Pope Francis

Pope Francis's Surprising Recent Moves: Death Penalty, Canonization, and Vatican Plans

Discover the latest updates on Pope Francis's stance on death penalty, canonization of Blessed María Antonia, and future plans for 2024. Exciting insights await!

Pope Francis continues to surprise Catholic organizers with his unwavering stance against the death penalty. In a bold move in 2018, he revised the core teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to formally oppose capital punishment. This shift has injected a 'renewed momentum' into the ongoing discussions within the Catholic community.

In another significant event, Pope Francis is set to preside over the Canonization Mass of Argentina's First Blessed, María Antonia of St. Joseph. Originally proclaimed 'Venerable' by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, she was later beatified by Pope Francis in 2016. This honoring of Blessed María Antonia marks a pivotal moment in the recognition of her virtuous life.

However, not all recent developments have been smooth sailing for Pope Francis. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, appointed as prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), has faced challenges in his first four months. Questions arise about the potential miscalculations in Cardinal Fernández's role and their impact on the Vatican's operations.

Looking ahead to 2024, Pope Francis's plans have piqued interest among Vatican observers. In the 'Inside the Vatican' episode of the new year, veteran reporter Gerard O'Connell and host Colleen Dulle delve into the pontiff's future initiatives, shedding light on the upcoming endeavors.

*Exciting Facts:* 1. Pope Francis's revision of the Catechism in 2018 highlights his progressive approach to core teachings. 2. The canonization of Blessed María Antonia emphasizes the significance of her contributions to the Catholic faith.