***

Dear sisters, dear brothers, good morning and welcome!

I am happy we can exchange Christmas wishes. I express first of all my gratitude to each one of you for the work you do, both for the benefit of Vatican City and for the Universal Church. As you do every year, you have come with your families, and for this I would like to reflect a moment, briefly, with you precisely on these two values: work and the family.

First: work.

What you do is certainly a lot. Passing through the streets and courtyards of Vatican City, in the corridors and offices of the various Dicasteries and in the different places of service, the sensation is that of finding oneself in a large hive. And even now, there are those who are working to make this meeting possible, who were unable to come: let us say thank you to them!

Today you are here in a festive atmosphere, with the liveliness of the celebration in your heart, the liveliness of smiles. Instead, for the rest of the year life is more ordinary, it is not a feast; it is continual work, but always with the smile of the heart. After all, they are two different faces of the same beauty: that of those who build, with others and for others, something good for everyone. Jesus Himself showed this to us: He, the Son of God, who out of love for us humbly made Himself an apprentice carpenter, schooled by Joseph (cf. Lk 2:51-52; Saint Paul VI Homily in Nazareth, 5 January 1964). In Nazareth, few people knew it, but in the carpenter’s workshop, alongside and through many other things, craftsmen were building the salvation of the world! Have you thought about this: that salvation was built by craftsmen? And the same, in a similar sense, applies to you who, with your daily work, in the hidden Nazareths of your particular tasks, contribute to bringing the whole of humanity to Christ and to spreading His Kingdom throughout the world (cf. Vatican Ecumenical Council II, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen gentium, 34-36).

And then we come to the second point: the family.

It brings joy to see you together, also with children: how beautiful, how beautiful they are! Saint John Paul II used to say that, for the Church, the family is like its “cradle” (Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris consortio, 22 November 1981, 15). Love the family, please. And it is true: indeed, founded and rooted in Marriage, the family is the place where life is generated – and how important it is today to welcome life! Then, it is the first community where, ever since childhood, one encounters faith, the Word of God and the Sacraments, where one learns how to take care of each other and to grow together in love, at all ages. Faith must be transmitted in the family, and Saint Paul said to Timothy, “Your mother, your grandmother…” – in the family there was faith. I therefore encourage you – parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren, grandparents have great importance – I encourage you always to stay united, close to one another and around the Lord: in respect, in listening, in reciprocal care.

Something I would like to emphasize about the family. A question I ask parents with small children: did you manage to play with your children? Do you play with your children? It is important to lie on the ground with your little boy, your little girl… Play with your children! And then, another thing: do you visit your grandparents? Are your grandparents in the family, or do they live in a nursing home with no-one to go and visit them? Perhaps your grandparents have to stay in a nursing home, but go and visit them! Let them hear from you all the time.

And please, also in prayer together, because without prayer you do not go forward, even in the family. Teach your children to pray. And in this regard, in these days, I suggest that you find some moments in which to gather beside one another, around the Nativity scene, to give thanks to God for His gifts, to ask for help for a future, and to renew your affection for one another before the Infant Jesus.

Dear friends, thank you for this meeting, and for everything you do. I wish you all the best for Holy Christmas and for the year that is about to begin: the Holy Year of Hope. Hope grows in the family too! I bless you and I ask you, do not forget to pray for me. And if someone has some special difficulty, please talk about it, tell the heads, because we want to solve all difficulties, and this is done through dialogue, it is done with dialogue, not with shouting and not with keeping quiet. There must be dialogue, always! “Mr. Manager, Cardinal, Pope, Father… I have these difficulties. Can you help me resolve them?”. And we will try to resolve the difficulties together. Thank you, thank you very much, and merry Christmas.

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The irregular financial management of the Choir led to the sentencing of the three accused after a judicial process that lasted a year and a half. In addition to the prison sentences, the Court imposed fines of between 5,000 and 9,000 euros and decreed their perpetual disqualification from holding public office, Vatican News reported. The crimes of embezzlement, money laundering and fraud are linked to the Choir’s administration, known for its participation in liturgical celebrations of the Vatican and for giving concerts in Italy and other countries. The sentence highlighted the systematic abuse of the organization of concerts for important Italian companies, whose income was diverted for personal gain.

In particular, Nardella’s and Liberto’s action caused economic damage amounting to 250,000 euros, not including the interests and revaluation of the diverted funds. In addition, the accused will have to cover the judicial costs of the trial. However, they were absolved of other charges due to insufficient proofs.

The case arose in 2023 after complains and controversies posed by parents of the Pueri Cantores, members of the children’s choir. They denounced that the children’s participation in public acts was not aligned with the Choir’s original mission, founded in 1471 as “College of Singing Chaplains.”

The disordered management of the funds revealed a misuse of the income generated by the institution. Monsignor Georg Gänswein, then Benedict XBVI’s personal  secretary and Prefect of the Papal Household, testified during the 2023 hearings. Gänswein, currently Nuncio in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, referred to the alleged mistreatment of the children and anomalies in the budgets, although he said he had not personally found administrative or financial irregularities. Nevertheless, he expressed his doubts about “the sincerity and rectitude” of the management of the Choir.

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The new service, inside the Pope’s City, will care for 30 children from 3 to 36 months old. It will open next Spring, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. The project is in response to a request of Vatican City’s lay employees.

The Center has been planned for the educational and coexistence growth of the children, with a team of professionals that will foster the knowledge, abilities and autonomy of the littlest ones. The Patrons of the building –located on Via San Luca in the Vatican’s shopping district and near the cafeteria –, are Saint Francis and Sainte Clare.

The hours are longer than those of Italian public and private daycare centers. The present normative, regarding parental leave in the Vatican, establishes that mothers must return to work, at the very most, a year after the birth of a child. There is no specific parental leave for fathers. The lack of places in public daycare centers and the high cost of the private ones in Italy is being addressed by the Governorate with a useful solution.

The initiative is added to the summer camp organized for the children of the 5,000 workers of the Holy See and Vatican City. The daycare center represents an advance in the policies of labour and family conciliation inside the Papal State.

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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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The discovery centers on a blonde woman depicted in the far-right corner of the fresco, near the altar, kissing a wooden cross held by a figure believed to represent Christ. Penco asserts that this portrayal aligns with characteristics traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene: «The intimacy with the cross, the yellow attire, and the blonde hair are significant clues. Moreover, the positioning of the figure underscores her importance,» she remarked during a press conference held yesterday.

For years, art experts have debated the identity of the wide-eyed woman whose presence is both understated and enigmatic. According to Penco, a specialist in Renaissance and Baroque art, the fresco’s composition «cried out» for further scrutiny. «Michelangelo was a masterful painter, deeply knowledgeable about the Church, its dynamics, and the Gospels. It’s inconceivable that he would neglect such a central figure in Christ’s story,» she explained.

Mary Magdalene, a follower of Christ and a pivotal figure in the Christian narrative, has long been a subject of artistic fascination. Historically mischaracterized as a repentant prostitute, she is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and many other Christian traditions.

Penco’s findings, which she plans to elaborate on in her forthcoming book, Mary Magdalene in Michelangelo’s Judgement, suggest that the artist’s depiction was a deliberate homage to the disciple’s spiritual significance. By placing her in such proximity to Christ, Michelangelo might have intended to elevate her role within the fresco’s narrative of redemption and salvation.

This revelation is poised to reignite discussions within the art community and beyond, offering new insights into Michelangelo’s creative intentions and his understanding of biblical characters. For now, the world waits in anticipation for the publication of Penco’s work, which promises to deepen our appreciation of one of art history’s most celebrated masterpieces.

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A Time-Honored Ritual 

Led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the event began with a solemn prayer before Vatican masons, known as sampietrini, carefully dismantled the wall sealing the Holy Door from within the basilica. The wall, untouched since the closure of the last Holy Year in 2016, gave way to reveal a sealed metal box embedded within.

With reverence, the cardinal and his entourage carried the box in a candlelit procession, chanting the Litany of Saints. Their path led to the Altar of the Confession and then to the Chapter Hall, where the box was opened to unveil its contents.

Sacred Artifacts Unearthed 

The box revealed items rich in spiritual and historical significance:

– The Key: Essential for unlocking the Holy Door on December 24.

– Golden Handles: Integral to the door itself.

– The Rogito Scroll: Documenting the door’s sealing after the 2016 Jubilee of Mercy.

– Golden Bricks: Symbolic tokens from the Holy Door’s previous closure.

– Medals: Commemorating the pontificates of Popes Francis, Benedict XVI, and John Paul II.

These items, laden with meaning, were presented to Pope Francis, underscoring the seamless continuity of papal leadership and the Church’s enduring mission.

Preparing for the Jubilee 

The Jubilee, a special year of grace and renewal, draws millions of pilgrims from across the world. The Holy Door’s opening at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve will be the first of several such ceremonies. The doors of other major basilicas—St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major—will also undergo their respective recognitio rites in the coming weeks.

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A Revolution in Transparency and Protection

The new glass system, replacing its predecessor from 1973, is a marvel of engineering and design. Composed of nine advanced anti-shatter, bullet-resistant panels, it not only ensures heightened security but also provides unparalleled visual clarity. The replacement became essential due to the previous glass’s gradual loss of transparency and structural integrity over five decades.

Alberto Capitanucci, head of the technical team at the Fabbrica di San Pietro, explained that the updated system was meticulously designed to combine enhanced visibility with robust mechanical performance. Each panel, now 24.5 millimeters thick compared to the previous 19 millimeters, can withstand up to 26 hammer strikes, ensuring optimal protection against potential threats.

Moreover, the redesign has expanded the visible surface area, increasing the height and width of the glass panels. Visitors can now enjoy a «free view» of the sculpture with a 100% improvement in openness compared to the previous configuration.

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The project, funded by a coalition of Italian companies and benefactors, reflects a harmonious balance between innovation and historical preservation. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, highlighted the spiritual significance of the work, emphasizing the sculpture’s role in inspiring peace and reconciliation.

“In today’s turbulent world, this masterpiece offers a profound message of hope,” Gambetti remarked. “The Virgin Mary presenting her son to humanity symbolizes the pathway to unity and harmony.”

Illuminating Michelangelo’s Masterpiece

The revitalization extends beyond the glass. The chapel now boasts a state-of-the-art lighting system, donated by Italian company iGuzzini. Designed to minimize glare and enhance the sculpture’s details, the new lighting accentuates the emotional depth of Michelangelo’s Pietà. This marble depiction of the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Christ, sculpted between 1498 and 1499, is the only work signed by the artist and remains a cornerstone of Renaissance artistry.

Preservation Amid Restoration

The restoration efforts weren’t limited to the Pietà. Scaffolding erected for the glass installation also allowed conservators to repair Giovanni Lanfranco’s 17th-century frescoes adorning the chapel’s ceiling. These rare Vatican frescoes, depicting scenes of Christ’s Passion and the Exaltation of the Cross, have been meticulously preserved, ensuring that every element of the chapel continues to inspire awe.

A Legacy of Security and Beauty

The original glass barrier was installed following a 1972 attack on the Pietà that left the Virgin’s face and arm damaged. This tragic event prompted the Vatican to take unprecedented measures to safeguard the sculpture. The new installation builds on this legacy, offering modern-day pilgrims a closer, unobstructed connection with the artwork while maintaining stringent security standards.

As the Jubilee Year approaches, the revitalized Pietà Chapel stands as a testament to the Vatican’s commitment to merging innovation with reverence. Visitors from around the globe can now gaze upon Michelangelo’s masterpiece in a setting that celebrates both its artistic brilliance and its spiritual resonance.

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A Mystery That Refuses to Fade 

Emanuela Orlandi, the 15-year-old daughter of a Vatican employee, vanished on June 22, 1983, under circumstances that remain shrouded in mystery. Over the years, her case has been entangled with theories ranging from international conspiracies to Vatican scandals. The dossier, rumored to be a «historical reconstruction» of events, may hold the key to unraveling this decades-old puzzle.

The Origins of the Dossier 

Speculation suggests the document may have been compiled by Georg Gänswein, former secretary to Pope Benedict XVI, as part of an effort to piece together the events surrounding Orlandi’s disappearance. Pietro Orlandi, Emanuela’s brother, has long maintained the Vatican’s possession of such a file. His claim was bolstered by Paolo Gabriele, the late papal butler involved in the Vatileaks scandal, who privately confirmed the dossier’s existence.

Recently, Domenico Giani, a former commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie, echoed these assertions during testimony before an Italian parliamentary commission investigating the cases of Emanuela Orlandi and Mirella Gregori, another young woman who disappeared under similar circumstances.

Family Demands Transparency 

Laura Sgro, the Orlandi family’s lawyer, has called the acknowledgment of the dossier a «critical step» toward uncovering the truth. She criticized the Vatican for withholding the information from Italian authorities and the family. «For years, the Vatican publicly denied the existence of any documentation related to Emanuela, calling the case ‘closed.’ This raises serious questions about who safeguarded this dossier and why it was hidden,» Sgro stated.

The family has been pushing for access to the file since 2017, well before the Vatican reopened its investigation in January 2023. Sgro has urged both the Roman judiciary and the Italian parliamentary commission to expedite their efforts to secure the dossier and shed light on its contents.

A Web of Theories 

The Orlandi case has sparked countless theories, each adding to the intrigue but failing to provide closure:

– Human trafficking: Speculation of ties to international crime networks.

– Family conflicts: Possible internal tensions leading to her disappearance.

– Vatican abuse: Allegations of misconduct within the Church.

– Geopolitical intrigue: Links to Ali Agca, the Turkish gunman who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II.

– Financial scandal: Connections to the collapse of Banco Ambrosiano and its ties to the Vatican Bank.

Despite the fervent debate surrounding these scenarios, none has conclusively explained Emanuela’s fate.

The Vatican Under Scrutiny

The confirmation of the dossier adds another layer of complexity to a case that has often placed the Vatican in an uncomfortable spotlight. Critics argue that greater transparency is essential not only for resolving the mystery but also for restoring public trust in the Church.

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A Signature Font for a Timeless Legacy

A new bespoke font, designed by the Studiogusto team, will soon become a hallmark of the Basilica’s communications. This typography pays homage to the Basilica’s immense religious, artistic, and cultural heritage while offering a contemporary touch to its materials. Slated for an official launch in 2025, the font is optimized for both print and digital formats, embodying the Basilica’s dual mission of preserving history and embracing innovation. It will feature prominently on the revamped website and a new monthly magazine, seamlessly marrying clarity with aesthetic appeal.

«Piazza San Pietro»: A Magazine for the Modern Church

Set to debut under the name chosen by Pope Francis himself, Piazza San Pietro will serve as a dynamic platform for engaging with contemporary issues. The monthly publication will address critical topics such as poverty, migration, family challenges, and social exclusion, offering perspectives from within and beyond the Church. In a unique feature, Pope Francis will personally respond to reader letters in each issue, reaffirming his commitment to dialogue and listening.

The magazine’s logo, designed by architect Marco Capasso, symbolizes connection and community. Its inspiration from Bernini’s colonnade evokes the Basilica’s embrace of humanity, reflected in both its architectural splendor and the magazine’s cultural mission. Available in print at key locations and through postal subscriptions, Piazza San Pietro will also be distributed free to individuals who cannot afford it, ensuring its message reaches all corners of society.

Social Media: A New Digital Presence

Recognizing the importance of digital outreach, the Basilica will utilize social media platforms to share its history, provide updates, and engage with Christians worldwide. This initiative aims to foster meaningful connections, particularly as the Church prepares for the upcoming Jubilee Year.

Virtual Pilgrimages Through Webcams

For those unable to visit Rome in person, two innovative webcams will offer a spiritual connection to the Basilica. One will provide a live view of St. Peter’s tomb, enabling virtual prayer, while another will allow symbolic participation in the crossing of the Holy Door. Pope Francis is set to inaugurate the tomb webcam on December 2.

A Space for Dialogue with the Media

A newly designed multifunctional media room within the Fabbrica di San Pietro will host journalists and media professionals for briefings and events, further emphasizing the Basilica’s commitment to transparent communication.

A Step Toward the Future

Cardinal Gambetti and Father Fortunato emphasized that this initiative is not merely about technological upgrades but about fostering inclusivity and dialogue. By leveraging modern tools while staying true to its sacred mission, St. Peter’s Basilica aims to deepen its relationship with a diverse and evolving global audience.

With these innovations, the Basilica stands as a beacon of faith and progress, inviting believers and seekers alike to experience its rich heritage and its vision for the future.

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A Global Recognition of Excellence

This year’s laureates, Prof. Cyril O’Regan, a theologian from the University of Notre Dame, and Maestro Etsurō Sotoo, a Japanese sculptor renowned for his work on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, reflect the prize’s wide-ranging scope. Both recipients epitomize the harmony of intellectual pursuit and artistic creation that aligns with Benedict’s enduring call to be «cooperators of truth.»

The ceremony began with remarks from Father Federico Lombardi, president of the Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI, who noted the global and ecumenical dimensions of the prize. With recipients hailing from 18 countries across five continents, the Ratzinger Prize has grown into a symbol of cultural and spiritual unity.

“This is a community,” Lombardi said, “a global network of scholars and artists who share Joseph Ratzinger’s vision of an ‘open reason,’ one that embraces dialogue and transcends disciplines to inspire minds, hearts, and lives.”

Cardinal Parolin on Benedict’s Enduring Hope

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin delivered the keynote address, highlighting Benedict XVI’s remarkable ability to infuse hope into the darkest moments of history. Reflecting on the forthcoming Jubilee Year, Parolin called Benedict a “master of hope,” whose theological depth offers enduring guidance.

“Even in the face of evil and historical tragedies,” Parolin remarked, “he lifts our gaze toward unity, truth, beauty, and love.” He emphasized Benedict’s insistence on keeping human reason open to questions of meaning and existence, rejecting the reductionism of sterile positivism.

The Laureates: Voices of Faith and Creation

The prize recognizes individuals whose work resonates deeply with Benedict’s intellectual and spiritual vision.

– Cyril O’Regan was honored for his extensive theological scholarship, particularly his exploration of Joseph Ratzinger’s teachings. Parolin lauded O’Regan’s ability to capture Benedict’s humility and unwavering focus on God’s revelation as the ultimate source of truth and goodness.

– Etsurō Sotoo, meanwhile, was celebrated for his artistic genius, which brings the divine to life through matter. Sotoo’s sculptures on the Sagrada Familia embody what Parolin described as “art making the material transparent to the spirit.” The cardinal reflected on how Sotoo’s work transforms stone into a vessel of beauty, revealing God’s love and inviting worshippers to encounter the sacred.

A Celebration of Benedict’s Vision

The ceremony was rich with symbolism and continuity. In his remarks, Parolin highlighted Benedict XVI’s episcopal motto, “Cooperatores Veritatis” (Cooperators of Truth), as the guiding principle for the laureates’ contributions. He also drew attention to the Pope Emeritus’s “Spe Salvi” encyclical, which remains a beacon of Christian hope amid contemporary challenges.

The day began with a Mass at the Vatican Grottoes near Benedict’s tomb, presided over by Archbishop Georg Gänswein. Later, Pope Francis received the honorees in a private audience, affirming their dedication to the Church’s mission.

A Global Legacy Continues

With its 30th edition, the Ratzinger Prize has become a hallmark of intellectual and artistic achievement within the Church. Past winners include theologians, philosophers, sociologists, and artists from diverse Christian traditions and even Judaism, underscoring the prize’s commitment to dialogue and universal truth.

As the world anticipates the Jubilee Year, the 2024 Ratzinger Prize reminds us that Benedict XVI’s legacy is not a relic of the past but a dynamic force pointing toward the future. Through the lives and works of scholars like O’Regan and artists like Sotoo, his vision continues to inspire unity, deepen faith, and renew hope for generations to come.

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