Father Federico Lombardi Archives

In Rome, a new generation of Benedict XVI scholars is on the rise
- Catholic News Agency, Vatican
- March 2, 2017
The Ratzinger Foundation will provide courses for a group of graduate students to further their studies on the former Pope, cardinal, and theology professor. According to Pierluca Azzaro, who translated Ratzinger’s complete works into Italian, there is “increasing interest toward Joseph Ratzinger’s theology.”
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Aide says Benedict in perfect ‘mental and spiritual’ health
- Vatican
- February 11, 2017
Father Federico Lombardi, currently president of the Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI and former papal spokesman said that even though the pope emeritus remains perfectly lucid, “his physical strength is debilitating little by little.”
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Saying ‘thank you’ to the nicest guy in the Catholic Church
- Analysis, Vatican
- August 1, 2016
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi today ends a decade as the spokesman for the Vatican and the pope, and while he didn’t always bat 1000, he took on a tough job and poured himself into it, all the while remaining kind, decent and caring, and it’s time to say “thank you.”
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Pope condemns ‘homicidal folly’ of Nice massacre

July 15, 2016

“We condemn in an absolute manner every manifestation of homicidal folly, hatred, terrorism, and attacks against peace,” a Vatican spokesman said Friday, after 84 were killed when a 31-year-old Tunisian plowed a truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day, a French national holiday.

First-ever woman a surprise pick as papal PR aide

Vatican

July 11, 2016

Although she’s the first woman ever to hold the job of deputy director of the Vatican Press Office, Spanish journalist Paloma Garcia Ovejero played down that aspect of the move, saying it should matter “as much as the fact that I have brown hair, that I’m from Madrid, from Spain, and not too tall.”

Pope Francis nails 3-point shot by naming American spokesman

By naming Greg Burke as his new spokesman, Pope Francis hit a three: He’s debunked impressions of being anti-American, he’s shown that competence matters, and he’s signaled openness to groups seen as conservative. For a bonus, Francis tapped a lay woman as Burke’s number two.