Rome & the World: how Church in Korea helps single moms • reforming the ‘pontifical secret’?

The Pillar hypothesizes that Pope Francis could redefine the scope of "pontifical secrecy." Already in 2019, the Argentine Pontiff had decreed that “the pontifical secret does not apply to accusations, trials, and decisions” related to sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy, nor to the negligence of the hierarchy in dealing with these crimes. While this pontifical secrecy "is a defined level of professional confidentiality in the Church’s administrative life" that binds curia officials in many areas, the American outlet says many see a lot of "confusion" and even "urban legends" around it. For the editors of The Pillar, it is worth asking whether the current Pope or one of his successors could change the rules of this secrecy, taking into account the digital age. 

The Pillar, English

When Pietro Gasparri, Secretary of State of the Holy See, signed the Lateran Accords with Benito Mussolini in 1929, he did not know the fate that these 27 articles reserved for the international Church. The status of the pope, the independence of the Vatican, the security of the pontifical basilicas and universities, communication, railroads, relations with Italy and the world - everything was discussed but finally the Vatican was granted the status of an independent state. The doors of international organizations were then opened to it, and from that day on, the pope's diplomats skillfully have used their international legitimacy to serve the interests of Christians and to present themselves as appeasing intermediaries among nations. Thus, from Paul VI to Francis, all the popes (except John Paul I, who reigned for 33 days) have taken the floor of the UN to defend the ethical and cultural positions of the Church. This international recognition also allowed Pope Francis to influence the decisions of the Cop21, held in Paris in 2015.

Cath.Ch, French

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi has chosen Judge Boulos Fahmy to head the Supreme Constitutional Court, the country's highest court. A move welcomed by many, as Boulos Fahmy is the first Coptic Christian appointed to the post since the court was established in 1969. According to Moushira Khattab, head of the National Council for Human Rights, this decision is "a giant step" in the field of political and civil rights. But according to an expert on Christian affairs in Egypt, the decision will have little impact on discrimination against Christians, who make up 10 percent of the population in the Muslim-majority country.

AP, English.

A sponsorship program run by the South Korean archdiocese of Seoul will sponsor 20 new single mothers as part of its pro-life activities. Started in 2018, the Courage and Hope for Single Mothers program provides a subsidy of around US$418 per month for one year and gives other forms of support such as help looking for employment. “It gives opportunities to mothers who are struggling economically and emotionally,” said Father Remigio Lee Dong-ik, head of the program. “In a society where many decisions are made to destroy lives, thank you for cherishing and protecting life. We will continue to subsidize expenses for single-mother and single-parent families, even to fulfill their desire to go on a picnic. Together we pray for each other,” he added. 

UCANews, English  

Dolores Aveiro, mother of the Portuguese champion of the English soccer team, Manchester United, waited for the Holy Father at the end of the general audience on Wednesday to present him with her son's jersey. Pope Francis, a great soccer fan, will thus be able to add the European champion's jersey to his collection. Cristiano Ronaldo, who turned 37 a few days ago, has, unusually, not yet scored in 2022. That didn't stop him from publishing a hopeful message on his birthday reminding us that "in the end, it all comes down to family."

Corriere dello Sport, Italian