrants,” he stated, framing immigration as both a moral imperative and a pragmatic solution.

Conflict and Peace: The Middle East and Beyond

The Pope’s reflections on the Middle East carried a sense of cautious optimism. As a fragile ceasefire unfolded in Gaza, he applauded mediators for their efforts and reaffirmed his belief in a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Peace is greater than war,” he stressed, though he acknowledged the courage required to achieve it. “War is always a defeat,” he added, condemning the arms industry for its role in perpetuating violence.

Jubilee 2025: Anchored in Hope

Hope, the theme of the ongoing Holy Year, emerged as a central thread in the interview. The Pope highlighted the spiritual significance of the Jubilee, recalling his unprecedented opening of the Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison in Rome.

“Never forget the prisoners,” he urged, noting that many incarcerated individuals bear less guilt than those who remain free. His compassionate plea underscored his broader mission of inclusion and mercy.

A Moral Reckoning: Abuse, Forgiveness, and Solidarity

Francis did not shy away from addressing the Church’s internal struggles, including the crisis of abuse. Calling it “a great evil,” he emphasized the need for relentless vigilance.

On the topic of sin, he offered a pastoral perspective, rejecting a narrow focus on “sins of the flesh” and emphasizing God’s boundless capacity for forgiveness. “No sin cannot be forgiven,” he reminded listeners, “because God wants everyone to be with Him.”

Personal Moments and Humor

The Pope also shared lighter anecdotes, including a stumble in the Sistine Chapel immediately after his election in 2013. “The infallible Pope began with a fall!” he joked, displaying his trademark humility.

As the interview concluded, Francis left viewers with a poignant message: “Do not miss this opportunity during the Holy Year. Move forward with courage. And never lose your sense of humor.”

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This is the financial penalty imposed by new Vatican law for those who enter its territory without permission https://zenit.org/2025/01/17/this-is-the-financial-penalty-imposed-by-new-vatican-law-for-those-who-enter-its-territory-without-permission/ Sat, 18 Jan 2025 03:17:32 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=218317 The Vatican’s new legislation also targets unauthorized aerial incursions, reflecting the growing prevalence of drone technology. Violators of the no-fly zone over Vatican City face imprisonment of six months to three years and fines up to €25,000. This measure aims to safeguard sensitive areas and prevent surveillance or potential security breaches from above.

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(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 01.17.2024).-  Vatican City has enacted sweeping new measures to deter unauthorized access. The decree, promulgated on December 19, 2024, introduces harsher penalties for those who breach its borders.

A City Beyond the Basilica

While millions of visitors flock annually to St. Peter’s Square, the basilica, and the famed Vatican Museums, much of Vatican City remains strictly off-limits. The heightened restrictions are a response to growing concerns over potential threats and unauthorized incursions into areas vital to the Vatican’s operations, diplomacy, and governance.

The decree, signed by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez, LC, President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, redefines the legal framework governing access. It emphasizes that Vatican City is not just a pilgrimage site but also a sovereign state with borders that demand respect.

New Penalties: Financial Fines and Prison Sentences

Under the updated rules, fines for unauthorized entry now range from €10,000 to €25,000. In more severe cases—such as entry involving violence, threats, or deceit—offenders face prison terms of one to four years.

Additional sanctions apply to those using expired permits or failing to meet entry requirements, with administrative fines between €2,000 and €5,000. The decree outlines aggravated penalties for offenses involving firearms, corrosive substances, or disguise, as well as for acts committed by groups or individuals in vehicles. In these cases, sentences may increase by up to two-thirds.

Drones and No-Fly Zones

The Vatican’s new legislation also targets unauthorized aerial incursions, reflecting the growing prevalence of drone technology. Violators of the no-fly zone over Vatican City face imprisonment of six months to three years and fines up to €25,000. This measure aims to safeguard sensitive areas and prevent surveillance or potential security breaches from above.

Exclusion Orders and Prolonged Bans

One of the decree’s most notable features is the introduction of long-term bans on reentry. Individuals found guilty of illegal entry may be prohibited from accessing Vatican territory for up to 15 years. Violators of these bans could face further imprisonment ranging from one to five years.

This marks a significant shift in the Vatican’s approach to repeat offenders, underscoring the seriousness of its commitment to territorial integrity.

Swift Justice for Offenders

The decree also accelerates judicial processes for those caught violating these regulations. The Vatican’s promoter of justice is now empowered to summon offenders to appear before the court the day after their arrest or immediately following an interrogation.

Balancing Accessibility and Sovereignty

While the Vatican remains an epicenter of global pilgrimage, these measures highlight the challenges of managing a territory that is both a spiritual hub and a sovereign state. The new laws seek to strike a balance between welcoming the faithful and ensuring that the city-state’s critical operations and sanctity are not compromised.

Cardinal Vérgez emphasized that these regulations are not intended to discourage visitors but to protect the integrity of Vatican City’s mission. “The Vatican’s openness to the world must coexist with the security necessary to preserve its spiritual and administrative heart,” he stated.

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Vatican announces publication of documents on Artificial Intelligence, role of women in the Church and monogamy https://zenit.org/2025/01/17/vatican-announces-publication-of-documents-on-artificial-intelligence-role-of-women-in-the-church-and-monogamy/ Sat, 18 Jan 2025 03:09:25 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=218309 The Vatican Charts a Moral Compass for Artificial Intelligence and Beyond

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(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 01.17.2024).- The Catholic Church is amplifying its voice in the global discourse on artificial intelligence (AI) with a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at addressing the ethical, social, and spiritual dimensions of this transformative technology. As the Vatican implements its first AI-focused laws within its own borders, it is also preparing to release a comprehensive ethical framework for the universal Church, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding human dignity in an increasingly digitized world.

AI Ethics: A Vatican Priority 

The Vatican’s latest foray into AI ethics began with the publication of its “Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence” at the close of 2024, a document designed to govern the responsible use of AI within the confines of the Vatican City State. These guidelines will soon be supported by detailed legislation and regulatory frameworks to ensure their practical application.

On a global level, the Holy See is set to release a pivotal document on the ethical challenges of AI later this month. Announced by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the text is a collaborative effort with the Dicastery for Culture and Education. It aims to tackle the moral and societal implications of AI’s rapid evolution.

This initiative is part of an ongoing journey that began in 2016, when the Vatican hosted high-level discussions involving scientists, ethicists, and technology leaders to explore the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies. In 2020, the Pontifical Academy for Life partnered with IBM and Microsoft to launch the “Rome Call for AI Ethics,” which championed principles like transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in algorithmic development.

In subsequent years, the Vatican continued to emphasize the importance of ethical AI through publications like a 140-page ethics manual for the tech industry, released in collaboration with the University of Santa Clara’s Institute for Technology, Ethics, and Culture.

Pope Francis himself has been a vocal advocate for ensuring that AI serves humanity ethically. In his 2023 World Day of Peace message, he urged the global community to prioritize justice and peace in AI governance, warning against the risks of discrimination and inequality.

New Laws for the Vatican City State 

In a landmark move, the Vatican recently enacted its first AI-focused legislation. The new laws prohibit discriminatory uses of AI and establish a special commission to oversee experimentation with emerging technologies. These regulations apply to Vatican state institutions, setting a standard for ethical governance while offering a model for broader international cooperation.

AI is just one of several pressing topics the Vatican is addressing through doctrinal and societal documents. Cardinal Fernández has confirmed additional texts are in development:

– Marriage and Monogamy: A reaffirmation of the Church’s teachings on the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage, especially in the context of modern challenges.

– Modern Slavery: A comprehensive exploration of historical and contemporary slavery, focusing on human trafficking, forced labor, and child exploitation.

– The Role of Women in the Church: A document that seeks to elevate and clarify the contributions of women within ecclesiastical and societal structures.

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Vatican Approved Gays in Seminaries? Dismantling a Lie https://zenit.org/2025/01/11/vatican-approved-gays-in-seminaries-dismantling-a-lie/ Sat, 11 Jan 2025 23:11:38 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=218284 New approach to priestly formation in Italy: mission, community and personalization

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.01.2025).- With a new horizon adapted to the contemporary challenges, the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) has introduced a new document titled “The Formation of Presbyters in the Churches in Italy. Guidelines and Norms for the Seminaries.” This text, which came into force in an experimental way on January 9, 2025 and will be tested for  three years, seeks to redefine the parameters of the formation of future priests, in the context of a more synodal and missionary Church, in keeping with what was requested in the past Synod on Synodality of October 2024 and certain teaching of Pope Francis. This document is valid only for Seminaries in Italy. Does it talk about homosexuals? Yes, we specify it further on.

More Integral and Personalized Formation 

The document proposes a formative itinerary divided in four stages — propaedeutics, discipleship, configuration and vocational synthesis — which add up to a minimum of eight years. However, it highlights a key change: emphasis on personalization of the formative processes. Far from imposing rigid deadlines, it seeks to adapt times according to individual needs, enabling seminarians to advance in their spiritual, affective and vocational maturity at their own pace.

This focus not only prioritizes theological learning, but also promotes an integral formation that encompasses personal conscience, motivations and convictions.

The Role of the Community and The Mission

One of the essential pillars of this document is the strengthening of the relationship between the seminarian and the Christian community. Sought in the formative stage is greater involvement of the People of God, making the community participate actively in the discernment and accompaniment of the candidates to the priesthood. This aspect reinforces the missionary and communitarian dimension of the formation, which now is regarded as inseparable for pastoral exercise.

A Renewed Focus on Affectivity and Celibacy

The text underscores the importance of affective-sexual formation, pointing it out as essential for genuine priestly ministry. Beyond the mere contention of impulses, a lived celibacy is promoted from freedom, generous love and the capacity to build respectful and mature relations with men and women, young and older people, families and consecrated persons.

According to the document, celibacy is not only a renunciation but an expression of chaste love that removes the desire for possession, inviting priests to a life of dedication and service with genuine interior freedom.

Inclusion and Discernment in Diversity

One of the most innovative and controversial points of the document is its focus on candidates with different homosexual orientations. Although it reaffirms the Church’s general guidelines, it also urges not to reduce vocational discernment to this sole aspect. Proposed, instead, is to evaluate each candidate in his totality, considering his personality, emotional maturity and ability to live in harmony with the values of the priesthood. This aspect has sparked perplexities and it has been the point on which the press has focused, making the point pass as an opening of the Church to gays in Seminaries, which is false.

Psychological Science as Ally of Formation 

For the first time a more explicit role is given to Psychology in the Seminaries. Candidates will be able to access processes of psychological accompaniment, as long as the latter respect privacy and have the free consent of the seminarians. This incorporation seeks to strengthen human and emotional maturity in the future priests, avoiding abuses of conscience and promoting more healthy and balanced relationships.

Adult Vocations and New Formative Modalities 

The document also pays attention to late vocations and proposes modalities such as semi-residential communities for their accompaniment. This focus responds to the growing diversity of vocational profiles and the need to attend individual sensibilities in appropriate formative environments.

Response to Contemporary Challenges

With this renewed framework, the Church in Italy seeks to form more prepared priests to respond to the challenges of today’s world, strengthening their capacity of pastoral leadership, mission and communion. The integration of synodality as a central principle in the document, reflects Pope Francis call for a more inclusive, dialoguing Church centered on the service to the neighbor.

Although this process of renewal is not exempt from challenges, it marks a significant step towards a priestly formation that not only responds to the needs of the Church, but also accompanies with sensibility and depth the future priests in their vocational journey. This document will be tested for three years and applies only to Italian Seminaries.

 

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Pope Francis reveals two attacks against him that ended with the death of perpetrators https://zenit.org/2024/12/17/pope-francis-reveals-two-attacks-against-him-that-ended-with-the-death-of-perpetrators/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:41:12 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=218082 Francis recounts the chilling intelligence received by the Vatican Gendarmerie upon his arrival in Baghdad. British intelligence had flagged two potential attacks: a young woman carrying explosives was reportedly heading to Mosul as a suicide bomber, while a van laden with explosives sped toward an undisclosed target.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 12.17.2024).- In an excerpt from his upcoming autobiography Spera, set for release on January 14, 2025, Pope Francis shares a harrowing behind-the-scenes account of his groundbreaking visit to Iraq in March 2021. The trip, hailed as a milestone for interfaith dialogue, was shadowed by the revelation of two thwarted assassination attempts.

A Mission Against All Odds

Defying widespread caution from advisors, the Pope embarked on what many deemed a perilous journey. “Everyone advised against it,” he writes, “but I felt a deep, unshakable need to go. I wanted to visit our grandfather Abraham, the shared ancestor of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.”

The pontiff’s determination to bring a message of peace and hope to a war-torn nation was met with significant obstacles. The visit came amidst the lingering devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing security threats from extremist groups.

The Threats Unfold

Francis recounts the chilling intelligence received by the Vatican Gendarmerie upon his arrival in Baghdad. British intelligence had flagged two potential attacks: a young woman carrying explosives was reportedly heading to Mosul as a suicide bomber, while a van laden with explosives sped toward an undisclosed target.

“Even in the midst of such destruction,” he reflects, “the winds of hatred refused to cease.” Despite these threats, the Pope remained steadfast in his mission, delivering messages of reconciliation and hope to Iraq’s beleaguered communities.

The Interfaith Milestone

One of the most poignant moments of the trip was Francis’ historic meeting with Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf. The encounter, years in the making, symbolized a new chapter in Christian-Muslim relations and highlighted the Pope’s vision for interfaith solidarity.

The meeting underscored the central theme of his trip: the unifying power of faith. In his autobiography, Francis emphasizes the profound significance of standing on the land of Abraham, a figure revered across religious divides.

A Sobering End

As the journey progressed, the Pope remained acutely aware of the looming danger. Upon inquiring about the attackers the following day, the Vatican security chief delivered a brief yet heavy response: “They are no longer.” Iraqi police had intercepted the suspects, neutralizing the threats in deadly confrontations.

“Even this,” Francis writes somberly, “was a poisoned fruit of war—a stark reminder of the cycles of violence that continue to plague humanity.”

A Testament to Faith and Resilience 

The Pope’s reflections on the Iraq visit capture both the hope and the heartbreak of his mission. While the trip marked significant progress in interfaith dialogue, it also laid bare the ongoing struggles faced by those in conflict zones.

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The “Mystery” of the LGBT Pilgrimage in the Jubilee 2025: A Polemic Between Inclusivity and Controversy https://zenit.org/2024/12/16/the-mystery-of-the-lgbt-pilgrimage-in-the-jubilee-2025-a-polemic-between-inclusivity-and-controversy/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:34:39 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=218078 The presence of these associations poses fundamental questions about how the Vatican addresses the questions of sexual identity and orientation within the faith. Is it a gesture of pastoral openness to people that seek to reconcile their faith with their identity? Or is it a concession that could be interpreted as an implicit doctrinal change?

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 16.12.2024).- The Vatican finds itself once again in the eye of the media hurricane, this time for inclusion – and subsequent elimination of an event organized by LGBT associations, in the official calendar of the Jubilee 2025.

This unexpected turn has generated a series of questions that go beyond a simple issue of organization, sparking debates about the tensions between pastoral openness and doctrinal faithfulness.

An Event That Appeared, Disappeared and Might Reappear? 

The episode began when Christian LGBT associations, under the auspices of “Jonathan’s Tent,” announced that their pilgrimage had been included in the Jubilee’s official program. However, a few days later, the event disappeared from the calendar published on the event’s official site.

The Vatican’s explanations have not been altogether consistent. Agnese Palmussi, member of the Jubilee’s communication team, assured that the elimination was due to the lack of specific information by the organizers, such as the number of participants and logistical details. Nevertheless, the doubt remains: why was the event approved initially without this information? And, even more important, why was it not left pending rather than eliminating it?

A Debate That Goes Beyond The Logistics

The heart of the controversy doesn’t lie in the logistics, but in the symbolic and theological implications. The problem isn’t that LGBT people take part in the Jubilee events – a fact that doesn’t generate opposition – but that it is included officially in organizations that promote an LGBT identity narrative, which is incompatible with the Church’s traditional teaching on sexuality.

The presence of these associations poses fundamental questions about how the Vatican addresses the questions of sexual identity and orientation within the faith. Is it a gesture of pastoral openness to people that seek to reconcile their faith with their identity? Or is it a concession that could be interpreted as an implicit doctrinal change?

Internal Tensions and Critical Voices

According to sources close to the Vatican, the initial publication of the event unleashed significant tensions within the Curia, which led to its sudden elimination. This incident has highlighted the internal division about how to manage topics related to the LGBT community. For some, the initial inclusion represented a welcome gesture coherent with the spirit of Pope Francis’ pontificate. For others, it was a dangerous concession that diluted the traditional teaching.

What Next? 

Although the Vatican has tried to calm the waters, promising a possible reincorporation of the event after receiving the requested details, the debate is far from over. At stake is not only the organization of a calendar, but the more profound question about how the Church addresses the challenges of a changing world without compromising her theological foundations.

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Vatican: judge Giuseppe Pignatone Retires Amid Controversy and Legacy of Vatican Judicial Reform https://zenit.org/2024/12/15/vatican-judge-giuseppe-pignatone-retires-amid-controversy-and-legacy-of-vatican-judicial-reform/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 01:47:08 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=218055 Judge Venerando Marano, appointed last year as Deputy President, will assume Pignatone’s role beginning January 1. This continuity aims to sustain the momentum of judicial reform and maintain transparency in the Vatican’s legal proceedings.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 12.15.2024).- The Vatican is bidding farewell to Giuseppe Pignatone, its top judicial figure, as he steps down from his role as President of the Vatican City Tribunal on December 31. Pope Francis accepted Pignatone’s resignation on December 10, marking the end of a tenure defined by high-profile cases, systemic reform, and a mix of acclaim and controversy.

A Tenure Marked by Historic Trials 

Appointed in 2019, Pignatone’s judicial career in the Vatican was anything but routine. He oversaw landmark cases, including the sprawling financial corruption trial involving the Secretariat of State. That case, which implicated senior Church officials, concluded last year with the conviction of nine individuals, including Cardinal Angelo Becciu. While the verdict sent shockwaves through the Vatican’s halls, it also underscored the tribunal’s growing role in addressing internal accountability.

Pignatone’s leadership also saw him presiding over other significant cases, such as the dismissal of Libero Milone, the Vatican’s former auditor general, who alleged wrongful termination. Pignatone dismissed Milone’s lawsuit earlier this year, though the case remains under appeal.

Judicial Reforms for a New Era 

Anticipating Pignatone’s retirement, Pope Francis implemented sweeping changes to Vatican judicial law earlier this year. Notably, he solidified the position of Deputy President of the Court, ensuring a clear line of succession. This move reflects the Pope’s ongoing efforts to modernize and stabilize Vatican governance, especially as it navigates complex legal and financial challenges.

Judge Venerando Marano, appointed last year as Deputy President, will assume Pignatone’s role beginning January 1. This continuity aims to sustain the momentum of judicial reform and maintain transparency in the Vatican’s legal proceedings.

A Career Rooted in High-Stakes Justice 

Before joining the Vatican, Pignatone was one of Italy’s most prominent anti-mafia prosecutors, tackling organized crime in Sicily and Rome. His battles against the mafia often placed him in opposition to Alessandro Diddi, now the Vatican’s chief prosecutor, creating a unique dynamic as the two faced off in high-profile cases in their current roles.

Pignatone’s reputation as a determined jurist brought credibility to the Vatican’s judiciary, but it also came with its share of complications. This year, his name surfaced in a Sicilian investigation related to alleged corruption and mafia ties dating back to the 1990s. While Pignatone denied the allegations and invoked his right not to testify, the investigation cast a shadow over his final months in office.

 Challenges Beyond the Courtroom 

Pignatone’s departure comes at a time when the Vatican faces broader financial and institutional challenges. Recent revelations about the precarious state of the Vatican pension fund have raised questions about the sustainability of benefits for retiring officials, including Pignatone. Pope Francis recently warned of a «severe imbalance» in the pension system, highlighting yet another area requiring reform.

Legacy and Questions Ahead 

As Pignatone exits, his legacy is a mix of significant achievements and unresolved questions. While he strengthened the Vatican’s judicial system and tackled high-profile corruption, his name being linked to external controversies could complicate how history judges his tenure.

For the Vatican, the challenge now is to build on the momentum of reform, ensure the credibility of its courts, and address the lingering financial and governance issues that remain. For Pignatone, retirement may offer a reprieve from the pressures of office, but his story as a jurist is far from over.

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Pope Blesses Temporary Translation of the Remains of Saint Lucy of Venice to Syracuse in Italy https://zenit.org/2024/12/15/pope-blesses-temporary-translation-of-the-remains-of-saint-lucy-of-venice-to-syracuse-in-italy/ Sun, 15 Dec 2024 12:47:42 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=218058 The Saint, known as the protectress of sight and symbol of light in the midst of darkness, will return temporarily to the place where she was born and where, according to tradition, she offered her life for Christ.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 15.12.2024).- After eight centuries, the mortal remains of Saint Lucy, one of the most loved Saints of the Catholic tradition, will undertake an emotional journey from Venice to Syracuse, her birthplace in the south of Italy. This translation, announced by Pope Francis in a letter addressed to the Archbishop of Syracuse, marks a spiritual and cultural milestone, which resonates profoundly in the Lucian Year and the Church’s Jubilee.

A Jubilee Marked by Light

Pope Francis pointed out how this special pilgrimage of Saint Lucy’s remains symbolizes not only an act of faith but also a call to communion and hope. In his message, the Holy Father said that this movement of the Saint to her birthplace embodies “the mystery of a God who always takes the first step,” reminding the faithful that they are called to be “men and women of the first step” in their own life of faith.

The Saint, known as the protectress of sight and symbol of light in the midst of darkness, will return temporarily to the place where she was born and where, according to tradition, she offered her life for Christ. For Syracuse, this event is much more than a ceremonial act: it is an opportunity to renew spiritual fervor and to strengthen its ties with Venice, the city that kept her remains for centuries.

Lucy, Witness of Faith and Woman’s Dignity

In his letter, Pope Francis reflects  on the figure of Saint Lucy, not only as martyr but also as a powerful example of the unique contribution of women in the life of the Church and society. “Lucy is a woman and her holiness indicates up to what point women have their own ways of following the Lord,” wrote the Pontiff.

He recalled that since Jesus’ times, women have played a crucial role in the transmission of the faith, being bearers of a love and an intelligence that have illumined the ways of the Church. According to the Holy Father, Saint Lucy’s testimony continues to challenge any power that attempts to relegate women’s voice to invisibility and silence.

The Pope pointed out that the Saint is a vigorous symbol of dignity and vision, an invitation to Christians to look beyond the shadows of egoism and lies that destroy fraternity.

An Exchange of Gifts Between Two Cities

The translation of Saint Lucy’s remains not only unites two cities, but also becomes a tangible sign of unity and fraternity between the particular Churches of Venice and Syracuse. The Holy Fafher stressed that “there is light where there is an exchange of gifts, where a treasure is richness for others.”

This act of communion challenges the logic of confrontation and rivalry, recalling that true wealth is not found in accumulating but in sharing. Saint Lucy, whose name means “light”, becomes again a beacon for a world that urgently needs gestures of solidarity and reconciliation.

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Jubilee 2025 to welcome LGBT pastoral groups for the first time in history https://zenit.org/2024/12/08/jubilee-2025-to-welcome-lgbt-pastoral-groups-for-the-first-time-in-history/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 02:20:12 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=217959 Vatican representatives have emphasized that the inclusion does not equate to sponsorship of specific events, reflecting a careful balancing act within the Church’s approach to contentious issues.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 12.08.2024).- The upcoming Holy Year of 2025 is set to make history by including, for the first time, a dedicated day for Christian and Catholic associations involved in LGBT pastoral care. This unprecedented move, scheduled for September 6, 2025, underscores a message of inclusion under Pope Francis’ ongoing call for a more welcoming Church.

While the vice-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, sought to frame this event as one among many within the broader Jubilee calendar, his message was clear: “All are welcome.” Vatican representatives have emphasized that the inclusion does not equate to sponsorship of specific events, reflecting a careful balancing act within the Church’s approach to contentious issues.

A Vision of Inclusion 

The initiative was spearheaded by “Tenda di Gionata” (Jonathan’s Tent), a group inspired by the late Don David Esposito, who envisioned Christian communities embracing Isaiah’s call to “enlarge the tent” to make room for all, especially those marginalized by discrimination. Since its founding in 2018, the organization has sought to foster spaces of welcome and support for LGBT individuals and their families within the Church.

This groundbreaking inclusion has reportedly received blessings not only from Pope Francis but also from Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference. Their support has fueled both enthusiasm and skepticism, even as secular LGBT groups voice cautious optimism.

A Broader Conversation 

Gabriele Piazzoni, secretary-general of Arcigay, Italy’s largest LGBT advocacy group, celebrated the initiative as a step toward dismantling barriers to spiritual life for LGBTQIA+ individuals. However, others, such as Roberta Parigiani of the Trans Identity Movement, urged that this gesture go beyond symbolic acknowledgment, calling for consistent, everyday actions of inclusion.

Rosario Coco, president of Gaynet, extended a challenge to the Church: to leverage the Jubilee as an opportunity to clearly condemn conversion practices and global criminalization of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

A Spiritual Journey 

The program for the September 6 celebration includes an evening vigil, a pilgrimage through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, and a Mass at the Church of the Gesù, a historic Jesuit site in central Rome that has long supported LGBT pastoral efforts. Families, pastoral workers, and members of rainbow associations will join in prayer and reflection.

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Rome Colosseum sparks debate over collaboration with AIRBNB for gladiator experience https://zenit.org/2024/12/08/rome-colosseum-sparks-debate-over-collaboration-with-airbnb-for-gladiator-experience/ Sun, 08 Dec 2024 15:09:35 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=217969 The collaboration, backed by a $1.5 million donation from Airbnb, aims to fund a permanent exhibition in the Colosseum while offering visitors an "immersive experience."

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 12.08.2024).- The Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks of Italy, is stirring controversy among Romans as plans unfold for a unique collaboration with Airbnb. The initiative, set to bring «gladiator training» to the ancient amphitheater, has drawn both excitement and outrage. Over two nights in May, 32 participants will immerse themselves in gladiatorial history, learning combat techniques from experts in Roman historical reenactment.

A Cultural Icon Meets Commercial Modernity

The collaboration, backed by a $1.5 million donation from Airbnb, aims to fund a permanent exhibition in the Colosseum while offering visitors an «immersive experience.» Airbnb claims the project seeks to educate and inspire by highlighting the historical significance of gladiatorial games.

But not everyone is on board. Critics argue that turning the Colosseum into what they see as a «theme park» undermines its historical gravity. Massimiliano Smeriglio, Rome’s cultural councilor, condemned the plan, asserting that corporate sponsorship should not come with such strings attached.

A Divided City

The project has divided Romans. Federico Mollicone, a legislator from Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, dismissed the backlash as elitist. “The Colosseum was built for rough and violent entertainment,” he remarked, pointing to similar attractions in arenas like France’s Nîmes as evidence of their tourism potential.

Meanwhile, locals and housing advocates voiced broader concerns over Airbnb’s involvement, citing its controversial role in exacerbating Rome’s housing crisis. Short-term rentals have driven up rents and displaced residents, and critics argue the Colosseum’s partnership with the platform sends the wrong message.

Gladiators, Myths, and Historical Truth

Supporters of the initiative highlight its educational merits. Andrea Buccolini of Gruppo Storico Romano emphasized that the event would dispel common misconceptions about gladiators, such as the belief that all fights ended in death. «This is not about sensationalism but about restoring historical accuracy,» he stated.

Dario Battaglia, founder of Ars Dimicandi, echoed this sentiment, calling the project a chance to counter the myths popularized by films like Gladiator. “Gladiators were not always forced to fight to the death; many volunteered to improve their social standing,” he explained.

The Colosseum’s Enduring Power

The Colosseum, long a symbol of Rome’s resilience and grandeur, continues to ignite passions. Whether it’s rumored celebrity fights or debates over tourism’s impact on local culture, this ancient site remains a focal point for the city’s identity.

As Romans grapple with the balance between preserving heritage and embracing modernity, the Colosseum stands at the crossroads—a monument to a complex past, and now, perhaps, to an equally complicated present.

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