Vatican

A new chronicle of the life of Jesus draws readers into the scene

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Published by Loyola Press, The Life of Jesus is a novel-like, Bible-based retelling of Jesus's life that will resonate with fans of the TV series The Chosen.

Key Points: 
  • Published by Loyola Press, The Life of Jesus is a novel-like, Bible-based retelling of Jesus's life that will resonate with fans of the TV series The Chosen.
  • Tornielli expertly weaves the four Gospels into a single narrative, a difficult accomplishment, while using imagination to reconstruct the scenes and bring them to life.
  • The Life of Jesus offers a unique opportunity to rediscover and rekindle the profound mysteries of Christ's life in the modern world.
  • ATC Publications, in India, who obtained rights to publish the The Life of Jesus in India, will also release on November 7, 2023.

Why are US politicians so old? And why do they want to stay in office?

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

It was hard to avoid the fact that it had been three decades since Clinton was in office – yet at 77, he’s somehow three years younger than Biden.

Key Points: 
  • It was hard to avoid the fact that it had been three decades since Clinton was in office – yet at 77, he’s somehow three years younger than Biden.
  • Biden, now 80 years old, is the first octogenarian to occupy the Oval Office – and his main rival, former President Donald Trump, is 77.
  • If he had run and won, he would have been 72 at the 1997 inauguration.

A trend toward older people

  • For 140 years, William Henry Harrison held the record as the oldest person ever elected president, until Ronald Reagan came along.
  • Harrison was a relatively spry 68 when he took office in 1841, and Reagan was 69 at his first inauguration in 1981.
  • When Reagan left office at age 77, he was the oldest person ever to have served as president.

Beyond the White House

  • Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley was just reelected and has turned 90, with no plans to retire.
  • Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders is 81 and hasn’t mentioned retirement at all.
  • In the House, California Democrat and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, at age 83, just announced she’s running for reelection for her 19th full term in office.
  • Every one of the 20 oldest members of Congress is at least 80, and this is the third-oldest House and Senate since 1789.

Delayed retirement

  • Most baby boomers who delay retirement do so because they can’t afford to stop working, due to inflation or lack of savings.
  • But all of these political leaders have plenty of money in the bank – many are millionaires.
  • If they retired, they would enjoy government pensions and health care benefits in addition to Medicare.
  • It’s easy to see why so few of them want to walk away.

Age limits?

  • There have been calls to impose age limits for federal elected office.
  • Yet the most stressful job in the world has no upper age limit.
  • And having the wisdom to realize that life is short and about more than just going to work.
  • We’ve got to get back to electing people in their 50s and early 60s.” And the polling shows that most Americans would say, “Amen, brother.”


Mary Kate Cary does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Catholics for Choice Statement on the Conclusion of the First Meeting of the Synod on Synodality

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 30, 2023

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Catholics for Choice, which uplifts and amplifies the voices of the majority of Catholics who believe in reproductive freedom, issued the following statement upon the conclusion of the first meeting of Pope Francis's Synod on Synodality on October 29, noting the historic discussion of many hot-button issues, but expressing concern about the continued omission of abortion.

Key Points: 
  • The church cannot be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit on some issues while silencing conversation on others."
  • "The church's harmful teachings on gender and LGBTQIA+ people have profound intersections with its position on reproductive health and rights.
  • That's why I went to Rome to share the stories of Catholics for Choice who have had abortion care.
  • Catholics for Choice was turned away on our first attempt, but Jamie returned a week later and successfully completed the delivery.

Jonathan Safran Foer Encourages Meat Reduction at the Vatican

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 5, 2023

Farm Forward board member gives keynote address in the presence of Pope Francis

Key Points: 
  • Foer emphasized the need for policy level change, and following the pope's lead, argued that individual actions are often what motivates governmental action.
  • I found myself deeply moved by Laudate Deum, its decisive call to action, and its bright moral core," said Foer.
  • This could signal the emergence of an unexpected new ally in the fight against industrial agriculture and its destructive effects on climate.
  • Since its founding in 2007, Farm Forward has invested in changing the public narrative

Catholics for Choice Brings Abortion Stories to the Vatican

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 5, 2023

ROME, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a powerful and dramatic pair of actions, Catholics for Choice President Jamie L. Manson, M.Div., unfurled a massive banner off the Ponte Sant'Angelo — with St. Peter's Basilica in the background — boldly proclaiming that "Faithful Catholics have abortions." Immediately after the banner drop, Manson ceremonially processed to the synod office with a booklet of stories collected from faithful Catholics who've had abortions.

Key Points: 
  • Today Catholics for Choice, which uplifts and amplifies the voices of the majority of Catholics who believe in reproductive freedom, brought the topic of abortion — and the stories of faithful Catholics who've had abortions — to the doorstep of Pope Francis's Synod on Synodality.
  • Immediately after the banner drop, Manson ceremonially processed to the synod office with a booklet of stories collected from faithful Catholics who've had abortions.
  • "The abortion stories I delivered today... represent the stories of millions Catholics all around the world who receive abortion care.
  • "The abortion stories I delivered today are courageous, heartbreaking, empowering, and faithful — and they represent the stories of millions Catholics all around the world who receive abortion care.

The worldwide consultations for the global synod reflect Pope Francis' efforts toward building a more inclusive Catholic Church

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 4, 2023

The Synod of Bishops was established by Pope Paul VI in 1965 as a permanent body in the Catholic Church, although its members do not meet on a regular schedule.

Key Points: 
  • The Synod of Bishops was established by Pope Paul VI in 1965 as a permanent body in the Catholic Church, although its members do not meet on a regular schedule.
  • It specifically refers to a meeting of selected bishops from around the world to advise the pope on matters of governance.
  • Paul VI instituted the Synod of Bishops as a way for Catholic bishops to exercise this authority.

A more open church?

    • The pope can also call an extraordinary meeting to discuss a more pressing topic and problem.
    • Catholics from around the world were invited to meet in their local dioceses, pray together and discuss questions about their church.
    • This meeting is therefore significant because it pictures the Catholic Church not as a top-down hierarchy but rather as an open conversation.
    • As Francis himself puts it, the synod offers an opportunity “of moving not occasionally but structurally towards a synodal church, an open square where all can feel at home and participate.”

Working document

    • This number will include representatives of religious orders and other Catholic organizations, as well as theologians from Catholic universities.
    • Those gathered in Rome will meet in both large sessions known as “general congregations” and small working groups, divided by the synod’s official languages – Italian, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.
    • The working document outlines four broad areas of discussion: synodality, communion, mission and participation.

Francis’ leadership style

    • This Synod of Bishops reflects Francis’ style of leadership and his vision of the Catholic Church for the future.
    • Francis himself has modeled a different version of the papal office by rejecting many customs that he associates with clericalism.
    • For example, he has continued to live in a modest apartment rather than in the Vatican palace.

WISe.ART The Future of Philanthropy: NFTs and Empowerment Through Art

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 28, 2023

In an increasingly digitalized world, the intersection of art and technology is carving a revolutionary path for philanthropy.

Key Points: 
  • In an increasingly digitalized world, the intersection of art and technology is carving a revolutionary path for philanthropy.
  • With each specially curated NFT sold on WISe.ART, a girl is granted two entire terms to further her higher secondary education.
  • The synergy between art and technology embodied in NFTs offers an incredible tool for charities.
  • Partnering with WISe.ART allowed him to blend his love for art and charity, using the power of NFTs.

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA + FRIENDS AT TILLES CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SET TO LAUNCH THE 2023/24 SEASON WITH UNPRECEDENTED EVENT

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 22, 2023

BROOKVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- New details announced about Lin-Manuel Miranda + Friends, the first event of the 2023/24 season at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post. In a one-night-only event created exclusively for Tilles Center, Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning songwriter, actor, producer, and director Lin-Manuel Miranda will be joined by moderator Jeremy McCarter, with whom he co-authored two New York Times bestsellers. The evening will also feature musicians from the RISE Theatre Directory and Long Island's own Central Islip High School Concert Choir. A final block of tickets has also now been released for sale.

Key Points: 
  • BROOKVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- New details announced about Lin-Manuel Miranda + Friends, the first event of the 2023/24 season at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post.
  • Tilles Center is proud to partner with the Miranda Family Fund in the creation of opportunities for artists of color.
  • Students from the award-winning Central Islip High School Concert Choir will join Lin-Manuel Miranda + Friends during select closing musical numbers during the event.
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda + Friends is sponsored in part by Victoria Rodriguez Minowitz and Robert Minowitz, Diana and Randy Plotnitzky and Brenda and Jason Wilensky.

Infocepts Strengthens Asia Pacific Leadership with the Appointment of Khoo Boon Hui as Senior Advisor

Retrieved on: 
Monday, August 28, 2023

MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Infocepts, a leading provider of Data & AI solutions, today announced that it has appointed Khoo Boon Hui, as a Senior Advisor of Asia Pacific.

Key Points: 
  • MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Infocepts, a leading provider of Data & AI solutions, today announced that it has appointed Khoo Boon Hui, as a Senior Advisor of Asia Pacific.
  • A globally recognized management consultant, Khoo Boon Hui brings a wealth of senior leadership and government expertise, further enforcing Infocepts' commitment in the region.
  • "Khoo Boon Hui's guidance will be invaluable as Infocepts continues its expansive growth across the Asia Pacific," said Patrick Finan, Chief Growth Officer at Infocepts.
  • "Having closely followed Infocepts' remarkable achievements, I am truly excited to join the team during this pivotal moment in their journey", said Khoo Boon Hui.

With fewer than 1,500 Catholics in Mongolia, Pope Francis' upcoming visit brings attention to the long and complex history of the minority religious group

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 24, 2023

Pope Francis is set to make the first-ever visit to Mongolia, a country with fewer than 1,500 Catholics, all of whom have come to the faith since 1992.

Key Points: 
  • Pope Francis is set to make the first-ever visit to Mongolia, a country with fewer than 1,500 Catholics, all of whom have come to the faith since 1992.
  • But the pope’s visit is a reminder that the country has a long and complex history with Christianity, among many other faiths.
  • Mongolia has only 3.4 million people, and at least 87.4% are Buddhists.

The Mongol Empire

    • The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan in 1206 after he conquered all the other nomadic tribes on the Mongolian Plateau.
    • Under the Mongol Empire, people practiced Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
    • Christian women dominated the inner court of the Mongol Empire following their marriages with several Mongol Khans.

The messengers of the papacy

    • For the first time Catholic missionaries were able to travel along the land route to East Asia.
    • During the conquest, the Mongols often spared many Christians in Central and West Asia, even though they killed those who resisted the Mongol rule.
    • Catholic missionaries could not find a way to convert the Mongols but continued their efforts with the successive rulers.
    • In 1253, William of Rubruck visited the Mongol court in Karakorum to urge Genghis Khan’s grandson Möngke Khan to convert.

Catholicism and Nestorianism

    • Before his visit there was not much communication between Catholic missionaries and Nestorians, but William of Rubruck was able to chronicle the activities of the Nestorian community within the Mongol Empire.
    • In 1287 a Nestorian monk, Rabban Bar Sauma, embarked on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem from Khanbaliq, near modern Beijing.
    • At the same time, the Catholic missionaries also started to expand their influence in Central Asia.

Religious revivals in Mongolia

    • Over the next few centuries, the religious landscape in Mongolia continued to change, depending on who was ruling the region.
    • However, under the Qing dynasty that ruled China and Mongolia in the 17th century, Buddhism was revived.
    • When the pope visits this complex religious terrain, his visit will be significant from the geopolitical and religious perspective: In June 2023, the pope visited its neighboring country Russia as part of international peacemaking efforts.