VATICAN INSIDER: JACOB STEIN, CRUX STATIONALIS (PART II)

VATICAN INSIDER: JACOB STEIN, CRUX STATIONALIS (PART II)

Welcome to Vatican Insider on what was a busy week in the Vatican with the swearing in of new Swiss Guards on May 6 and, on Thursday, May 9, the reading of the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee Year 2025 during a ceremony in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica.

After the new highlights stay right here for a Q&A and then Part II of my conversation with Jacob Stein, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, who is working on his licentiate in dogmatic theology at Rome’s Angelicum University. He has a fascinating story and passion that you heard in Part I last week. We learn more about CRUX STATIONALIS this week and Jacob will tell us about his favorite station churches in Rome and talk about his apostolate as a member of a Roman Archconfraternity that helps the poor and needy and has a special devotion to care for pilgrims.

About – Crux Stationalis (passioxp.com)

(3) Crux Stationalis: Jacob Stein – YouTube

Jacob Stein | Roman Station Church (@cruxstationalis) • Foto e video di Instagram

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IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

POPE FRANCIS SENDS MISSIONARY MANDATE TO PARISH PRIESTS

POPE FRANCIS SENDS MISSIONARY MANDATE TO PARISH PRIESTS

This afternoon the Vatican released the following mandate sent by Pope Francis to the 300 parish priests from around the world who met the first days of May just outside Rome to discuss synodality and to meet with the Holy Father:

“I have something to ask you who have come here to represent the parish priests of the whole world: we need your help to continue listening to the voice of the parish priests in view of the Second Session of the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. This meeting was very important, but it is not enough: we must do more if we want to bring more people into the synodal dynamism great of priests. And this cannot be done only by the General Secretariat of the Synod and the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia that organized this meeting.

“This is why I ask you today to become missionaries of synodality with your brother parish priests, once you return home: animating the reflection on the renewal of the ministry of parish priests in key synodal and missionary issues, promoting moments of conversation in the Spirit between parish priests, in presence or online, taking advantage of the opportunity of some already organized meeting, or organizing one on purpose. And then I ask you to inform the Secretariat of the Synod of the fruits of these meetings, following the instructions that will be given to you. When you return home, talk about this idea with your bishops and with the Episcopal Conferences, and also tell them that it is a task given to you by the Pope.

“For my part, I wrote a letter to all the parish priests of the world to inform them of this initiative and to present you as missionaries of synodality among them.

“Now I’ll sign it and then there will be a copy delivered to each of you, so that you can spread it once you return home.

“Thank you for your collaboration. I will accompany you with my prayer and you too will not forget to pray for me. FRANCESCO “

34 NEW SWISS GUARDS SWORN IN ON HISTORIC DAY – IN BRIEF

34 NEW SWISS GUARDS SWORN IN ON HISTORIC DAY

In case you missed it, 34 new Swiss Guards were sworn in at the Vatican yesterday, May 6. I posted the Vatican’s link to the 90-minute event on X (formerly Twitter), and also gave a report on “At Home with Jim and Joy.”

May 6 is always a special day in Vatican City as it marks the traditional swearing-in of new Swiss Guards in a colorful, historical ceremony in the San Damaso courtyard in the presence of civil and religious officials from the Vatican and Switzerland, as well as family members and friends.

I’ve been to a number of these ceremonies and they are indeed memorable for pomp and circumstance, and for the emotional moment a recruit raises three fingers of his right hand in honor of the Trinity while their left hand rests on the flag of the Swiss Guard Corps. Each recruit recites the oath in one of Switzerland’s four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh.

A few images from a ceremony I attended – the “choreography” is the same every year:

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In yesterday’s ceremony, 34 new Swiss Guards took that oath, bringing the Vatican corps to 135 members. The morning began with Mass for the new recruits in Saint Peter’s Basilica, celebrated by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.  The Holy Father received the recruits, their family member and friends, in what is a traditional audience on May 6.

May 6 is the date of the ceremony as it marks the anniversary of the Sack of Rome in 1527 in which 189 Swiss Guards defended Pope Clement VII against the army of Charles V. Only 42 of the guards survived. As the guard’s website explains: “The day of the swearing- in ceremony is the high point in the life of each guard. When one swears on the Guard flag wearing the Gala uniform and the breastplate, a man swears loyalty for one’s whole life. Once a Swiss Guard – always a Swiss Guard.”

Recruits must be Swiss, male, single, Catholic, of “unblemished character,” have completed their Swiss military service, aged 19 to 30, 5’ 7” or taller and commit to serving the Pope for at least 26 months. They may marry after 5 years of service.

Their colorful uniforms, seen by visitors at all papal events and at the Sant’Anna entrance to Vatican City, may make them seem like an historical anachronism but they are not players on a stage. Their work is to protect the person of the pope and his legitimate successors as well as the Apostolic Palace, and they are trained in all kinds of weaponry. including the most modern anti-terrorism techniques. Recruits are also put through intense psychological tests to ensure they have the mental capacity to adapt to life as a Swiss Guard.  Guards work in six-hour shifts, sometimes 12 on busy days. They earn about €1,200 -$1,300 a month.

Sunday at the Regina Coeli, Pope Francis greeted in particular the Pontifical Swiss Guard and their families present for Monday’s swearing-in ceremony of new recruits. He thanked them for their generous service and asked everyone in the square to applaud them.

IN BRIEF

Expert Consultation in Vatican demands dignified work – In an interview with Vatican News, Monsignor Robert Vitillo, Secretary General of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), discusses how international experts participating in the Consultation in the Vatican, jointly sponsored by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, will support rights and dignified conditions for workers, and will be an opportunity for effective social change. Expert Consultation in Vatican demands dignified work – Vatican News

#BeHuman: 30 Nobel Peace Prize laureates to attend human fraternity meeting – The second World Meeting on Human Fraternity, under the title #BeHuman, takes place on May 10-11 in Rome and Vatican City State and is organized by the Fratelli Tutti Foundation. Around 30 recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize will participate in the “Roundtable of Peace” and will release a “Charter of Humanity” on fraternal coexistence in this time of uncertainty and fear. #BeHuman: 30 Nobel Peace Prize laureates to attend human fraternity meeting – Vatican News

In May, Vatican to offer special Marian tour of Pope’s gardens – For the month of May, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Vatican Museums are offering a tour of the Pope’s gardens every Wednesday and Saturday dedicated to Marian spirituality.  “In the Marian month,” explains Sister Emanuela Edwards, “on Wednesdays, pilgrims are invited to join us after the papal audience for an exceptional opening of the Gardens in honor of the Madonna. Additionally, on Saturday mornings, traditionally dedicated to Mary, visitors can take advantage of this pilgrimage tour.”  Click here to make a reservation join one of these May tours. Families with children or people with sensory, motor, and intellectual disabilities can take advantage of a special service by emailing education.musei@scv.va  In May, Vatican to offer special Marian tour of Pope’s gardens – Vatican News

VATICAN INSIDER GETS TO KNOW CRUX STATIONALIS

VATICAN INSIDER GETS TO KNOW CRUX STATIONALIS

This week in the interview segment of Vatican Insider, I welcome Jacob Stein, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, who is working on his licentiate in dogmatic theology at the Angelicum in Rome. He has a fascinating story and passion and apostolate which he shares with us. That passion is called CRUX STATIONALIS and I am guessing many of you have seen his work on his website dedicated to that as well as what he has done for EWTN projects, ChurchPOP, etc.

Jacob talks about how he came to Rome, his studies at the Angelicum, his favorite station churches and a special apostolate with a Roman Archconfraternity that helps the poor and needy and has a special devotion to care for pilgrims.

One place to find Jacob: https://www.instagram.com/cruxstationalis/?hl=it

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

 

 

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEF

Pope to parish priests: ‘The Church couldn’t go on without your dedication’ –Pope Francis sends a letter to parish priests taking part in the International Meeting “Parish Priests for the Synod” and underscores, regardless of how obvious it may seem, that the Church couldn’t go on without their love, faith and dedication. With these words, Pope Francis offered heartfelt thanks to parish priests in a letter he sent them on the occasion of the International Meeting “Parish Priests for the Synod.”  Some three hundred parish priests from around the world gathered this week in Sacrofano, outside of Rome, for the five-day meeting dedicated to listening, prayer, and discernment to address the question of how to be a local synodal Church on mission, which concludes today. Pope to parish priests: ‘The Church couldn’t go on without your dedication’ – Vatican News

Pope to Anglican bishops: ‘Patient dialogue’ needed on papal primacy –  Speaking to the Primates of the Anglican Communion, Pope Francis says that even the very earliest Christians had their disagreements. Senior clergy from the Anglican Communion are in Rome this week for the body’s 2024 Primates Meeting – the first of its kind to be held in the Eternal City. Pope Francis went on to thank the gathered bishops for having chosen Rome, the “City of the Apostles Peter and Paul”, as the location for their meeting this year. “I realise”, the Pope said, “that the role of the Bishop of Rome is still a controversial and divisive issue among Christians.” “For this reason,” Pope Francis stressed, “it is necessary to engage in ‘a patient and fraternal dialogue on this subject, a dialogue which, leaving useless controversies behind’, strives to understand how the Petrine ministry can deve l\op as a service of love for all.” Pope to Anglican bishops: ‘Patient dialogue’ needed on papal primacy – Vatican News

Pope receives the King of Jordan – Pope Francis received King Abdullah II and his entourage in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Thursday morning. The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists there was a “very cordial dialogue,” at the private encounter which lasted 20 minutes. After their conversation this morning, and greetings with the Jordanian delegation, there was the traditional exchange of gifts between the leaders. Pope Francis and the Sovereign of the Hashemite Kingdom have known each other since the start of the Holy Father’s papacy. Their first meeting was in 2014 for the occasion of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to the Holy Land, which also included a stop in the Jordanian capital of Amman. Pope receives the King of Jordan – Vatican News

Ten unpublished shots of Padre Pio now available to all – “Photographs of Saint Pio – Memories of a Saint” is an initiative of the Saint Pio Foundation, which has selected some photographs of the saint taken by his photographer, Elia Stelluto, and made them available to believers for free. The initiative marks the 25th anniversary of the beatification of the Saint of Pietrelcina and the 10th anniversary of the Foundation.  Elia Stelluto, born in 1935, has taken thousands of photos of the Franciscan friar, in everyday life, during various celebrations, during intimate moments, all without a flash. Yet they all have a unique light. “I still can’t understand the mystery of these photos,” says “Padre Pio’s photographer.” Ten of Stelluto’s photographs of the saint, some of which are unpublished, are now freely available to believers and devotees of Padre Pio on a dedicated website: therealsaintpio.org. Ten unpublished shots of Padre Pio now available to all – Vatican News

 

 

MAY, CELEBRATING ST. JOSEPH, OUR BLESSED MOTHER AND ALL MOTHERS

MAY, CELEBRATING ST. JOSEPH, OUR BLESSED MOTHER AND ALL MOTHERS

Today is May 1st and one of my favorite days of the year, a day that starts one of my favorite months of the year! May 1 is, as you know, the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker as well as a month dedicated to Mary and very often, in addition to October. is a second month in which we celebrate the rosary.

Mary, of course was the mother par excellence and we honor motherhood and Mother’s Day in May. So now we have 30 days ahead of us and lots to look forward to.

My favorite image of St. Joseph the Worker:

May 1st is Labor Day in Italy and 80 or more countries around the world. It’s marked by civil events and gatherings, a day off for people who work in banks, schools, offices, and other places, and it ends in Rome with a very big concert that has been defined in time as the biggest free concert in Europe. For many years, that concert was held on the esplanade in front of Saint John Lateran church, but is scheduled tonight to take place in the massive Circus Maximus. Today was generally a cloudy, gray, rainy day, but the venue for the concert should be OK as the rain has stopped.

Although May 1st is celebrated as the secular Labor Day in so many countries, it is a religious holiday in the Vatican because it is the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. Ever since 2021 was proclaimed the Year of St. Joseph for the Universal Church, I have tried to get to really know this wonderful saint, and have made him a much bigger part of my daily life and prayer life. Pleading for his intercession for favors has been remarkably positive in these last few years!

Pope Francis held the weekly general audience today in the Paul VI Hall, instead of St. Peter’s Square, due to the rain this morning. His catechesis was about the theological virtue of faith, and he described it as “the happiest gift” and “the only virtue we are permitted to envy.”

The Holy Father explained that, “without the three theological virtues, we would not have eyes that see even in the dark, we would not have a heart that loves even when it is not loved, we would not have a hope that dares against all hope.” For his entire catechesis: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-05/pope-at-audience-faith-is-first-gift-of-christian-life.html

Another big event today in Rome today took place at the church of Sant’Onofrio on Janiculum Hill when Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, took possession of his titular church. This is the traditional church in Rome of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher. Cardinal Pizzaballa became the Grand Prior of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher on October 24, 2020 when he was named the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem by Pope Francis. He was created a cardinal by Francis on September 30, 2023.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, patriarch of Jerusalem, processes after celebrating Mass to formally take possession of his titular church, the Church of St. Onuphrius on the Janiculum, in Rome May 1, 2024. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

We first met in Rome in December 2007 when he was the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land and then on successive occasions in Jerusalem when I was there on pilgrimage or covering a papal visit. I’ve interviewed him several times for my EWTN radio show, Vatican insider.

Cardenal Pizzaballa is certainly at the top of my prayer list, especially given the situation in the Holy Land in these recent months and days. Please put the cardinal patriarch and all Christians in the Holy Land and your prayer list!

Well, just some thoughts on this wonderful May 1st feast of Saint Joseph and Labor Day. I hope in many ways that your day is special, and that May will be a memorable month from start to finish with all the special days devoted to saints and to mothers!

POPE’S MAY PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE FORMATION OF MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS – ANGLICAN ARCHBISHOP SIGNS ROME CALL FOR ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT OF AI

POPE’S MAY PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE FORMATION OF MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS

Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of May: For the formation of men and women religious and for seminarians. In his video message, the Pope emphasises the ongoing development of their vocations through grace, prayer, community, and witness to the Gospel.

In his video announcing his Prayer intention for the month of May, Pope Francis recalls that every vocation is a “diamond in the rough” that needs to be polished, worked, and shaped on every side.

The Holy Father notes that “a good priest, sister, or nun, must above all else be a man, a woman who is formed, shaped by the Lord’s grace”. These are people who are aware of their own limitations and who are willing to “lead a life of prayer, of dedicated witness to the Gospel”.

In his message entrusted to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pope reminds us that beginning in the seminary or novitiate, their preparation must develop integrally in direct contact with the lives of other people. This, he added, “is essential”.

It is important to note that formation does not end at a specific moment, such as ordination, but rather continues throughout life, integrating the person intellectually, humanly, affectively, and spiritually.

Preparation continues into that of living in a community. “Life in community is so enriching, even though it can be difficult at times”.

“Living together is not the same as living in community,” adds the Pope.

Finally, Pope Francis asks that we pray that “men and women religious, and seminarians, grow in their own vocational journey through human, pastoral, spiritual, and community formation, that leads them to be credible witnesses of the Gospel”.

To see video: Pope’s May Prayer Intention: For the formation of men and women religious – Vatican News

ANGLICAN ARCHBISHOP SIGNS ROME CALL FOR ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT OF AI

Today, in a ceremony at the headquarters of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, signed the Rome Call for AI Ethics.

A press release from the academy noted that the Rome Call for AI Ethics ((www.romecall.org), finalized in February 2020, “commits signatories to follow what its principles call for in terms of transparency, inclusion, accountability, impartiality, reliability, security and privacy. Since the launch, noted the relrase, many stakeholders have signed it including representatives from the Abrahamic religions and the Italian government, and players such as Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco.”

The document calls for the ethical development of Artificial Intelligence that serves humanity rather than profit and resists the gradual replacement of people in the workplace, as well as a respect for our common home.

The interfaith signing of the Rome Call for AI Ethics by Archbishop Justin Welby, said the academy release, is part of the major events promoted and implemented by the RenAIssance Foundation, established on April 12, 2021 by Pope Francis with public canonical legal personality.

An Instrumental body of the Pontifical Academy for Life, the Foundation is based in Vatican City State. The non-profit RenAIssance Foundation aims to support the anthropological and ethical reflection of new technologies on human life, promoted by the Pontifical Academy for Life.

Archbishop Welby, one of the senior leaders of the Anglican Communion, along with other archbishops, bishops and church moderators are currently meeting in Rome for the 2024 Primates Meeting. That runs April 29 to May 3.

POPE FRANCIS’ 2024 TRAVEL AGENDA – VATICAN NEWS: PARISH PRIESTS MEET TO SHARE EXPERIENCES OF SYNODALITY

POPE FRANCIS’ 2024 TRAVEL AGENDA

After an exhausting five-hour trip by Pope Francis to Venice on Sunday as the lagoon city hosts the 60^th edition of the Venice Art Biennale, we learn that the Holy Father has another one-day trip within Italy on his schedule for May 18– Verona.  The Holy See Press Office today released the itinerary for Pope Francis’ pastoral visit to Verona on May 18, the eve of Pentecost, featuring meetings with the local Church, children, and prisoners. The theme of this visit: “Justice and peace will embrace,” a quotation from Psalm 85. Vatican releases schedule for Pope’s visit to Verona – Vatican News

Add that to other trips, some in the planning stage while others do not yet have confirmed dates. The Pope’s Apostolic trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore is, however, confirmed for September 2-13, 2024.  September was also a month suggested for his trip to Belgium to mark the 600th anniversary of the University of Louvain. He was invited on September 14, 2023 when he received King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium but no date has been confirmed.

Another Italian trip set for June: The Holy See Press Office on April 26 confirmed that Pope Francis will speak at the G7 Summit in Italy’s southern Puglia region in the session devoted to Artificial Intelligence (AI). The confirmation of the Holy Father’s participation in the Summit, which will take place from June 13 to 15 at Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, followed the announcement made by Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.

The Holy Father in several interviews has mentioned that, after 11 years absent from Argentina, he hopes to return, perhaps later this year, to his native country.

Rumors are circulating that he might address a session of the United Nations in September but that is not yet written in stone. He has been invited by the U.N. secretary general.

It is well known that Pope Francis has had health and mobility issues for some time but it seems he is not allowing such limitations to get in the way of travels.

VATICAN NEWS: PARISH PRIESTS MEET TO SHARE EXPERIENCES OF SYNODALITY

(JFL: Finally! Following huge post synodal criticism about the absence of parish priests at the October 2023 synod – those people closest to the grassroots of the Church! – the Vatican organized a meeting in Rome, now underway!)

Parish priests from around the world gather in Sacrafano, outside Rome, for an International Meeting dedicated to the question of “How to be a local synodal Church on Mission.” Some three hundred parish priests from around the world have gathered in Sacrofano, outside of Rome, for a meeting dedicated to listening, prayer, and discernment to address the question of how to be a local synodal Church on mission.

Organized by the General Secretariat of the Synod and the Dicastery for the Clergy, in collaboration with the Dicasteries for Evangelization and for the Oriental Churches, the International Meeting is aimed at “listening to and valuing the experience parish priests live in their respective local Churches” and offering them the opportunity “to experience the dynamism of synodal work at a universal level.”

The Meeting comes in response to the desire expressed by the Synod Fathers to “develop ways for a more active involvement of deacons, priests, and bishops in the synodal process,” following criticism that parish priests were notably absent from the General Assembly. FULL STORY: Parish priests meet to share experiences of synodality – Vatican News

 

VATICAN INSIDER: MICHAEL WARSAW, THE GROWTH OF A NETWORK

Saturday, April 27 marks the 10^th anniversary of the canonization of Popes St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII.  April 27 also marks the 181^st birthday of Servant of God Joseph Dutton, born on that day in 1843 in Stowe, Vermont. The diocesan phase of his cause for canonization was closed in Honolulu, Hawaii in January and all relative documentation is now at the Dicastery for Cause of Saints in the Vatican.

VATICAN INSIDER: MICHAEL WARSAW, THE GROWTH OF A NETWORK

Welcome to Vatican Insider on this final weekend of April. I don’t know about you but I find it kind of scary how fast time flies! Tempus fugit, as my Mom used to say, especially at the end of summer vacation!

In the interview segment this week, I feature Part II of my conversation with Michael Warsaw, Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of EWTN. As you heard in Part I last week, we spoke when he was in Rome recently for the blessing of the new, additional EWTN office space. I reprise a little of that conversation by talking about the history of the EWTN Rome bureau, from a humble office in my home as the first bureau chief to the latest premises. Michael then goes on tell us about the future of EWTN. You will be amazed and delighted at what’s on the horizon!

As I mentioned last week, Bishop Steven Raica of Birmingham, AL, blessed the new office space on Via della Conciliazione. We’ve known each other for about 25 years, meeting during his years in Rome before being named the bishop of Birmingham. Such a joy to have that reunion and to share some great memories.

So, stay tuned for that informative and interesting conversation after the news highlights and the Q&A on Canon law.

Very often, as background information for something I post on my blog, Joan’s Rome, or on Facebook – or when I answer a question on Facebook – I quote official Church sources such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Canon Law. I want you to have – you deserve! – the facts from an official source, not an opinion on an important topic. This week I explain the basics of Canon Law.

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

 

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEF

POPE TO HUNGARIAN PILGRIMS: ‘THE GIFT OF PEACE BEGINS IN OUR HEARTS’ – Meeting Hungarian pilgrims in the Vatican, Pope Francis encourages them to be men and women of peace and to continue to safeguard their Christian identity, and thanks the Hungarian Church for welcoming Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. 1,200 pilgrims from Hungary, accompanied by several bishops and Hungarian authorities visited the Vatican on Thursday morning for a special encounter with Pope Francis, marking the first anniversary of his Apostolic Journey to the nation.  The Pope visited Hungary 28-30 April 2023, where he had already been for a brief stop on his way to Slovakia on 12 September 2021 to close the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress in the country’s capital Budapest. Pope to Hungarian pilgrims: ‘The gift of peace begins in our hearts’ – Vatican News

POPE TO CATHOLIC ACTION: EMBRACING ONE ANOTHER CAN PREVENT WARS – Pope Francis addresses Italian Catholic Action and emphasises the importance of embracing others through reflections on missing, saving, and life-changing embraces. He greeted some 50,000 members of Italian Catholic Action in St Peter’s Square on Thursday 25 April as they gathered for their meeting between parents, grandparents, and children.  Speaking of the theme of the meeting, “With Open Arms,” the Pope noted that “embrace is one of the most spontaneous expressions of human experience” and that it is through an embrace that life begins.

For this reason, the Pope introduces three points of reflection: three types of embrace: the missing embrace, the saving embrace, and the life-changing embrace. Pope to Catholic Action: Embracing one another can prevent wars – Vatican News

POPE: ‘A NEGOTIATED PEACE IS BETTER THAN AN ENDLESS WAR’ – In an interview with CBS, Pope Francis calls for an end to the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and around the world. He says there is room for everyone in the Church pointing out that if a parish priest doesn’t seem welcoming, one can look elsewhere: “There is always a place, don’t run away from the Church.” Referring in particular to the wars in Ukraine, in Gaza and others that continue to ravage the world, Pope Francis said ” Please, countries at war, all of them… Stop the war. Look to negotiate. Look for peace. A negotiated peace is better than a war without end.”

The Pope was speaking during an interview granted to the US radio-television broadcaster CBS, Wednesday afternoon at Casa Santa Marta. Some excerpts from the hour-long interview conducted by Norah O’Donnell, director of “CBS Evening News,” were broadcast shortly after. An extended version of the conversation will be aired on Sunday, May 19, on the eve of World Children’s Day, which will take place in Rome on May 25 and 26. Pope: ‘A negotiated peace is better than an endless war’ – Vatican News