His mission is more humanitarian than political since Zuppi intends to communicate and take action on two issues in particular: the exchange of prisoners and the repatriation of Ukrainian children deported to Russia.
Ahead of October’s Bishops synod that is set to discuss priestly celibacy and the role of women, Pope Francis has announced his long time friend, liberal Archbishop Víctor Manuel Férnandez will become the head of the most important doctrinal institution in the Roman Catholic Church.
The Communist government, despite its protestations of good faith, feels absolutely no obligation to respect the pact which was supposed to have restored good relations between the Pope and the Chinese state.
Completed in the fifth century BC in devotion to the pagan goddess Athena, the Parthenon represents both Athens’ architectural and civilisational apex.
The Vatican had warned that it would be a “simple” ceremony. The hearts of the many faithful present were heavy after the death of the holy man who, in his silence and retirement, had remained a reference point of faith and wisdom for them.
The 95-year-old Benedict, who has lived secluded in the Vatican gardens since 2013, has been physically frail, but mentally fit for a long time. It appears his health has taken a turn for the worse.
