Top 1: Approval of Shanghai Bishop
One of the most notable updates is Pope Francis’s decision to approve the appointment of the bishop of Shanghai, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin. The appointment had previously been made by Chinese authorities without the Vatican’s approval, resulting in a violation of the Holy See’s provisional agreement with Beijing on the appointment of bishops. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, emphasized that the pope’s intention in confirming the appointment is fundamentally pastoral. This episode is the latest development in a string of incidents in Sino-Vatican relations.
Top 2: Bishops Condemn Drafting of ‘Right to Abortion’ in the European Union
European bishops have released a statement condemning the drafting of a right to abortion in the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union emphasized the importance of respecting the dignity of every human being at all stages of life, particularly in vulnerable situations. This stance reflects the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to promoting a culture of life.
Top 3: Cardinal Zuppi’s Meeting with President Biden on Ukraine
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, appointed by Pope Francis to lead a peace mission between Ukraine and Russia, recently met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington D.C. to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting took place shortly after the Biden administration announced its decision to provide Ukraine with an additional $800 million in weapons to aid their counteroffensive. Notably, this assistance includes “cluster bombs,” a controversial weapon banned by most countries, including the Holy See. The meeting signifies the Vatican’s involvement in seeking peace and resolution in the region.
Top 4: Appointment of Four New Auxiliary Bishops of Los Angeles
Pope Francis has appointed four new auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the largest archdiocese in the United States. The consecration of Monsignor Albert Bahhuth, Father Matthew Elshoff, Father Brian Nunes, and Father Slawomir Szkredka as bishops aims to assist Archbishop José Gomez in leading the vast Catholic community of over 4.3 million in the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
Top 5: Plenary Indulgence for St. Thomas Aquinas Jubilee Celebrations
In celebration of the upcoming 800th anniversary of St. Thomas Aquinas’s birth on January 28, 2025, the Vatican is granting a plenary indulgence to all who participate in the two years of jubilee celebrations. Participants can obtain this indulgence by making a pilgrimage to a holy site connected to the Dominican Order and engaging in the jubilee celebrations or devoting time to pious recollection. The indulgence culminates with praying the Lord’s Prayer, reciting the Creed, and invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Thomas Aquinas.
