Meetings between Pope Francis, Bishop Stika during ad limina visit yield a friendly exchange of information, ideas, opinions, and humor By Jim Wogan Bishop Richard F. Stika went to the Vatican in early December bearing good news about the Diocese of Knoxville, and despite a schedule that can best be …
Bishop Stika represents diocese on papal ad limina visit
Pope Francis receives bishops of Southeast provinces for decennial meeting in Vatican By Jim Wogan The last time Bishop Richard F. Stika visited the Vatican, he carried a 20-pound slab of polished Tennessee marble with him. Even the bishop admits it was a bit cumbersome. The stone, which was blessed …
Pope clears the way for the canonizations of John Paul II, John XXIII
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has signed a decree clearing the way for the canonization of Blessed John Paul II and has decided also to ask the world’s cardinals to vote on the canonization of Blessed John XXIII, even in the absence of a miracle. After Pope Francis met July …
Singer says Christ’s teachings vital to peace
VATICAN CITY—Visiting the Vatican to participate in the recent TEDx conference on religious freedom, Cuban singer Gloria Estefan said that the teachings of Jesus Christ are central to ensuring peace in the world. In an interview with CNA, Estefan said she believes it is important that “the basic teachings of …
Pontificate of Pope Francis officially inaugurated with Mass
VATICAN CITY — Although attempts were made to simplify the ceremony, Pope Francis officially inaugurated his ministry as pope and bishop of Rome in a liturgy filled with biblical symbolism and signs of the universality of his mission. But before the solemn rites began March 19, Pope Francis — known …
In digital age, Vatican sticks with smoke, bells to announce results
VATICAN CITY — Though the Vatican has become increasingly savvy with more modern forms of communication, it’s still sticking with more primitive methods — swirling smoke and tolling bells — to announce whether a new pope has been elected. In a similar vein, the Vatican press hall will not immediately …
In farewell to cardinals, Pope Benedict pledges obedience to next pope
VATICAN CITY — The Clementine Hall is traditionally the place where cardinals bid farewell to popes at the end of a pontificate, but usually when the pope in question is lying in state before his funeral. But on Feb. 28, hours before resigning from the papacy, Pope Benedict XVI …
Vatican condemns attack against U.S. consulate in Libya
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican is firmly condemning the recent attack against a U.S. consulate in Libya, which led to the death of a U.S. ambassador, three U.S. personnel and at least 10 Libyans. “The very serious attack organized against the United States diplomatic mission in Libya,” it said, …
