A calling that sets one on the journey
A calling that becomes contagious—that of Saint Clare of Assisi—when, in San Damiano, even her mother Ortolana and her sister Beatrice embraced the same form of life. This is confirmation that it was not an isolated choice but rather “a calling that even today sets us on the journey, if we listen to it—a calling that provokes processes of inner transformation”. Thus spoke the Bishop of Albano, Monsignor Vincenzo Viva, as he presided over the concelebrated Eucharist on the feast of Saint Clare of Assisi, Monday afternoon, August 11, at the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception of the Poor Clares, located within the territory of the Pontifical Villas. The latter are administered by the Governorate of Vatican City State.
Not only science but qualified research at the service of the Church
On Thursday morning, July 31, the liturgical memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Richard Anthony D’Souza, S.J. as new Director of the Vatican Observatory. Fr. D'Souza has been serving at the Observatory as an astronomer for many years and he will begin his new role as Director on September 19, 2025.
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, announced today the appointment of Fr. Richard Anthony D'Souza, S.J., as the new Director of the Vatican Observatory. He succeeds Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J, whose mandate of 10 years will expire on September 19, 2025. With this appointment, Pope Leo XIV has confirmed the succession process that had been underway before the death of Pope Francis.
Unceasing prayer for the Pope
At the heart of the Church, immersed in unceasing prayer for the Successor of Peter, following the way of life traced by Saint Clare of Assisi. This is the mission of the Poor Clares of the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception in Albano, a cenobitic community located in the splendid setting of the Papal Villas. On July 15, the community had the joy of welcoming Pope Leo XIV, who visited the monastery. In this interview for the website www.vaticanstate.va, Abbess Sr. Maria Donata Reboldi speaks to us about this encounter.
By vocation and statute, at the service of the Pope
A team effort led primarily by the Directorate of the Pontifical Villas and involving all the Departments of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, everyone gave their utmost to offer Pope Leo XIV a peaceful period of rest at Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo. Dr. Andrea Tamburelli, Director of the Pontifical Villas, speaks about this in an interview for the Governorate’s website news: www.vaticanstate.va
- Pope Leo Visits the Cupole of the Vatican Observatory at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
- Pope Leo XIV Visits the Poor Clares Community of the Monastery in Albano
- At Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Pontifical Parish of Saint Thomas of Villanova
- Two “lenses” to view gravity – when mathematics builds a bridge between two universes
