By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — More than half a million pilgrims crossed the threshold of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the first two weeks after Pope Francis opened it. From Dec. 24, when the pope inaugurated the Holy Year, to Jan. 7, the Vatican said, 545,532 people from […]
Pope opens Holy Door toward ‘path of hope’
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — In the quiet of Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, launching what he called a “Jubilee of Hope.” As the doors opened, the bells of the basilica began to peal. After the reading of a brief passage from the Gospel […]
St. Peter’s Basilica to gain ‘digital twin’ for Holy Year
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Aimed at reaching out to people unable to go to Rome for the Holy Year and helping the millions who are expected to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican has teamed up with Microsoft and other specialized experts to create a “digital twin” of the church […]
15 years a saint: Recalling St. Damien’s canonization
By Jennifer Rector Hawaii Catholic Herald On Oct. 11, 2009, people speaking different languages and from many nations all united at the Vatican to witness Pope Benedict XVI proclaim Hawaii’s first saint — Father Damien de Veuster of Molokai. The canonization of St. Damien put a spotlight on his courageous story of ministry to Hansen’s […]
Iconic basilica structure is readied for restoration
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Like a giant Tinkertoy construction, a skeletal tower of scaffolding slowly inched its way up the twisting bronze columns of the baldachin over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. Workers on the ground picked through piles of shiny metal platforms, poles, clamps and couplers to […]
