In his usual Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, on the occasion of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord which, according to the liturgical calendar currently in force in the Catholic Church, marks the end of the Christmas season, Pope Francis made the following statement: “the face and voice of God are revealed through the human side of Jesus”.
Local Catholic communities in China are following the Lenten path, redoubling their efforts in works of charity and empathy for others, always ready to respond to new needs and specific demands. Alongside traditional methods of offering alms, innovative initiatives have been also implemented to support those in need during the Lenten season.
Vatican astronomers have announced exoplanet discoveries and plans to launch a space mission. Surprised? The Church’s history with astronomy ranges from its contributions to scientific discoveries to its infamous trial of Galileo. Today, the Church is actively investing in astronomical observatories and space research as part of its ongoing efforts to reconcile with its past and support scientific exploration.
An audience with Pope Francis is not as difficult as one might imagine. Indeed, there is no charge for visitors. That is for the Vatican weekly general audiences, not one to one or small of groups invited to meet the Pope personally.