Inside The Vatican

After almost five years of hearings and trials and appeals, Cardinal George Pell’s conviction of child sexual abuse was overturned April 6 with a unanimous decision from Australia’s highest court. Cardinal Pell has now left prison and will stay at a Carmelite monastery. Now that a final judicial decision has been made in the Australian legal system, the Vatican will need to revisit the canonical investigation it had previously opened into historical complaints against Cardinal Pell, which had been paused until the appeals were complete. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” producer Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss whether that investigation should continue, after Gerry’s sources in Rome revealed that it may not. Colleen and Gerry also look at a number of financial incentives that came out of the Vatican this week in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Pope Francis has earmarked $750,000 to support the work of church organizations in remote parts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and Amazonia where the church is a vital provider of social services. With approval from the pope, papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski has also made an unprecedented request of the Roman curia to donate money for coronavirus relief. “The Pope is saying, you know, we all have to put our hands in our pockets and bring out the wallets and put them on the table,” Gerry said. “These people are dying. These people are suffering. These people have got no help.” The hosts also talk briefly about Pope Francis’ similar Palm Sunday message, imploring young people to give their lives in service to others. Links from the show: Australia’s high court overturns guilty verdict against Cardinal George Pell on final appeal Vatican responds with measure to Cardinal Pell’s acquittal and release from prison Pope Francis establishes emergency fund to combat Covid-19 in mission countries Papal almoner issues extraordinary appeal to Vatican churchmen for coronavirus offering A Palm Sunday message from Pope Francis: Do not be afraid; you are not alone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, the Vatican is looking both to provide for people’s spiritual needs and to ensure justice for those on the margins of society. In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle give an update on two new cases of coronavirus in the Vatican. Then, they turn to the Vatican’s response, beginning with the new prayers Pope Francis authorized this week. The pope approved a special intention to be added to the Good Friday liturgy, a measure that was expected as part of the Vatican’s guidelines for celebrating Holy Week liturgies without the presence of the faithful, and he authorized a new set of prayers for “Mass in the Time of Pandemic.” Both texts pray for the sick, the dead, and mourners, as well as their caretakers and world leaders. Up next, Father Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Jesuits, held a webinar for 1,000 Jesuits and lay people this week urging them to discern how the world’s injustices have come to the fore during this pandemic and how each of them may be called to respond. “Listening to the Spirit, trusting in God and allowing ourselves to be guided by him does not exempt us from the effort to understand in depth the causes of this crisis, its consequences and the ways to make it an occasion to advance towards a more just and humane world,” Father Sosa said. One way the Vatican is working to advance justice is through a new document released this week on the just use of water. Christiana Zenner, a Fordham University theologian and author of the book Just Water: Theology, Ethics, and Fresh Water Crises joins Colleen Dulle to discuss the document’s important points. Links from the show: Pope Francis approves new ‘Mass in Time of Pandemic’ and Good Friday coronavirus intention Father Arturo Sosa: ‘Covid-19 reminds us that we are one humanity.’ Read: Aqua Fons Vitae: Orientations on Water, symbol of the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” America’s Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle cover how Pope Francis and other Vatican leaders are making a concerted effort to draw people’s attention to the major ethical questions arising from the coronavirus pandemic—especially, how to protect poor and vulnerable people amidst economic instability. “The governments that face the crisis” with social distancing and lockdowns “show the priority of their decisions: the people first,” Pope Francis wrote in a recent letter to an Argentinian judge. “This is important because we know that to defend the people supposes an economic setback.” Colleen and Gerry discuss the pope’s letter and his understanding of how governments should balance economic interests and public health interests. The pope also joined United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in calling for a global ceasefire on Sunday, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle urged nations to forgive one another’s debts and to redirect military spending toward health and social services, keeping in mind many people’s economic precarity. Building on these calls, the Pontifical Academy for Life, which focuses on the intersection of biomedical research and moral theology, issued a new note this week stressing the importance of solidarity between people and the sharing of resources between nations during and after the pandemic. On “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry explain the note’s important points and how they fit into the Vatican’s ongoing coronavirus response. Links from the show: Pope Francis warns of ‘a viral genocide’ if governments put the economy before people amid coronavirus pandemic  Pope Francis calls for a global cease-fire, attention to overcrowded prisons in response to coronavirus Papal academy says solidarity needed in pandemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first special coronavirus update episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Francis’ unprecedented “urbi et orbi” blessing given Friday, March 27. Colleen spoke with Gerry just after Pope Francis blessed “the city and the world.” Pope Francis spoke about how the world currently feels the way Jesus’ disciples felt when a storm threatened to flood their boat but Jesus stayed asleep. “We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other,” the pope said. Earlier in the show, Colleen gives an update on the known coronavirus cases in Vatican City, including one priest who lives in the same Vatican guesthouse as Pope Francis. Follow our new Twitter account: @InsdeVaticanPod Links from the show: Facing the Covid-19 storm, put your faith in the Lord, Pope Francis tells Rome and the world Read: Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi address on coronavirus and Jesus calming the storm Watch Pope Francis’ prayer service for the end of coronavirus Italian priest at guesthouse where Pope Francis lives tests positive for coronavirus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Italy’s death toll rises and Catholics worldwide find their access to churches and the sacraments limited, the Vatican has taken two initiatives to grant the faithful forgiveness of their sins. One measure from the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican’s “tribunal of mercy,” grants an indulgence specially for those who are suffering from the coronavirus and anyone who cares for them, even simply through prayer. A second decree also allows for priests to absolve sins without hearing one-on-one confessions in certain grave cases. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle unpack these measures along with two worldwide prayer initiatives Pope Francis announced this week. The hosts examine how the pope is using every spiritual and communications tool available to give people around the world a sense of consolation. Colleen also announces that “Inside the Vatican” will provide twice-weekly updates for the duration of the coronavirus crisis. Links from the show: Pope Francis authorizes plenary indulgences and general absolution as coronavirus crisis escalates Pope Francis calls on Christians worldwide to combat coronavirus pandemic with midday prayer on March 25 The North American College in Rome sends seminarians back to the United States Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With more countries shutting down nonessential businesses because of the coronavirus, church leaders have faced tough decisions about whether to keep churches open to the faithful or to close them to mitigate the spread of infections. This week, Pope Francis weighed in after a Vatican cardinal announced that all of Rome’s churches would close. The pope prayed for pastors at his daily Mass the day after the announcement, saying, “Drastic measures are not always good. Therefore, we pray that the Holy Spirit might grant pastoral discernment to pastors so that they might perceive measures that might not leave the holy, faithful people of God alone.” Within a few hours, the decision was overturned, and instead, each pastor would decide whether to open his church. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” producer Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell, both recording from home due to the pandemic, unpack the ways Pope Francis and other Vatican leaders have been navigating the balance between public health and pastoral closeness. The hosts discuss Pope Francis’ Mass intentions responding to current events like the migrant crisis and Italian prison riots, as well as the pope’s pilgrimage through the empty streets of Rome, where he visited the icon and crucifix at the center of two famous plague-ending miracles. “This was a dramatic expression of faith in the midst of crisis,” Gerry said. Links from the show: Coronavirus: News, Reflections, Analysis. What you need to know. In Italy, church and state join together to fight coronavirus Pope prays for pastors to find ways to minister amid pandemic Vatican says public will not be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies Pope Francis prays in Rome churches asking God to rid the world of the coronavirus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vatican City reported its first case of coronavirus last week after a non-Vatican resident passed through its medical center for a routine medical evaluation. Over the weekend, the Italian government announced a total lockdown and a ban on public gatherings, advising residents not to leave their homes. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell details what it’s like living in Rome under the lockdown and how the Holy See and the pope are handling the crisis. The Vatican has also announced that the 2022 synod of bishops will focus on the theme of “synodality.” Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle explain what synodality is, where the idea came from, and why Pope Francis is choosing to hold what some have jokingly called a “meta-synod.”  The hosts also give an update on Cardinal George Pell’s final appeal, which will be brought to Australia’s High Court this week. Links from the show: Watch Pope Francis’ daily Santa Marta Masses The Vatican reports first case of coronavirus Following Italy’s lead, Vatican to begin strong measures to counteract coronavirus Pope Francis will hold Angelus and public audience via video streaming in response to coronavirus concerns Delivering Angelus by video, Pope Francis expresses closeness to all affected by coronavirus Pope Francis chooses ‘synodality’ as theme for 2022 synod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis canceled his public audiences beginning Thursday, February 27 due to what his spokesman called a “slight indisposition.” Amid media reports that Francis had been tested for coronavirus, the pope addressed a smaller-than-normal crowd in St. Peter’s Square and said he had a cold. On this week’s “Inside the Vatican” podcast, Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell describes the fear surrounding coronavirus that has gripped the Eternal City. Then, Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle unpack the pope’s most extensive comments to date on the ongoing reform of the Legionaries of Christ. The hosts also discuss a new task force that will bring together the Vatican’s top experts on sexual abuse prevention to help dioceses and religious orders that are not yet in compliance with Vatican guidelines catch up. Finally, Colleen and Gerry give a few quick updates on the opening of the Vatican’s secret archives on Pope Pius XII, which they covered previously on the show, as well as the death of Nicaraguan priest and poet Ernesto Cardenal. Links from the show: Pope Francis, recovering from his cold, greets pilgrims After slight cold, Pope Francis reportedly tests negative for coronavirus Inside the Vatican, June 27, 2019: What does the pope do on vacation? Pope Francis tells scandal-marred Legion of Christ they still haven’t reformed AP: Vatican task force offers help to church on abuse prevention Vatican wartime archives ready for new batch of scholars Inside the Vatican, March 7, 2019: Vatican opens secret wartime archives Father Ernesto Cardenal, poet and revolutionary, dies in Nicaragua Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s “Inside the Vatican” explores the relationship between faith, global politics, and the Catholic understanding of sainthood. First up, Colleen and Gerry discuss Pope Francis’ recent address to the Mediterranean bishops in the Southern Italian city of Bari. Speaking to a diverse group from North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe, the pope addressed the many conflicts in the Mediterranean and North Africa that have displaced millions of refugees, and the global rise of populism that has swelled up in response. Francis stressed that the Gospel calls for peacemaking; on “Inside the Vatican,” the hosts discuss the challenges that brings. Up next, the Vatican has taken a groundbreaking step towards making peace with another global power that is at times hostile to it: China. Holy See and Chinese foreign ministers met for the first time in more than 70 years. Colleen and Gerry explain how this meeting took the Vatican’s relationship with China to a new level and how much more lies beyond the surface of this diplomatic discussion. Colleen and Gerry also give an update on the new credible allegations of abuse against L’Arche founder Jean Vanier. Colleen expresses her disappointment with the revelations about a man who was considered a ‘living saint,’ and Gerry explains how it is a sign of progress that Catholic institutions are taking transparency measures themselves rather than waiting on external investigations. Finally, the hosts turn to a canonization cause that has long been in the works: that of Jesuit Father Rutilio Grande. Pope Francis recognized Father Grande’s death as a martyrdom last week, and Gerry explains how the church’s understanding of sainthood has grown to include those who work for social justice, who in the past may have been dismissed as primarily political actors.   Links from the show: Pope Francis urges bishops of the Mediterranean to promote peace and counteract populist hate speech Vatican and Chinese foreign ministers meet for first time in over 50 years Internal report finds that L’Arche founder Jean Vanier engaged in decades of sexual misconduct How can I reconcile the good and evil of Jean Vanier? Pope Francis recognizes the martyrdom of Jesuit Rutilio Grande and two lay companions in El Salvador Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis’ highly-anticipated exhortation “Querida Amazonia” or “Beloved Amazon” came out last week, sparking more conversation about what the document did not say, that is, anything on ordaining married men as priests, than what it did say. Pope Francis expressed his discontent with the media’s fixation on married priests to a group of American bishops last week. This week on the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, the hosts take a deep dive into “Querida Amazonia,” beginning with its calls for environmental, cultural and economic justice. We unpack the hostile reception the document has gotten from Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and examine what kind of impact the Catholic Church could have by siding with the poor and marginalized in the region. Then, we turn to the hot-topic questions of married priests and women deacons. We try to contextualize Francis’ decisions on the topics within his broader vision of the church as lay-led, and we discuss frankly the challenges that have appeared on the road to actualizing that vision. Links from the show: Querida Amazonia James Martin, S.J.: Five Takeaways from 'Querida Amazonia' Gerard O’Connell: What’s in Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the Amazon synod? Colleen Dulle: Inside ‘Querida Amazonia:’ A Conversation with Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J. Pope Francis shares with U.S. bishops his frustration with reaction to ‘Querida Amazonia’ Some disappointed, some enraptured by Pope Francis’ ‘Querida Amazonia’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices