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Coronavirus

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Vatican COVID-19 Commission Promotes Vaccine Access for the Vulnerable

Dec 29, 2020

The Vatican’s COVID-19 commission said Tuesday it is working to help promote fair access to the coronavirus vaccine, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

Pope Francis at his general audience address in the library of the Apostolic Palace Dec. 16, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Christmas “feast of love incarnate, born for us in Jesus Christ”: Pope Francis

Dec 23, 2020

Pope Francis said Wednesday that Christmas brings joy and strength that can remove the pessimism that has spread in human hearts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

A pilgrim from Russia wears a mask and uses hand sanitizer in front of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 6, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.

Vatican City to Start Coronavirus Vaccinations in January 2021

Dec 15, 2020

Vatican City will begin to offer coronavirus vaccinations in January, according to the Vatican director of health and hygiene. 

Seasontime/Shutterstock.

The Ethics of Moderna's Coronavirus Vaccine

Nov 17, 2020

While the Bishop of Tyler asserted Monday that the coronavirus vaccine being developed by Moderna “is not morally produced”, the National Catholic Bioethics Center and the Charlotte Lozier Institute have indicated it is ethical.

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims at his general audience at the Paul VI Audience Hall Oct. 28. 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis’ General Audience Again Moves Behind Closed Doors

Oct 29, 2020

After nine weeks of public general audiences, Pope Francis’ weekly gathering will again take place behind closed doors, the Vatican said Thursday.

Credit: Courtney Grogan/CNA.

Pope Francis' Christmas Liturgies to Take Place without Public

Oct 26, 2020

Pope Francis' Christmas liturgies at the Vatican will be offered without public participation this year, as countries continue to react to the coronavirus pandemic.

A view of St. Peter's Cupola from Casa Santa Marta. Credit: Bohumil Petrik/CNA.

Vatican: Coronavirus Case in Pope Francis' Residence

Oct 17, 2020

The Holy See press office said Saturday a resident of the Vatican hotel where Pope Francis also lives has tested positive for COVID-19.

Pope Francis visits the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican, May 27, 2019. Credit: Vatican Media/CNA.

Pope Francis Calls for Shake-up of Healthcare in Wake of Pandemic

Oct 7, 2020

Healthcare must be made more accessible to the poor in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Pope Francis said Wednesday.

Pope Francis greets pilgrims wearing face masks at the general audience Sept. 30, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Vatican City State Makes Masks Compulsory Outdoors

Oct 6, 2020

Face coverings must be worn outdoors within the territory of Vatican City State to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, a Vatican official announced Tuesday.

Pope Francis arrives for his general audience in the San Damaso Courtyard at the Vatican, Sept. 2, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA. Other photos: Vatican Media.

Tourists in Rome Surprised by Chance to See Pope Francis

Sep 2, 2020

Tourists in Rome had an unexpected chance to see Pope Francis at his first public audience for almost six months.

Pope Francis, pictured in St. Peter's Square Oct. 14, 2017. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.

Four Sibling Nurses Who Treated Coronavirus Patients to Meet Pope Francis

Aug 31, 2020

Four adult siblings, all nurses who worked with coronavirus patients during the worst of the pandemic, will on Friday meet Pope Francis, together with their families.

Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town in South Africa.

As Lockdown is Eased in South Africa, Prelate Urges Vigilance, Says “virus still present”

Aug 22, 2020

Days after South Africa’s President eased some COVID-19 restrictions put in five months ago to minimize the spread of the virus, the Archbishop Cape Town has urged the people of God in his Diocese to remain vigilant and continue taking necessary precautions because the coronavirus has not yet been eliminated from the country. 

Golden Dome at the University of Notre Dame. / Matthew Rice CC 4.0

Notre Dame Classes Go Online for Two Weeks Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

Aug 22, 2020

The University of Notre Dame on Tuesday announced a two-week hiatus from in-person class instruction, amid a growing number of COVID-19 infections on campus. Some alumni, students, and faculty are calling on university president Father John Jenkins to suspend in-person classes altogether and move instruction online for the remainder of the semester.

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA

Vatican-based Ghanaian Cardinal Promotes Rural Tourism as Sector Projected to Lose Income

Aug 8, 2020

As the global economy braces to lose billions in international tourism in 2020 due to coronavirus travel restrictions, a Cardinal Turkson is encouraging travelers to explore “hidden places.”

Cardinal PeterTurkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, at a Vatican press conference July 7, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.

Peace Threatened as Health and Economic Crises Continue: Vatican-Based Ghanaian Cardinal

Jul 7, 2020

A Vatican cardinal has said that the world is facing a “tsunami” of humanitarian crises caused by the coronavirus emergency, conflict, and decreased security around the globe.

The Flag of the Holy See. / Bohumil Petrik. June 5 2015.

Vatican Appeals for Debt Relief for Developing Countries at United Nations

Jul 5, 2020

The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva is urging countries to help relieve the “crippling external debt burdens” of developing countries struggling in the coronavirus pandemic.

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square, Nov. 27, 2019. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

Pope Francis Makes Donation to World Food Programme as Pandemic Causes Rising Hunger

Jul 4, 2020

Pope Francis has made a donation to the World Food Programme as the organization works to feed 270 million people this year amid rising hunger caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Archbishop Stephen Brislin (right) presents Msgr Barney McAleer (left) with a framed certificate in gratitude for his work in Southern Africa.

“COVID-19 pandemic will come to pass,” South Africa-based Cleric at Priestly Anniversary

Jun 26, 2020

An Irish missionary Cleric serving in South Africa has, on the occasion of his 56th Priestly anniversary recently marked, shared a message of hope amid COVID-19 global pandemic, inviting the people of God on the continent to remain optimistic because the coronavirus “will come to pass.”

Maurice Cardinal Piat, Bishop of Port-Louis Diocese Mauritius.

Mauritian Cardinal to Preside Over Postponed Chrism Mass on Sunday

Jun 24, 2020

Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Mauritius including the stay-at-home directives, the leadership of the Diocese of Port-Louis in the Indian Ocean island nation has announced the celebration of Chrism Mass on Sunday, June 28.

Lesotho-based Cleric Reflects on COVID-19 Challenges, Anticipates Reopening of Churches

Jun 24, 2020

A Priest in Lesotho has shared about the “unprecedented challenge” occasioned by COVID-19 preventive measures aimed at minimizing contagion.