Maximizing cooperation during the Jubilee

Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sr. Raffaella Petrini, President and Secretary General of the Governorate, respectively, met with a high-level delegation of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, led by the Director of the Agency, Councillor Roberto Alesse, on Wednesday morning, 30 October, at the Palace of the Governorate. Among the themes addressed during the meeting, were cooperation and future projects to maximize efficiency and quick customs checks, aimed at ensuring the correct transit of goods and the security of citizens, in view of the approaching Jubilee year.

On Monday, 16 September, a stamp will be presented in the Conference Hall of the Vatican Museums by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga

Forty years ago, the Holy See and the United States of America began diplomatic relations. The Governorate of Vatican City State will issue a stamp by the Post and Philately Service of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems, to commemorate the anniversary.

Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, and H.E. Ms. María Isabel Celaá Diéguez, Ambassador of Spain to the Holy See, will inaugurate an exhibition titled, “Bernini’s Souls” at the Pinacoteca of the Vatican Museums on Tuesday, 19 November.

A call to charity and sacrifice

Celebrating Saint Barbara, a martyr who offered her life for Christ, is an opportunity to remember how much sacrifice is involved in the mission of firefighters. Under the protection of their Patroness, firefighters contribute to the Advent of the Kingdom of God, with their activities, their professionalism and their dedication to others, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, highlighted during Holy Mass in the Church of Maria, Madre della Famiglia (Mary, Mother of the Family), on Sunday morning, 22 December. The Feast of Saint Barbara was also an opportunity for the families of firefighters to get together and enjoy a moment of refreshment together, three days before the Solemnity of Christmas. The Mass was attended by Sr. Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate, Mr. Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti and Mr. Davide Giulietti, respectively, Director and Deputy Director of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services, Mr. Paolo De Angelis, Coordinator of the Fire Brigade and Fr. Franco Fontana, Chaplain of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services and of the Vatican Museums.

The Christmas atmosphere has also reached the Pontifical Palace of Castel Gandolfo, brightening it up with the climate of the season’s festivities. as indicated by a series of events that took place on Tuesday morning, 10 December, including the inauguration of a nativity scene and the lighting of a Christmas tree.

Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sr. Raffaella Petrini, respectively, President and Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State, will inaugurate the Nativity Scene and light the Christmas tree, that will be on display in Saint Peter’s Square throughout the Christmas season. The inauguration ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m., on 7 December.

Solidarity with the people of Valencia and all of Spain devastated by the DANA storm system

Art, culture and the Jubilee can be opportunities for solidarity and support to people affected by natural disasters, like the DANA storm system that struck Valencia. The exhibition titled, “Bernini’s Souls”, which was inaugurated on Tuesday afternoon, 19 November, at the Vatican Museums, by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, and by H.E. Ms. Maria María Isabel Celaá Diéguez, Ambassador of Spain to the Holy See, is an expression of the close relationship between artistic masterpieces and charity. In his address, Cardinal Vérgez Alzaga expressed his sympathy to those affected by the “disastrous DANA storm system of 29 October, which devasted the Region of Valencia and other regions in Spain, last week, including Malaga and Granada”, and ensured his prayers for the victims.

Green energy at the Vatican

The official inauguration of the new photovoltaic system in the Cortile delle Corazze at the entrance of the Vatican Museums,marks a step forward on the journey towards obtaining energy from renewable resources, in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and to respect our Common Home.

Lights, music and art to announce the birth of Jesus

Christmas music, melodies and lights brightened the darkness of the night. The much-anticipated moment has arrived, when people can admire the nativity scene and see the Christmas tree lights in Saint Peter’s Square. Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sr. Raffaella Petrini, respectively, President and Secretary General, of the Governorate of Vatican City State, inaugurated the nativity scene from Grado and lit the 29-metre red fir Christmas tree, from Ledro, during a ceremony on Saturday evening, 7 December before a crowd of people.

In Christ, the Bright Morning Star

 Epiphany is a celebration for adults and children, alike. On Saturday afternoon, 4 January, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, celebrated Holy Mass in the Church of Maria, Madre della Famiglia (Mary, Mother of the Family), to come together and share the joy of the arrival of the Magi with their gifts. Fr. Franco Fontana, Chaplain of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services and of the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, concelebrated the celebration, along with the Cardinal. Among those present, were Sr. Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate, Mr. Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Deputy Secretary General, and Mr. Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti and Mr.  Davide Giulietti, respectively, Director and Deputy Director, of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services.