Welcome to this week's Vaticano Updates, bringing you the most crucial happenings concerning Pope Francis, the Vatican, and the global Catholic community. 1️⃣ Pope & Biden's Crucial Call: In a significant 20-minute phone call, Pope Francis and U.S. President Joe Biden delve deep into the pressing Israel and Gaza situation, emphasizing the urgency of peace and preventing escalation. 2️⃣ Nicaragua's Unexpected Move: The Nicaraguan government announces the release of 12 imprisoned priests, sending them to the Vatican after a promising dialogue with Catholic Church authorities. Yet, not everyone was freed. 3️⃣ Bishop Kaszak Steps Down: After recent controversies surrounding a priest in his diocese, Polish Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak resigns. He led the Diocese of Sosnowiec since 2009 and seeks forgiveness for his "human limitations." 4️⃣ Honoring a WWII Hero: Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, the Irish priest credited with saving numerous Italian Jews from the Nazis, is honored by Irish President Michael Higgins on the 60th anniversary of his passing. 5️⃣ Catholic Numbers Shift: African Catholic communities are surging in growth! Meanwhile, Europe experiences a continued decline. The Vatican's latest stats reveal the changing global dynamics of the Catholic Church.
Matthew Santucci is Public Relations manager at the Acton Institue’s Rome Office, an international think tank whose mission is to promote a free and virtuous society by linking individual liberty and religious principles. Santucci holds a B.A. in history from Fordham University and a M.A. in international relations from LUISS Guido Carli in Rome, where his research focused on Sino-Vatican diplomacy.
