In preparation for the Conclave: the Sistine Chapel

The entire Church and the entire world are observing what is happening these days in the most famous and well-known chapel: the Sistine Chapel. To adapt it for the functions of the Conclave, not a single detail is left to chance. There is considerable expertise and professionalism behind its preparation, a monumental task requiring energy, organization and workers, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, blacksmiths, constructors, fitters, upholsterers, cleaning staff – professional teams whose coordination is entrusted to the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services of the Governorate. Engineer Silvio Screpanti, Deputy Director of the Infrastructure Sector of the same Directorate, talks about it in this interview with www.vaticanstate.va  

As a  tribute to Pope Francis and his message of hope for this Year of the Jubilee, the last stage of the Giro d'Italia 2025, scheduled for Sunday 1 June, will pass through Vatican City and finish in Rome at the ancient monument of the Circus Maximus. 

A sign of loyalty to the Successor of Peter from Vietnamese Catholics  

The presence of a statue of Our Lady of La Vang, near the Tomb of the Apostle Peter in the Vatican City, is a sign of the loyalty of Vietnamese Catholics to Christ, to the Pope, and to the Church. Our Lady of La Vang is venerated with the title of Our Lady of Peace. It is with this objective that a statue of her was placed near the Jubilee Bell in the Vatican Gardens.

Pope Francis' heavenly embrace for the employees and faithful of Vatican City

"On Divine Mercy Sunday, we remember our beloved Pope Francis with affection. Indeed, such memories are particularly vivid among the employees and faithful of Vatican City, many of whom are present here, and whom I would like to thank for the service they perform every day. To you, to all of us, to the whole world, Pope Francis extends his embrace from Heaven". Thus Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State for the Francis papacy, presided over the Eucharistic concelebration in suffrage of the Pope. The rite took place on Sunday morning, April 27, the Second of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday. About 200,000 people were present, including the employees of Vatican City and tens of thousands of adolescents who had come to Rome from all over the world with their parishes, schools and families for this day of the Jubilee dedicated to them.

TESTAMENT OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS

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Miserando atque Eligendo

In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

As I sense that the twilight of my earthly life is approaching, and with firm hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my final wishes regarding my burial place.

I have always entrusted my life and priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest, awaiting the day of resurrection, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.