Pope Francis’s Christmas greetings to the Curia resonated with the spirit of the ongoing Synodal process, which asks the Church to listen, discern, and walk together with the faithful so that everyone can participate in the dynamism of missionary communion.

Addressing members of the Roman Curia in the Vatican on Thursday morning, the Pope began his address highlighting the importance of listening.

Listening with the heart

He drew attention to the exemplary model of the Virgin Mary, and urged those present  to listen not only with their ears but with their hearts, echoing the wisdom of Saint Benedict who speaks of listening with “the ear of your heart.”

Mary’s open-hearted reception of the angel’s message, he said, serves as a reminder that true listening involves an interior openness that goes beyond mere exchange of information “because more important than any precept is our need to enter into a relationship with God by accepting the gift of the love that he comes to bring us.“

“More important than any precept is our need to enter into a relationship with God by accepting the gift of the love that he comes to bring us.”

The Pope went on to emphasize the significance of humility in listening and said, “There is no better way to listen than ‘on our knees’.”

This humble posture, he explained, shows a willingness to set aside preconceived notions and prejudices, allowing us to truly understand the desires and needs of others… Kompli aqra »

Pope Francis turned 87 years old on Sunday, 17 December.

As he often does ahead of Christmas, the Pope spent a few moments with children and families assisted by the Santa Marta Dispensary, who presented him with a birthday cake and sang ‘Happy Birthday’.

The Santa Marta Dispensary has provided medical assistance to children and families in need for over 90 years, and is based just a stone’s throw away from the Pope’s residence inside the Vatican… Kompli aqra »

The Director of the Holy See Press Office says Pope Francis’ physicians have asked him not to undertake his scheduled journey to Dubai to participate in the COP28 Summit, and he has accepted their advice “with great regret.”

A statement released on Tuesday evening by the Director of the Holy See Press Office said, “Even though the Holy Father’s general health situation has improved in relation to the flu and respiratory tract inflammation he has been suffering from, his doctors have asked the Pope not to undertake his scheduled visit to Dubai in the coming days, on the occasion of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.”

Matteo Bruni said that upon the advice of the doctors, Pope Francis “with great regret” has cancelled his visit to Dubai… Kompli aqra »