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The dome of St. Peter's Basilica in is seen at the Vatican in this 2020 file photo. On March 19, 2022, Pope Francis promulgated the long-awaited constitution reorganizing the Roman Curia.

Changes to Curia constitution open positions to laity

VATICAN CITY -- A Vatican office led by a cardinal or archbishop has no more authority than one led by a layperson because all offices of the Roman Curia act in the name of the pope, said experts presenting Pope Francis' new constitution on the Curia's organization.

Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, interim president of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Cardinal Czerny meets refugees in Slovakia, Ukraine

VATICAN CITY -- Continuing the mission entrusted to him by Pope Francis, Cardinal Michael Czerny visited Slovakia and a Ukrainian border town to convey the pope's closeness to victims of Russia's war against Ukraine.

This is an icon of Mary by Yulian Volyanyuk. The image is known as the “Pokrova” in many East European nations.

Marian icon comforts amid horror of war

As Ukrainians turn to their faith amid the ongoing tragedy of Russia’s invasion of their nation, many who follow both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions will look to an unusual icon of Mary as a symbol of the solace they seek.

A sign in St. Peter's Square calls for the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to Mary, before the start of Pope Francis' Angelus at the Vatican March 13, 2022. The Vatican said Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary March 25.

Pope Francis to consecrate Russia, Ukraine to Mary

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during a penitential prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica March 25, the Vatican said.

Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych, head of the Eastern-rite Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, attend an interreligious prayer service in the Latin-rite cathedral of Lviv, Ukraine, March 10, 2022.

Papal envoy sets off for besieged Ukrainian cities with 'Gospel weapons'

LVIV, Ukraine-- "I've come with the three most sophisticated Gospel weapons: prayer, fasting and alms," Cardinal Konrad Krajewski told reporters in Western Ukraine March 10 as he prepared to head toward Kyiv and other cities under Russian bombardment.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends a news conference following talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart, Ruslan Kazakbayev, in Moscow March 5, 2022. Russian authorities released a statement March 8 saying that Lavrov spoke over the phone with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, about the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine.

Vatican secretary of state speaks with Russian foreign minister

VATICAN CITY -- In a telephone call with Russia's foreign minister, the Vatican secretary of state "conveyed Pope Francis' deep concern about the ongoing war in Ukraine," the Vatican said.

People sort donations from Vatican employees for Ukraine outside the Governatorato, a building housing the Vatican's governing offices, at the Vatican March 7, 2022.

Vatican mobilizes humanitarian efforts to aid Ukraine

VATICAN CITY -- As the Russian military continues to bombard Ukraine, the Vatican is mobilizing efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those suffering.

Passersby are reflected in the doorplate of the Russian Embassy to the Holy See on Via della Conciliazione, the main road leading to the Vatican, Feb. 25, 2022. Pope Francis visited the Russian Embassy to the Holy See the same day to express his concern about the war in Ukraine.

Pope Francis visits Russian Embassy to express concern over war

VATICAN CITY -- As Russia continued its assault on Ukraine and Russian troops pressed toward the capital, Kyiv, Pope Francis left the Vatican Feb. 25 to pay a visit to the Russian ambassador to the Holy See.

Pope Francis is pictured during his general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican Feb. 23, 2022.

Pope Francis calls for day of prayer, fasting for peace in Ukraine

VATICAN CITY -- As the threat of war loomed over the world, Pope Francis called on people to pray and fast for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday.

A Roman Missal is seen on the altar during a traditional Tridentine Mass.

Pope Francis has issued decree confirming FSSP in its use of 1962 liturgical books

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has issued a decree confirming that the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) can continue to use the liturgical books in force in 1962, according to the traditionalist group.

Sister Jeannette El Achkar gestures as she shows a part of Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui still under construction in Beirut Oct. 12, 2021. The health care sector in Lebanon is being crushed under the weight of multiple crises that are only getting worse, say the co-administrators of one of Lebanon's most important hospitals.

CNEWA remains a beacon of hope

Eighteen years ago this month, I officially began my journey as a national director for CNEWA, specifically to help establish a Canadian office. 

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