Daily Catholic News:
Archbishop Georg Gänswein recently confirmed his hope for the beatification cause of Benedict XVI, to whom he prays regularly. Speaking at an event in Vilnius, Lithuania, the Archbishop expressed his admiration for the former Pope and his belief in the sanctity of his life. The process of beatification is a significant step towards canonization in the Catholic Church, and it requires verification of a miracle attributed to the person’s intercession.
In Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV baptized 20 infants in the Sistine Chapel. During the ceremony, which took place on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Pope addressed the parents of the baptized children. He emphasized that faith is more than necessary in raising children, encouraging them to instill the values of the Catholic faith in their young ones from an early age.
Pope Leo XIV also expressed his concern over the escalating violence in Iran, Syria, and Ukraine. Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Angelus, the Pope condemned the ongoing conflicts and called for peace in these regions. He urged the international community to take action and help bring an end to the suffering of the innocent people affected by the violence.
In South Sudan, four new priests and six new deacons were ordained for the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio. The ordaining bishop reminded the newly ordained clergy that they were not being ordained for an ideal country, but for a nation facing numerous challenges. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith and service to the people despite the difficulties they may encounter.
Lastly, a new initiative called ‘Adopt a Bishop’ is inviting the faithful to pray for Church leaders. This initiative encourages Catholics worldwide to spiritually adopt a bishop and commit to praying for them regularly. The initiative aims to support the Church’s leaders in their spiritual duties and strengthen the bond between the laity and the clergy.