Author: Pilgrim Kompass Team

Five years ago, on this very day, a momentous event occurred in an isolated St. Peter’s Square. The Pope stood alone, surrounded only by the lights of lighthouses and the distant sounds of sirens. Humanity was confined to their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the Pope was there, a beacon of hope in the heart of Christianity. “We realized we were in the same boat, all fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and necessary, all called to row together, all in need of mutual comfort. In this boat… we are all in this boat,” Francis…

Exploring the Future of the Church in Spain: Highlights from Bishop Luis Javier Argüello García’s Inaugural Address In a recent inaugural address, Bishop Luis Javier Argüello García, Archbishop of Valladolid and President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, delved into the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in Spain. The 127th Plenary Assembly held in Madrid served as the backdrop for Argüello’s insightful reflections on synodality, discernment, and the evangelizing mission in today’s context. Opening his address with warm greetings to the esteemed guests in attendance, including a special mention of Bishop Bernardito Auza’s appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to the European…

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Saint John Paul II’s Death On April 2nd, we will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II with a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, will preside over the ceremony, which will also be attended by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, the former personal secretary to Pope Wojtyla. Don’t miss out on this significant event – you can follow the Mass live on our Facebook Live. A Message from Pope Francis On February 12th, Pope Francis sent a heartfelt letter to Cardinal Dziwisz, extending his…

By Kristina Millare Rome Newsroom, Mar 31, 2025 / 10:33 am Australian bishops on Sunday emphasized the vital role of the country’s Catholics in promoting the common good as they prepare to vote in the upcoming national election on May 3. The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s Commission for Life, Family, and Public Engagement, chaired by Archbishop Peter Comensoli, recently released the “Election Statement 2025: Called to Bring Hope in the Year of the Jubilee” following the announcement of the election date by the Australian government. According to the statement released on March 30, the bishops highlighted the importance of engaging…

By Hannah Brockhaus Rome Newsroom, Mar 31, 2025 / 11:03 am The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France made an announcement on Monday regarding the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which features art by the controversial artist Father Marko Rupnik. The entrances to the basilica are now being covered. Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes described this decision as a “second step” following his initial choice in July 2024 to stop illuminating the mosaics at night and during processions. “You know my opinion about the presence of these mosaics on the doors of the basilica.…

Welcome to the SACRU Roundtable Discussion on ‘Vulnerability and Healthcare’ Are you interested in exploring the intersection of vulnerability and healthcare? Look no further! The Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU) is hosting a roundtable discussion on this very topic in Rome on April 7. SACRU, a global network of Catholic universities, has brought together doctoral students and faculty from seven institutions to collaborate on this interdisciplinary project. From vaccine trials in developing countries to ethical considerations in physician-assisted suicide, these researchers are delving deep into the complexities of vulnerability and healthcare. Join us on Monday, April 7, from…

Rome’s Transformation: A Concerning Disneyfication? French newspaper Le Monde has raised alarm bells regarding Rome’s rapid transition into a tourist-centric hub, likening it to a real-life Disneyland that is pushing out its local residents. Titled Rome, the empire of tourism: the “Disneylandisation” of the Italian capital worries its residents, the article by Rome correspondent Allan Kaval paints a vivid picture of the overcrowded streets of the historic center, particularly focusing on the Trevi Fountain where visitors now queue up for a snapshot of the iconic Baroque monument. The introduction of a queueing system, soon to be accompanied by an entry…

In Italia, il 38% delle donne affette da tumore al seno si trova ad affrontare la tossicità finanziaria, ovvero le conseguenze economiche legate alla malattia e ai relativi trattamenti. Questo implica che il 32,1% ha dovuto tagliare le spese per attività ricreative come vacanze, ristoranti o spettacoli, mentre il 10,3% ha ridotto le spese per beni essenziali come il cibo. Il 20,7% ha dovuto attingere ai risparmi (Tfr, investimenti, fondi) per far fronte ai costi sanitari derivanti dalla malattia. Inoltre, c’è una preoccupazione diffusa per il futuro, con quasi il 30% che teme di perdere il lavoro a causa della…

Exciting News: Blessed Mother Carmen Rendiles to be Canonized! The Archdiocese of Caracas, led by Archbishop Monsignor Raúl Biord, is thrilled to share the wonderful news of Blessed Mother Carmen Rendiles’ upcoming canonization. Pope Francis has authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree regarding her miracle, paving the way for her official canonization. This momentous announcement marks the approval of the canonization of the beloved Venezuelan nun, known for her exemplary life and founding of the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus of Venezuela. The verification of a second miracle through her intercession solidifies her…

Elon Musk made headlines recently when he publicly handed out two $1 million checks to individuals who had signed an online petition against “activist judges” in the campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, supported by X’s founder and Donald Trump, Brad Schimel. This news was reported by Fox News 11. “We want to restore individual freedoms. The freedom of speech, in general. Get the government off your back – Musk said – Vote for the judge, the super judge Schimel, I call him super judge Schimel.” Musk showed up wearing a cheese head before discussing the restoration of freedom…