Celebration of Youthful Holiness

The canonizations will spotlight the vitality of youth within the Church. Carlo Acutis, often called the «influencer of holiness,» will be canonized during the “Teenagers’ Jubilee” from April 25 to 27. Known for his deep love of the Eucharist and expertise in computer science, the young Italian left a legacy of faith expressed in modern ways.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, a Turin-born student, alpinist, and advocate for the poor, will follow during the “Youth Jubilee” from July 28 to August 3. Often referred to as the «man of the Beatitudes,» Frassati lived a life rooted in prayer, service, and joy—a testament to faith as an adventure. His canonization comes a century after his death, continuing to inspire generations to live with courage and compassion.

A Day for the Children of the World

The announcement coincided with the International Day for the Rights of the Child, where Pope Francis also introduced a major upcoming event: the “World Meeting on Children’s Rights”. Scheduled for February 3 in Vatican City, the gathering will bring together experts, activists, and global leaders to address the plight of children suffering from war, exploitation, and neglect.

In a touching moment during the audience, children in yellow caps, representing various Catholic schools and peace organizations, rushed to greet the Pope on the basilica’s steps. Their joyful interaction underscored the urgency of protecting young lives. «The future of the world lies with the smallest among us,» the Pope remarked, highlighting the Church’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the dignity of every child.

Holiness in Action: The Lives of Acutis and Frassati

Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at just 15, gained widespread recognition for creating an online catalog of Eucharistic miracles. His bishop in Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, called him “a ray of light for young people” and noted the providential timing of his canonization during the Jubilee, which celebrates renewal and hope.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died at 24 in 1925, left a legacy of service that resonated deeply even in his short life. A member of Catholic Action and other faith-based groups, he balanced rigorous spiritual devotion with an adventurous spirit. Saint John Paul II, who beatified him in 1990, described him as a model for those striving to integrate faith and action.

Resonating with the Modern World

The Church views these two saints as bridges to contemporary youth. Acutis and Frassati exemplify a faith that is not confined to the past but thrives in digital innovation and social responsibility. Their canonizations aim to inspire young Catholics to see holiness as accessible and relevant.

In a statement, Catholic Action Italy celebrated Frassati’s legacy, emphasizing his ability to counter apathy with a life of dynamic engagement. “His rule of life, ‘to get involved,’ is a call against indifference—a way to connect with the world through faith and action,” the group wrote.

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“A Jubilee of Solidarity and Shelter»

With the Jubilee beginning on December 24, Pope Francis framed his appeal as a spiritual and moral imperative. He called on Church-owned properties to be leveraged for the common good, emphasizing the necessity of “charitable and solidarity-driven gestures that generate hope for the thousands of people in Rome who lack stable housing or risk losing their homes.”

The Pope’s message stressed that the Church’s mission is not confined to welcoming pilgrims but must extend to serving the vulnerable:  “God’s love generates hope, and His love passes through us,” he wrote, quoting Blessed Don Pino Puglisi: “God always loves through someone.”

A Moral Foundation for Human Dignity

Central to Pope Francis’s message was the Church’s social teaching on human dignity. He reiterated the importance of three inalienable rights: land, housing, and work, which he has frequently highlighted as the foundation of human dignity. Calling on diocesan leaders to make “bold gestures of love for neighbor,” he asked those with unused properties or vacant apartments to put them to use for the benefit of the city’s most vulnerable populations.

Practical and Bureaucratic Challenges

While the letter stirred hope among Church and community leaders, it also highlighted a complex reality. Properties within Italy are subject to the nation’s housing regulations, including zoning and tenant laws, which could complicate the Church’s ability to provide immediate relief. Experts warn that bureaucratic hurdles may delay or limit the effectiveness of the initiative.

Despite these challenges, the Pope’s letter directs those willing to respond to contact Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Vicariate General of the Diocese of Rome. This step aims to streamline efforts and coordinate with civil authorities.

A Broader Vision for the Jubilee Year

The Pope’s call aligns with his vision for a Jubilee rooted in action and service, rather than mere celebration. By addressing housing precarity, Francis seeks to tie the spiritual renewal of the Jubilee to the tangible promotion of human dignity. His appeal reinforces the Church’s role as a force for social transformation, particularly in its home city.

As Rome prepares to welcome millions of pilgrims, the Pope’s call to action serves as a reminder that the spirit of the Jubilee must extend beyond its festivities to embrace those in need. Whether this ambitious vision will surmount the legal and logistical challenges remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the Church must lead with courage and compassion.

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“Sport in Motion – What Is Essential Is Invisible to the Eyes” is the theme of the international photography competition, promoted by the Dicastery for Culture and Education in the framework of the Jubilee and directed by youths younger than 25. The competition includes five “categories”: “Sport and Hope”, “Sport and Family”, ”Sport and Ecology”, “Sport and Disability” and “Sport and Politics”.

Basis to Participate

Until April 30, any young person who wishes to participate can send unpublished photographs — not altered by using Artificial Intelligence and taken after 2020 — to the following e-mail address: sportinmotion@dce.va.

Participation is for free and open to all, including non-professionals. For additional information and the basis of the competition see the Webpage of the Dicastery for Culture and Education: www.dce.va.

The Winners Will Be Able to Meet Pope Francis

The 13 winning photographs (one for the theme Sport and Hope and three for each of the four categories)  will be made known on Saturday, June 14, on the occasion of the Sports Jubilee.

The winners will meet with the Holy Father, visit the Vatican Museums, specifically from the perspective of the artistic experience and will see their photographs disseminated through the Vatican media, pointed out the Dicastery. .

Statements of the Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education

The objective of the competition is to join three words that are not always as close as they should be: sport-youth-art,” explained Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education. The initiative is proposed as “an artistic platform — photography — through which young people can have hope of and in sport ”living it as a place of hope,” manifesting as well “its educational dimension, the unity between culture and education.”

Hence, the competition is a proposal to young people, particularly implicated in the practice, language and images of sport so that they “become producers of art and not only consumers of art” and “can tell the reality through their eyes, seeing what the adults are not always able to see, showing the ”essential that is invisible to the eyes” (The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry).”

Specifically inserted in the central theme of “hope,” the competition’s four “categories” (family, ecology, disability and politics) propose a complete and multifaceted vision of the sports experience. Woven with values ​​embodied in human stories of redemption and fraternity, sacrifice and loyalty, team spirit and inclusion, as in an ever new Canticle of Creatures that is a proposal of peace, but also debilitated by “corruption, violence, doping and racism.”

Giovanni Zenoni: Godfather of the Competition

Giovani Zenoni, born in 2002, is a young sports and photography fan, who spends the greater part of his time behind a camera’s objective. Some of his shots were selected as sports photographs of the year in the categories of “Cycling” in 2022, “Aquatics” in 2023 and he received two special mentions in the category of “Winter Sports” in 2024. He was included among the 10 best “Youth Reporters Younger than 30” of the International Sports Press Association and won the “Promising Young Man“ prize of the National Union of Sports Veterans. He collaborates with various renown agencies and brands, and his photographs have already been published in the main national and international newspapers and magazines.

In addition to being the competition’s godfather, Giovanni Zenoni will form part of the jury of the same and will also take some photos on the occasion of the Sports Jubilee.

With information from the Dicastery for Culture and Education and Vatican Media

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Dressed in a bright yellow raincoat with blue hair, muddy boots, and a rainbow-colored rosary, Luce is accompanied by three friends, each named to reflect core values of the Jubilee. Together, Luce, Faith, Xin, and Sky sport the Jubilee’s red, green, and blue colors and represent the diversity of the Church’s global message.

 

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Vatican Aims to Bridge Generational Gaps through Pop Culture

Luce and her companions are part of a Vatican initiative to tap into contemporary pop culture in order to resonate with younger audiences. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and a lead organizer of the Jubilee, hopes that the mascot’s appearances at events like the Lucca Comics & Games convention in Italy and the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, will allow the Church to connect with youth on topics central to the Jubilee message, such as hope and resilience. He emphasized the Church’s intention to “live within the pop culture beloved by our youth.”

The Jubilee mascot reflects a new approach for the Vatican, aiming to convey messages of hope and inclusion in a style that younger generations recognize. “Through Luce, we hope to foster meaningful dialogue with young people and speak to them about the importance of hope in today’s world,” Fisichella stated.

From Comics to the Vatican: Artist Simone Legno’s Unique Influence

Simone Legno, co-founder of the popular Tokidoki brand, is behind the design of Luce and her friends. Known internationally for his Japanese-inspired artwork, Legno has collaborated with iconic brands like Marvel, Barbie, and Hello Kitty. His career in character design has brought him to the global stage, and he will be representing Italy in the same upcoming Osaka World Expo 2025 through his character Italia Chan, another widely acclaimed design unveiled at Milan Design Week.

Raised in a Catholic family in Rome, Legno spoke of his roots in the press release, expressing his desire for Luce to echo “the feelings and values that resonate with younger generations.” However, Tokidoki has sometimes raised eyebrows for its participation in LGBTQ+ pride initiatives, leading some Catholics to question the choice. Yet for Fisichella and Legno, Luce represents a bridge between faith and the digital age, underscoring the Church’s readiness to speak in the visual language of today’s youth.

 

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A Continuing Conversation within the Church

This move aligns with other recent Vatican efforts to communicate inclusively, albeit sometimes stirring controversy. In 2022, social media accounts for the Synod on Synodality posted images featuring a person in a rainbow-themed “pride” shirt and another woman dressed as a priest, sparking varied reactions among Catholics. The images prompted Cardinal Mario Grech to emphasize the Church’s role as “a listening church,” suggesting that such imagery aimed to demonstrate openness and dialogue.

As Luce and her companions prepare for a year of symbolism and storytelling, the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee will likely be a test of the Church’s capacity to engage younger audiences and address modern cultural shifts—all while maintaining its core messages of faith, hope, and inclusivity. Through Luce, the Vatican sends a colorful signal: the Church is ready to journey alongside today’s youth, in both faith and culture.

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The Holy Door opening, set to be accompanied by a festive bell concert by the Pontifical Bell Foundry Marinelli, carries a significant message. “Bells are a cherished sound for the people, and in this context, they serve as a joyful announcement for an eagerly anticipated event,” noted Fisichella. Pope Francis will personally cross the threshold first, setting an example for the faithful to “experience the joy of encountering Christ, our hope,” he explained.

In a further gesture of compassion, Pope Francis will visit the Rebibbia prison on December 26, opening a Holy Door there as well, a symbolic act to extend hope to incarcerated individuals globally.

 Cultural and Musical Prelude to the Jubilee

Ahead of the official Jubilee opening, the Vatican has organized a series of cultural and musical gatherings. On November 3, the first of these events will feature a performance of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony at the Auditorium Conciliazione, led by conductor Jader Bignamini. Later, on December 22, the Sistine Chapel Choir will perform polyphonic pieces by Renaissance composer Palestrina at the Church of St. Ignatius, in honor of his upcoming 500th birth anniversary. These concerts aim to celebrate the universal appeal of sacred music and enrich the spiritual atmosphere leading up to the Jubilee.

Art Exhibits: Celebrating Faith Through Iconic Artworks

Several high-profile art exhibits will highlight the Jubilee’s themes of hope and unity. On November 27, Rome will host Marc Chagall’s renowned “White Crucifixion” at the Palazzo Cipolla, marking the first time this piece has come to Italy. Additionally, the Borromini Sacristy in the Church of St. Agnes in Piazza Navona will display a rare collection of Eastern Christian icons on loan from the Vatican Museums from December 16 to February 2025. These “icons of hope,” sourced from Greece, Bulgaria, and beyond, represent diverse Christian traditions, underscoring the Jubilee’s message of peace and brotherhood.

Another exhibit will feature the annual “100 Cribs” display from December 8 to January 6, 2025. This year’s theme honors the city of Rome, drawing visitors to contemplate the universality of Christ’s birth through a variety of nativity scenes. 

Vatican’s Showcase at Expo 2025 in Osaka

As part of its Jubilee presence, the Holy See will participate in Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. At the Vatican’s pavilion, the centerpiece will be Caravaggio’s “Deposition,” on loan from the Vatican Museums for six months. Selected personally by Pope Francis, the masterpiece captures themes of resurrection and beauty amid suffering. The artwork aligns with the Expo’s theme, “Beauty Brings Hope,” reinforcing the Vatican’s message of resilience and spirituality.

Notably, the Vatican’s Expo pavilion will feature contributions from prominent Japanese artists, including sculptor Etsuro Sotoo and manga artist Kan Takahama. This collaboration signifies the Vatican’s commitment to engaging diverse cultures and artistic forms in conveying the universal message of hope.

Jubilee Mascot “Luce”: Bridging Tradition with Modernity

In a playful nod to popular culture, the Vatican introduced “Luce,” the Jubilee mascot designed by Italian artist Simone Legno. Luce embodies the modern pilgrim, complete with a yellow raincoat, a mission cross, and a pilgrim’s staff, symbolizing the journey of hope. Her vibrant eyes, representing the light of faith, serve as a relatable symbol for younger generations, connecting traditional spiritual themes with contemporary pop culture.

As preparations continue, the Vatican’s online Jubilee calendar and app will guide visitors in navigating this exceptional year. Divided into categories like “Pilgrimage,” “Cultural Event,” and “Major Event,” the digital resources aim to make the Jubilee accessible and memorable for pilgrims worldwide.

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The contraband haul, which included rosaries, medallions, bracelets, and pendants, was adorned with religious symbols, such as the image of Pope Francis and the emblem of the Papal Tiara, as well as the Jubilee slogan, «Pilgrims of Hope.» However, these items failed to meet European Union safety standards, with several reportedly containing harmful metals that pose health risks.

According to the Guardia di Finanza, the police force responsible for economic and financial crimes, four individuals of Chinese origin have been arrested in connection with the illegal trade. These suspects are accused of importing and selling counterfeit goods, as well as marketing items that contain substances banned under EU regulations. The authorities confirmed that these charges could lead to serious legal consequences.

The discovery comes at a critical time, as Rome braces for the arrival of millions of pilgrims for the Jubilee Year, set to commence on December 24, 2024. This Holy Year, an ancient Catholic tradition held roughly every 25 years, is expected to draw over 30 million faithful from around the world, who will visit the city’s major basilicas and sacred sites. With Rome already welcoming about 50 million tourists annually, the surge in visitors for the Jubilee poses additional challenges, including ensuring the safety and authenticity of religious souvenirs.

Counterfeit religious items are a growing problem in Rome, especially around significant events like the Jubilee, when demand for holy symbols and memorabilia skyrockets. Not only do fake goods undermine the local economy and tarnish the sanctity of the event, but they also often fail to comply with safety regulations, posing a threat to consumers.

Authorities are stepping up efforts to prevent the circulation of counterfeit Jubilee items as the Holy Year approaches. In a statement, police stressed the importance of protecting consumers and the integrity of the event, warning that further raids and controls will be carried out across the city in the coming months.

With the official launch of the Jubilee Year fast approaching, both local authorities and the Vatican are keen to ensure a smooth and safe experience for pilgrims. Organizers are working closely with the Italian government to manage the anticipated influx of visitors and maintain order during this momentous religious event.

As the countdown to Jubilee 2025 begins, the seizure of these counterfeit items serves as a reminder of the complex challenges that accompany major global religious celebrations in a city as iconic as Rome.

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The Revitalized Historical Monument

The Baldachin with its impressive twisted columns and mixture of dark and golden tones, has been a symbolic icon of the Basilica for centuries. In its recent restoration, not only was it cleaned and revitalized but it has made it possible to rediscover the details that make it unique. The contrast between the dark bronze of its base and the shiny gold, hidden by the passage of time, has been restored to its original splendour, returning to the work a beauty that astonishes pilgrims and visitors.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the Basilica’s Archpriest described the process as “a memorable, extraordinary restoration.” According to Cardinal Gambetti, the restored Baldachin is not only a work of art that embellishes the Basilica, but that also “manifests the beauty that the Church must reflect in the world.” This return of splendour coincides with key events for the Catholic Church, which adds a special symbolism to its reopening.

A Highly Significant Date

The choice of October 27 for the official presentation of the restored Baldachin isn’t coincidental. Commemorated that day is the World Day of Prayer for Peace, established by Saint John Paul II in 1986 in Assisi, an historic moment that promoted dialogue and unity between religions. Moreover, that same date will mark the closing of this year’s Synod, another event of great importance for the Church and her mission in today’s world.

This rebirth of the Baldachin is also a prelude to the preparations for the forthcoming Jubilee, a central event in the life of the Church. As Cardinal Gambetti said, “it leads us to the Jubilee of Hope,” stressing the need of faith and hope in a world facing ever more complex global challenges.

Hidden Stories Under the Bronze

The restoration process wasn’t exempt of challenges, especially because of the difficult accessibility of the structure, as Alberto Capitanucci explained, the engineer responsible for the work. The last great restoration took place over 250 years ago, which made this project a challenge that was both technical and logistical.

During the works, the restorers discovered small features of the past, among them the signatures and marks left by the workers in the course of the centuries in the upper parts of the Baldachin, hidden from public view. One of the surprising findings was a child’s slipper, possibly left by a father that, in a gesture full of symbolism, wished to immortalize his time at this historic monument with his child. It’s a small testimony that unites the past with the present, reminding us that monuments not only keep history but also the traces of the people that have looked after them across the centuries.

Preparations for the Jubilee

The Baldachin’s restoration is not the only revitalization project underway in Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Chair of Saint Peter is also being restored and will be exhibited from October 27 until December 8, in another gesture of preparation for the Jubilee Year. Added to this is the maintenance of the glass that protects Michelangelo’s famous “Pietà,” all part of the efforts to present the Basilica in its greatest splendour.

The Baldachin’s restoration was made possible, in part, thanks to the support of the Knights of Columbus, who assumed a great part of the of the project’s financial cost. This type of collaboration between institutions is an example of the joint work undertaken to preserve the Church’s historical and religious patrimony.

On October 27, when the Baldachin will be admired again in all its magnitude, not only will it be a triumph of art and architecture, but also a celebration of the spirit of renewal that the Church seeks to infuse in the faithful. This rebirth of one of the Vatican’s jewels will serve as  a reminder of the hope and beauty that faith can inspire in a world in urgent need of both.

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A World Event

During a press conference, to be held on September 27 in the Vatican’s Film Library in the Palazzo San Carlo, Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga , President of the Ramón Pané Foundation will give the starting whistle for these awards, opening officially the platform of inscriptions at www.catholicmusicawards.world.

Attending the event, together with Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga, will be outstanding personalities, among them from the Dicastery for Communications, as well as other Dicasteries, and the Executive Director of the Ramón Pané Foundation, Brother Ricardo Grzona.

The Catholic Music Awards are not only a competition but also a celebration of Catholic music in all its expressions. The winners will be announced on July 29, 2025, in the framework of the Festival and Jubilee of Influencers, which will be held in Rome.

Why Have Catholic Music Awards?

Historically, the Church has been a great promoter of music. With these awards, the Ramón Pané Foundation with the sponsorship of the Dicastery for Communications seek to: 1) Recognize and promote the creativity of Catholic musicians worldwide; 2) Foment the production of quality Catholic music that inspires and evangelizes; 3) Create a global community of Catholic musicians that share their talents and experiences.

The event will be broadcast live on the Pané Foundation’s social networks.

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The Jubilee Calendar: A Global Invitation

The newly launched Jubilee 2025 website provides a detailed calendar of events, accessible in multiple languages in the coming months. Pilgrims can explore key dates and activities, including an informative guidebook and posters for each event. Online registration for these events is also available, streamlining participation for people from all walks of life.

Diverse Celebrations Across the Jubilee Year

The yearlong celebrations will kick off with the Jubilee of the World of Communication from January 24-26, 2025. This event will bring together professionals in journalism, broadcasting, and digital media to explore the role of communication in spreading the Gospel and promoting unity in an increasingly fragmented world.

Following that is the Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police, and Security Personnel on February 8-9, 2025. This event invites military and security workers, including veterans and military chaplains, to gather in Rome for a celebration of their service and dedication to peacekeeping.

Throughout the year, many other specialized jubilees will follow. For example, the Jubilee of Deacons from February 21-23, 2025, focuses on the unique role that deacons play in serving their communities, while the Jubilee of Volunteers on March 8-9, 2025, honors those who selflessly contribute to society through nonprofit work and social services.

A particularly poignant event, the Jubilee of Missionaries of Mercy (March 28-30, 2025), will celebrate the priests who have been granted special authority by the Pope to absolve sins during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2016. This group of clergy continues to play a vital role in offering reconciliation and spiritual guidance around the world.

Health care workers and patients will have their own dedicated event, the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers, on April 5-6, 2025. This gathering will offer a chance for reflection on the role of faith in healing and the essential contributions of those in medical fields.

In another moving tribute, the Jubilee of People with Disabilities (April 28-29, 2025) will focus on inclusion and the vital role caregivers play. This celebration invites people with disabilities and their families to come together in a show of solidarity and faith.

The calendar also includes events for workers and business leaders. The Jubilee of Workers (May 1-4, 2025) will focus on the dignity of labor, followed by the Jubilee of Entrepreneurs (May 4-5, 2025), which will gather business owners to discuss the intersection of faith, ethics, and the economy.

A Focus on Families, Youth, and Community

As the year progresses, families will take center stage with the Jubilee of Families, Children, and the Elderly (May 30-June 1, 2025). This event promises to be a multi-generational celebration of family life, emphasizing the bond between young and old as the foundation of society.

Religious communities and lay movements will also have dedicated events. The Jubilee of Movements, Associations, and New Communities on June 7-8, 2025, will invite members of ecclesial movements and prayer groups to participate in a celebration of their shared mission.

One particularly significant event is the Jubilee of Consolation (September 15, 2025), which is aimed at those who have suffered loss, illness, or violence. This event offers a chance for spiritual healing and reflection, creating a space for individuals to process their grief and find hope through faith.

The calendar also includes the Jubilee of Justice Workers (September 20, 2025), bringing together those involved in legal fields to reflect on the role of justice in promoting human dignity. Later in the year, the Jubilee of Migrants (October 4-5, 2025) will focus on the plight of displaced people and highlight the Church’s commitment to supporting migrants and refugees.

A Historic and Transformative Year

The Jubilee 2025 celebrations will culminate in a series of major events toward the end of the year. Notable among them is the Jubilee of Choirs and Choral Groups (November 21-23, 2025), a vibrant celebration of sacred music, which will bring together vocalists from around the world in a shared experience of worship through song. Finally, the Jubilee of Prisoners on December 14, 2025, will offer a unique opportunity for incarcerated individuals to participate in the Jubilee celebrations, marking a moment of reflection on forgiveness, redemption, and hope.

As the global Catholic community prepares for this transformative year, Jubilee 2025 promises to be a profound experience of faith, unity, and renewal. From healthcare workers to military personnel, families to the marginalized, the Jubilee’s broad scope ensures that no one is left out of this momentous celebration. Each event presents a chance to deepen one’s faith, connect with the global Church, and respond to the challenges of the modern world with grace and compassion.

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A Controversial Figure and His Connection with Excommunicated Bishops

Born in Italy in 1974, Micaleft was ordained a priest in 2009 by Emmanuel Milingo, a former Zambian Archbishop, excommunicated by the Vatican. Milingo was known for his controversial exorcisms and, later, for ordaining Bishops without papal authority. In line with his mentor, Micalef has been able to attract a small group of followers, to a large extent thanks to the alleged cures and exorcisms he carries out under the self-proclaimed name of the “Catholic Prelature of Saints Peter and Paul.”

On September 4, 2023, the Diocese of Rome issued a press release warning that Micalef has no connection with the Catholic Church. The document highlights that Micalef has no ministerial faculties and cannot administer the Sacraments. However, this clarification came more than a year after the Authorities of the Diocese of Fatima alerted about his activities in Portugal, which poses doubts about the delay in acting.

The Case in Fatima: Warnings and Legal Threats Are Ignored

In 2023, the Diocese of Leiria-Fatima issued a statement disassociating itself from the so-called “Healing and Liberation” retreats organized by Micallef near the Shrine. The Diocese’s Vicar General, Father Jorge Guarda, clarified that Micalef was not in communion with the Holy See and that he had been ordained without papal mandate.

The case was sent to the Vatican, but Micalef and his team, led by young layman Francisco Marques, threatened to take legal measures against the Diocese if he was described as a “false Bishop.” According to Marques, Micalef’s episcopal ordination is valid as it was carried out legitimately by ordained bishops, although the latter were not recognized by the Pope.

This argument, which is theologically complex, was denied by the Fatima Authorities, who pointed out that Marques’ casual meetings with Pope Francis, evidenced in photos published on the social networks, couldn’t be used as proof of the legitimacy of his Movement.

Vigilance Is Intensified in Face of the Forthcoming Jubilee

The recent response of the Vatican and the Diocese of Rome was given in the context of greater vigilance due to the Jubilee 2025, a religious event of great magnitude, which expects to attract some 35 million pilgrims to Rome. The Authorities fear that individuals, such as Micalef, will take advantage of the massive affluence of visitors, to organize parallel unauthorized events to profit at the expense of the faithful.

Roots of Mister Micalef’s Movement

Micalef proclaimed himself bishop in 2014, after being ordained by William Manseau and Peter Paul Brennan, two Americans linked to the “Married Priests Now” Movement, founded by Milingo. Neither of these “bishops” is recognized by the Vatican, and the Movement has been characterized by its opposition to ecclesiastical norms on celibacy.

Emmanuel Milingo, who played a key role in Micalef’s formation, was a controversial figure in the Catholic Church. After being destituted for carrying our unauthorized exorcisms, he continued his ministry until he was suspended for marrying a woman of the Unification Church in 2006. His story became notorious both for his acts of healing as well as his incursion into music, with a popular CD  launched in 1995. Milingo ended up excommunicated after consecrating bishops without authorization; he was reduced to the lay state in 2009.

Micalef’s Future and That of His Movement

With the Vatican and the local dioceses warning about Micalef’s activities, it remains to be seen if the group will be able to continue operating without confronting more legal or ecclesiastical repercussions. What is clear, however, is that the Catholic Church is taking more proactive measures to protect the faithful from individuals that seek legitimization outside papal control.

Micalef’s story is a reminder of the challenges the Church faces in the 21^st century, where the speedy spread of information, the proliferation of independent Movements and the faith of millions of people can become fertile soil for controversial figures. Meanwhile, Rome is preparing for the Jubilee with open eyes given possible attempts of fraud or manipulation.

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