Vaticano Updates: Highlights from the Holy Father and the Vatican
Welcome to this week’s Vaticano Updates, your go-to source for the latest news and updates from Pope Francis and Vatican City. Stay informed on significant developments and inspiring messages from the heart of the Catholic Church.
1. The Vatican’s First-Ever Female Prefect
Pope Francis has made history by appointing Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to lead a dicastery of the Roman Curia. Sister Brambilla, 59, is a member and former superior general of the Consolata Missionary Sisters. Since October 2023, she has served as secretary of the Vatican’s Department for Religious and Consecrated Life. Now, she will co-lead the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life with Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, who has been named pro-prefect. This milestone highlights Pope Francis’ dedication to increasing the role of women in the Catholic Church’s governance.
2. Pope Francis’ Epiphany Message: The Star as a Symbol of God’s Love
On the Feast of Epiphany, Pope Francis delivered a heartfelt message about the star that guided the Magi to the Christ Child. Speaking at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on January 6, he described the star as a symbol of God’s universal love. Unlike worldly “stars” that pursue power or fame, the Magi followed a light that serves others by illuminating and warming them. This profound message inspires Catholics worldwide to embody God’s love in their daily lives.
3. Inauguration of the Baptism Church in the Holy Land
A new church at the site of Jesus’ baptism on the eastern bank of the Jordan River was consecrated on January 10. The ceremony was led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Sent by Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin called on Jordanian Christians to imitate Christ and bear witness to their faith. The Holy Father’s open letter expressed his closeness to the faithful and emphasized the spiritual significance of this historic site.
4. Pope Francis Condemns Bullying in Schools
Pope Francis has spoken out strongly against bullying, calling it a behavior that “prepares for war, not peace.” Addressing around 2,000 Italian teachers, educators, and parents on January 4, he urged action to combat bullying in schools. The Pope led participants in a united pledge of “No bullying!” The event commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Italian Association of Catholic Teachers and the 50th anniversary of the Association of Catholic School Parents, reinforcing the Catholic Church’s commitment to peace and compassion in education.
5. Jubilee 2025: Over Half a Million Pilgrims Visit St. Peter’s Basilica
The 2025 Jubilee Year is in full swing, with over 500,000 pilgrims having passed through St. Peter’s Basilica’s Holy Door since its Christmas Eve reopening. The Vatican and Italian authorities are coordinating efforts to host an estimated 30 million visitors during the Jubilee. The first major event of the holy year, the Jubilee of the World of Communications, is scheduled for January 24–26, bringing thousands of journalists and media professionals to Rome and Vatican City.
Stay tuned for more Vaticano Updates to keep you informed on the latest happenings in Vatican City and the Catholic Church. Don’t forget to subscribe and share to stay connected with Pope Francis’ mission and message!
