In a January 20 audience with the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis approved the publication of decrees that advance eight sainthood causes. In approving a decree on a miracle attributed to the intercession of Ven. Arsenio da Trigolo (1849-1909), the Pontiff has paved the way for the beatification of the Capuchin Franciscan priest, who founded the Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation. Pope Francis also approved decrees on the heroic virtues of seven servants of God, who may now be honored with the title “venerable”: Father Raymundo Jardón Herrera (1887-1934), a Mexican diocesan priest Father Juan Sáez Hurtado (1897-1982), a Spanish diocesan priest Father Ignazio Beschin (1880-1952), a Franciscan priest Father Joseph Vandor (1909-79), a Hungarian Salesian priest who ministered in Cuba Father Francesco Convertini (1898-1976), an Italian Salesian priest who ministered in India Sister Maria Addolorata De Pascali (1897-1981), foundress of the Sisters Disciples of the Sacred Heart Jan Tyranowski (1900-47), a Polish Catholic layman who had a profound influence on Pope St. John Paul II
On this National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning the use of federal funds to promote abortion overseas. The executive order reinstates the “Mexico City policy” that was first adopted by President Reagan, blocking the flow of taxpayer money to organizations that use the funds for abortions. The policy was rescinded by President Clinton, reinstated by President Bush, and rescinded again by President Obama—all by executive orders issued soon after they took office. Trump’s action fulfills a campaign promise to pro-life supporters. The executive order does not yet fulfill Trump’s promise to cut off all federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
The Vatican Museums has unveiled a multimedia web site at www.museivaticani.va, which enables visitors to explore thousands of items from the vast collection. The web site—the product of three years of work—includes 4,000 images of the Vatican’s art works. There are also more than 50 videos, including virtual tours of the museums. The site is accessible in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German language versions. The site will eventually include images of the 20,000 items currently on display to visitors at the museums, which reflects only a small proportion of the Vatican collection, most of which is kept in storage.