Prime Minister Narendra D Modi met with Pope Francis at the G7 summit and gave him his signature embrace. During their encounter, Modi assured the Pope that he would do everything in his power to safeguard churches and Christians in India from any violence or persecution. In a heartfelt message, Modi emphasized his government's unwavering commitment to the security and welfare of all Indians, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Pope Francis, with his moral authority and star power, will address G7 leaders at their annual summit in Italy and push for stronger regulations on AI development and usage. His concerns about AI, beyond a viral deepfake incident, are based on values of compassion, mercy, morality and forgiveness, which he believes are crucial for guiding the development and use of this technology. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has invited Francis, knowing the potential impact of his participation to elevate and bring global attention to this shared concern.
In a rare public apology, Pope Francis expressed remorse for using a derogatory term to describe the 2SLGBTQ+ community during a meeting with Italian bishops. The Vatican stated that the Pope did not intend to use homophobic language and remains committed to a welcoming church for all. His reported comments have stirred controversy and surprise, as the Pope has been praised for his previous efforts towards inclusivity.
Advocates for the Catholic LGBTQ+ community are urging for greater acceptance and understanding after the Pope was quoted using a derogatory term for gay men in a meeting about the ban on gay priests. This has sparked widespread backlash and calls for more inclusive language and attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in the Catholic Church. The controversy highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community within religious institutions.
During a closed meeting with Italian Catholic bishops, Pope Francis used a derogatory term for homosexuality while discussing a ban on homosexuals from seminaries. Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, issued a statement relaying the Pope's apology for using the term. Many speculate that Francis, whose native language is Spanish, may have mistakenly used the Italian word without being fully aware of its derogatory connotations.
In an unusual move, Pope Francis issued an apology on Tuesday after reportedly using a gay slur during a meeting with Italian bishops. The Vatican stated that the 87-year-old pontiff never intended to offend and extends his apologies to those who were offended. While the Vatican did not confirm the use of the offensive term, reports from two Italian newspapers brought attention to the incident and caused dismay from the LGBTQ community and practicing Catholics.
Pope Francis has made headlines yet again for his comments on homosexuality, this time apologizing for using a vulgar term to refer to gay men. While Francis has made efforts to reach out to LGBTQ+ Catholics, his informal way of speaking has caused controversy within the Catholic Church. Despite officially teaching that homosexual people should be treated with respect, the church still holds that homosexual activity is "intrinsically disordered" and that men with "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" cannot be ordained. Here is a look at some of the most notable comments made by Pope Francis on this delicate issue.
Severe flooding in Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi has tragically claimed over 180 lives and displaced more than 190,000 people. The disaster has caught the attention of world leaders, with Pope Francis and the White House extending their condolences and offering support. As the situation remains precarious with further heavy rainfall expected, the Kenyan government is urging citizens to evacuate and providing assistance to those affected. Tourists have also been impacted, as heavy rains caused a popular national reserve to flood, leading to evacuations.
In a scathing letter to the Vatican, a group of local Catholics are urging Pope Francis to remove Bishop Michael W. Fisher from his position as head of the Diocese of Buffalo. The letter accuses Fisher of neglecting the spiritual needs of the community and instead prioritizing the diocese's financial concerns, particularly in regards to the ongoing clergy sex abuse lawsuits and bankruptcy case. Fisher, however, denies the claims and maintains that he is a pastor at heart who cares deeply about his flock.
After concerns for his health led to Pope Francis' unexpected absence from the Good Friday procession, the 87-year-old pontiff presided over the Vatican's sombre Easter Vigil service on Saturday night. Despite sounding slightly congested and strained, Francis delivered a powerful 10-minute homily and carried out the sacrament of baptism for eight people. The service, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, saw Francis urging Catholics to remove the stones in their lives that "block the door of our hearts". The decision to skip the Good Friday procession in order to conserve his health appears to have been successful, allowing Francis to lead the evening service and perform the traditional baptism.