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Vatican News: Vatican allows baptism for transgender individuals & Pope Francis relieves Strickland

This week’s Vaticano Updates covers crucial Vatican and Pope Francis news: 

Indi Gregory’s Passing After Life Support Removal: British infant Indi Gregory passed away on November 13 following a U.K. court order to remove her life support, despite the Italian government’s offer of citizenship and medical treatment at the Vatican’s Bambino Gesù hospital. 

Bishop Strickland Relieved of Duties: Pope Francis relieved Bishop Joseph Strickland of his responsibilities in the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, appointing an apostolic administrator after Strickland refused a Vatican request to resign. This followed an apostolic visitation by the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops. 

Vatican Monastery for Benedictine Nuns: Benedictine nuns from Argentina will reside in the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, where Pope Benedict XVI lived post-resignation. The move to Vatican City State’s Vatican Gardens is scheduled for early January. 

Vatican Doctrine on Transgender Baptisms: The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith stated that transgender individuals can be baptized under the same conditions as others, provided it doesn’t cause scandal or confusion among Catholics. This also applies to children and adolescents experiencing transgender identity issues. 

Mother of Israeli Hostage Thanks Pope Francis: Rachel Goldberg Polin, mother of a 23-year-old Israeli kidnapped by Hamas, thanked Pope Francis for his efforts to free hostages taken from Israel on October 7.

 

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