Rev. Federico Lombardi

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Guys Busted Trying to Swindle Vatican Bank

Pair not exactly 'criminal masterminds,' says Vatican

(Newser) - Two men walked into the Vatican bank, and apparently a whole heap of trouble: The Vatican says police have detained an American and a Dutchman who showed up wearing business suits and carrying what the AP says is a whopping $4 trillion—in fake bonds. They reportedly told Swiss Guards...

With Eye to Poor, Francis Picks 19 New Cardinals

Some surprises among pope's first round

(Newser) - Pope Francis has named his first batch of cardinals, choosing 19 men from Asia, Africa, North and South America and elsewhere, including Haiti and Burkino Faso, to reflect his attention to the poor. Francis made the announcement today as he spoke from his studio window to a crowd in St....

Frugal Pope: No 'New Pope' Bonus for Vatican Workers

They typically receive extra during papal succession

(Newser) - The global economic crisis is hitting Vatican employees in their cassock pockets. The Vatican said yesterday that Pope Francis, known for his frugal ways, decided Vatican employees won't be getting the bonus that traditionally comes with the election of a new pope. In the past, the Vatican's 4,...

Vatican Unsatisfied by Holocaust Bishop Apology

(Newser) - The Vatican today rejected Bishop Richard Williamson’s so-called apology for his Holocaust beliefs, CNN reports, a mea culpa mandated by the Pope. “He must also distance himself in an absolutely unequivocal and public from his stand regarding the [Holocaust],” a spokesman said. Williamson said he regretted the...

Abuse Victims Find Some Peace With Pope

Tears and inspiration at long-sought meeting

(Newser) - Victims of sexual abuse yesterday exited a long-sought meeting with Pope Benedict XVI moved by his compassion and inspired by hope. "He apologized," one of them told CNN after the talk in a Washington chapel. "He seemed to intrinsically understand what we were talking about." Benedict...

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