Inside the Vatican April 2020 by Inside The Vatican Magazine

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THE SILENCE OF THE VIRUS ON MARCH 8, THE POPE’S VICAR FOR ROME ANNOUNCED THAT ALL OF ROME’S CHURCHES WOULD BE CLOSED AND THE PUBLIC SACRIFICE OF THE MASS WOULD CEASE WHILE THE CORONAVIRUS RAGES

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The“ABest ofapologist extraordinaire” – Publisher’s Weekly Christian

Frank Sheed

X CHRIST IN ECLIPSE New ! Many Christians active in today's churches, laity and clergy, have been unchanged by their relationship with Christ, charges the astute Frank Sheed. From the perspective of a half-century preaching career, which began on a street corner in London, Sheed observes that "people, more than ever, don't find God interesting", and he demonstrates in this insightful book that God’s transformative power in Christ is the most interesting and important reality of all – and one we desperately need today. CHECP. . . Sewn softcover, $15.95 “No other modern writer gives us the Jesus of the Gospels with as much direct, clear, logical common sense as Sheed does.” — Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy, Best-Selling Author “A wonderful antidote to the danger of forgetting the mysterious presence of Jesus Christ at the center of everything— and our lifelong task of persevering in faith and love for Him.” —Fr. Donald Haggerty, Author, The Contemplative Hunger

X To Know Christ Jesus — A spiritual classic that’s helped countless readers develop a deep, profound knowledge of Jesus Christ. Thoroughly focusing on the Gospels, Sheed reveals Christ as he actually lived among us, and how he impacted and changed so many people that he encountered from his infancy to his passion, death, and resurrection. TKCJP . . . Sewn Softcover, $17.95

X Theology for Beginners — One of the most clear and outstanding explanations of the central doctrines of the Christian faith ever written. Sheed gives a compelling case for anyone to study theology, and the wonderful rewards that accompany such a pursuit. TBEP. . . Sewn Softcover, $15.95

X Theology and Sanity — A superb work for the l ay m a n t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e pr a c t i c a l aspects of theology i n t h e l i f e o f a C h r i s t i a n . L o g i c a n d clarity permeate this eminently readable book. Drawing from his fifty years of street-corner preaching, writing and publishing, Sheed communicates better than anyone the importance of theology for living sanely in today's world. THASP. . . Sewn Softcover, $21.95 X A Map of Life — Considered by many as one of the best and most popular short summaries of the Catholic faith ever, Sheed focuses on the major truths of our existence and purpose in life, drawing on God's revelation to show what the divine master plan is for us and how each part of the plan is related. MLP. . . Sewn Softcover, $11.95

X Knowing God

— Clearing away popular misunderstandings of God, Sheed lucidly tackles the most challenging questions humans pose about who and what God is. He goes into the heart of the divine mystery, exploring God as the Trinity and the difference the Trinity should make in understanding God, and ourselves. KGP . . . Sewn Softcover, $17.95

X Society and Sanity — Sheed examines the perennial truths about human nature based on the wisdom of Catholic social ethics, discussing the power of love, the nature of marriage, the role of government, the relationship of law and morality, of Church and State, and the duties of the citizen – so we can better grasp what human beings are, and what social conditions help or hinder human flourishing. SOCSP. . . Sewn Softcover, $17.95

www.ignatius.com P.O. Box 1339, Ft. Collins, CO 80522

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EDITORIAL

by Robert Moynihan

“May We Mend Our Lives”

This Lent and Easter in Rome are the most silent in all the history of the Church. Rome is on total lockdown. The fears of the coronavirus have led to the shutdown of the country. A special report

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”... Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places... Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city... “When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” —Luke 21:5-28

I asked a young colleague, Dr. Jan Bentz, 32, to reflect on these painful times. This young German scholar — he earned a doctorate in philosophy — is a writer who lives in Rome with his wife. They have just had their first baby. He encourages all of us to hold fast to our faith, to persevere in hope, and to stay close to the Lord and one another in charity during these times. This is a letter he wrote for us about these days in Rome.—RM

By Dr. Jan Bentz, Letter from Rome, March 19 Lent has begun and, nolens volens, the world is taking part. This year’s particular penance bears a name: COVID-19. Virus diagnoses are sprouting up all over the world, and one country after another announces lockdown. People are urged to remain home — in some countries, they are forced to do so. Rome is in a state of emergency. Here in the heart of the Church, public Masses are forbidden, liturgical events are canceled, and Italian citizens are quarantined. The shocker for countless people: even the celebrations of the Easter Triduum, the most sacred and solemn festivity of the Church, will happen behind closed doors; no lay person will be able to participate. In this unprecedented event, potentially for the first time since the Resurrection of Our Lord, there will not be a single public Mass in the heart of the Church celebrating His death and resurrection. Are these signs of the end times? Perhaps. The Catholic world reacted quickly: countless Masses are livestreamed (ordinary and extraordinary form) on television, Facebook, and other media platforms; prayer groups have been founded among friends and strangers alike online; and parishes have found most creative ways to stay in touch despite being under “house arrest.” As a Catholic, experiencing this ongoing crisis has been disenchanting in many ways. In a season designed to foster faith and hope, this event has brought out disillusionment. Disillusionment about governments and their ever-increasing stranglehold on the individual. The measures taken (at least in Italy and possibly elsewhere) are not designed to nurture and sustain virtue, but are blind “one size fits all” measures bogging down the individual and whole economies. Disillusionment with the health care system: it was not ready for

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a real public health threat of this magnitude. Too long have nonessential procedures been pushed and highlighted: abortion, euthanasia, and other “services” have sucked up resources and manpower that would have been better and more prudently used to prepare for emergencies of the sort we are experiencing now. The most morbid and demonic aspect of the situation: abortions are still available as “emergency procedures.” Disillusionment with globalism. For once, millions are realizing the fateful truth: “No-border” policies have brought receiving countries to their knees. Even in good times they were strained. Now, when an emergency arises, no one is suitably prepared, and suddenly “borders” and “limits” gain back their true importance in the consciousness of the people. It has also become tangible how the irresponsible behavior of a totalitarian regime, such as China, can indeed very quickly have an effect on each one of us. Why trust them in peace times when we cannot trust them in times of crisis? Disillusionment, finally, with the Church as a voice in society: When times are dire, she, too, seems to hide from peril — however grave — despite her knowledge that this sickness can only befall the body, not the soul. What a tragedy to see priests with large face masks and gloves hustling through the streets of Rome minding their own business — should not they be the beacons of light and hope? Surely some saints are caring for the sick in this moment. We owe gratitude especially to more than a dozen priests who have already died from exposure to the virus victims. But where is the united voice of hope that the Church ought to proclaim? Why do we not hear her voice of hope for a godless society? Yet, a sign of hope remains: on March 16th Pope Francis walked through the streets of Rome! Privately — and surrounded by his security guards — the Pope went on foot to the “San Marcello al Corso” Church to pray before the “Pestilence Crucifix.” On display in a side chapel, the large wooden Crucifixs was carried through the streets of Rome in 1522 in order to fight off the plague which had infested the capital. Francis also halted in St. Mary Major to pray before the famous icon, Salus Populi Romani, one of Rome’s most precious and beloved icons of the Virgin Mary, petitioning that the plague that is COVID19 will soon cease to spread. On March 19th the Apostolic Penitentiary published a letter granting a plenary indulgence to all those who have contracted the virus and have been trying to fulfill the common conditions from home. There is a sapling of spiritual health and regrowth. When all this has blown over — and it will — may we all remember the personal suffering we had to endure, each in our own way, and mend our lives according to the lessons we can take away from it. Lent is a time for reform, reflection, and repentance — and this year we are all in it, whether we like it or not. Let us rejoice in the Lord through this time of trial.m Y Gain valuable insights on the Vatican and Pope Francis Y Read behind-the-scenes news and exclusive interviews Y Find links to scholarly sources and unique research APRIL 2020 INSIDE THE VATICAN

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APRIL 2020

CONTENTS

Year 28, #4

LEAD STORY Cardinal Against Cardinal: The Dispute over the Vatican’s China Accord by Robert Moynihan (with texts from Cardinal Re and Archbishop Viganò) . . . . . . . . . . .10

APRIL 2020 Year 28, #4

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Robert Moynihan ASSOCIATE EDITOR: George “Pat” Morse (+ 2013) ASSISTANT EDITOR: Christina Deardurff CULTURE EDITOR: Lucy Gordan CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Giuseppe Rusconi WRITERS: Anna Artymiak, Alberto Carosa, William D. Doino, Jr., David Quinn, Andrew Rabel, Vladimiro Redzioch, Serena Sartini, Father Vincent Twomey PHOTOS: Grzegorz Galazka LAYOUT: Giuseppe Sabatelli ILLUSTRATIONS: Stefano Navarrini CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Deborah B. Tomlinson ADVERTISING: Katie Carr Tel: 202-536-4555, ext.303 kcarr@insidethevatican.com

EDITORIAL OFFICES FOR MAIL: US: 14 West Main St. Front Royal, VA 22630 USA Rome: Inside the Vatican via delle Mura Aurelie 7c, Rome 00165, Italy Tel: 39-06-3938-7471 Fax: 39-06-638-1316 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Inside the Vatican c/o St. Martin de Porres Lay Dominican Community PO Box 57 New Hope, KY 40052 USA Tel: 800-789-9494 Fax: 270-325-3091 Subscriptions (USA): Inside the Vatican PO Box 57 New Hope, KY 40052 USA www.insidethevatican.com Tel: 800-789-9494

INSIDE THE VATICAN (ISSN 1068-8579, 1 yr subscription: $ 49.95; 2 yrs, $94.95; 3 yrs, $129.95), provides a comprehensive, independent report on Vatican affairs published monthly except July and September with occasional special supplements. Inside the Vatican is published by Urbi et Orbi Communications, PO Box 57, New Hope, Kentucky, 40052, USA, pursuant to a License Agreement with Robert Moynihan, the owner of the Copyright. Inside the Vatican, Inc., maintains editorial offices in Rome, Italy. Periodicals Postage PAID at New Haven, Kentucky and additional mailing offices. Copyright 2020 Robert Moynihan

INSIDE THE VATICAN

APRIL 2020

NEWS GERMANY/German bishops’ new president: “Sexual morality must change” by Maike Hickson, Lifesitenews.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 INTERVIEW/Lucio Brunelli: ”The Pope is a man; he suffers like the rest of us” by Domenico Coviello, Velvetmag.it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 ART ESSAY: The Seven “Last Words” of Christ — and His First Word After Rising by ITV Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 CULTURE INTERVIEW/Gary Krupp: No longer a disparager of Pius XII by Deborah Castellano Lubov, Zenit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 INTERVIEW/Plagues and prayers by Cornelius Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 PERSPECTIVE/The Arian heresy and our present age, Part 2 by Joseph Tamayo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 SCRIPTURE/ by Prof. Anthony Esolen, Magdalen College, New Hampshire, USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 OBITUARY/ by Alberto Carosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 ESSAY/ by Robert Wiesner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 INTERIOR CASTLE/ by A Hermitess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 FOOTSTEPS ON THE WAY/ by ITV Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

URBI ET ORBI: CATHOLICISM AND ORTHODOXY Icon/ by Robert Wiesner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Spirituality/ By Father El Meskeen (1919-2006) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 East-West Watch/ by Peter Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 News from the East: by Becky Derks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 FEATURES LATIN/The Eternal City in a season of plague by John Byron Kuhner, Paideia Institute, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Art/Celebrating the great Raphael after 500 years by Lucy Gordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 BOOK/Selection from Lord of the World (originally published in 1907) by Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Vatican Watch/A day-by-day chronicle of Vatican events: February and March by Becky Derks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 People/ by Becky Derks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Food for Thought/Tables near Raphael by Mother Martha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

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Glorious Children’s Books

X WHO IS JESUS? His Life, His Land, His Times

X THE CATHOLIC BIBLE FOR CHILDREN

This lovely book is full of interesting information, insightful details and beautiful illustrations for children to learn everything about who Jesus is — his life, his land and his time. Lavishly illustrated. Perfect for supplementing religious education in school or at home!

From the creation of the world to the infancy of the Church, all the important stories from both the Old and New Testament are retold and beautifully illustrated in this best-selling work. Includes chapters on the prophets and the psalms, as well as a glossary of important people, objects and places.

6 WIJP. . . 96 pp, Softcover with flaps, $16.99

6CBSP. . . Softcover with flaps, $14.99

X STORIES OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

X CATHOLIC SAINTS FOR CHILDREN

A unique, beautifully illustrated book with inspiring true stories to help children know Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. From the multiplication of the loaves in the Gospels to the heroic actions of a young girl in Nazi-occupied Poland, they learn how the Real Presence has led countless believers to lives of deep faith. 6 SBSP . . . Softcover with flaps, $16.99

For children today needing authentic heroes, this book holds up giants of our faith for them to be inspired by. With lovely illustrations, each delightful account models heroic love for God. Thirty saints lives, including Our Lady, St. Joseph, Peter, Benedict, Joan of Arc, Francis, Kateri, Ignatius, Therese, and many more!

X THE BIG BOOK OF CHRISTIANS AROUND THE WORLD

X YOUCAT FOR KIDS

Discover the customs, the daily life, and the heritage of Christians throughout the world! Join two young reporters who encounter Christians of 25 different countries and learn the highlights of Advent in Germany, Christmas in the tropics, Epiphany in Russia, Holy Week in Seville, the Assumption in Lourdes, and more! Lavishly illustrated. 6 BBCH. . . Hardcover, $16.99

X BROTHER FRANCIS OF ASSISI Tomie de Paola, acclaimed illustrator and author of children's books, presents a gorgeous, inspiring work on the most beloved saint of all time. Among his many books, this one fulfilled his lifelong desire to bring the story of St. Francis to people of all ages. Drawing on primary source material, and two trips to Assisi, he has made this dream come true.

6 CSFCP . . . Softcover with flaps, $16.99

From the best-selling YOUCAT series comes an exciting new way to help children and parents discover their Catholic faith together, and a great help for classroom teachers. In child-friendly language, with talking points for parents and teachers, it explores Creation, Prayer, the Creed, the Sacraments, Ten Commandments, Life of Jesus, and more. Includes fun graphics, quotes from Saints, a n d YFKP. . . Sewn Softcover, $17.95 t h ou g ht - provoking images.

X SAINT JOSE : Boy Cristero Martyr This new title in the acclaimed Vision Books series lives of the saints series for youth 9-15 yrs. brings to life the inspirational and heroic story of St. José Sánchez del Río, a brave 14-year old boy in Mexico who died a martyr for the Catholic faith during the STJSP. . . Sewn Softcover, $11.95 Cristero War in the 1920s.

6 BFAH . . . Hardcover, $14.99

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(800) - 651-1531

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

INSIDE THE VATICAN welcomes letters but cannot reply to all. Each is read and considered carefully. Printed letters may be edited for clarity. You may email us at editor@insidethevatican.com

“PRAY FOR BISHOPS” St. Thomas More had the courage and insight to openly declare: “Sometimes the shepherds — the bishops — are not vigilant.” For 50 years, I have watched as corporations in America have reduced workers, as Pope Francis has written, to “increase profits.” Fully 40% of all American families live “paycheck to paycheck,” with an average of only $400 in savings, in constant fear of a financial setback causing the loss of homes or education for their children. The Catholic bishops have not been “vigilant” in protecting their flocks from financial ruin. St. Thomas More, pray for us and our bishops. Robert Saverline Stamford, Connecticut, USA Thank you for all you are doing “ad majoram Dei gloriam” (“for the greater glory of God”)! Sorry I am late with my subscription. With great anticipation I am waiting for your new book on Archbishop Viganò. Stephen Hadrovic Buffalo, New York, USA

WAITING FOR BOOK

“SO MANY JUDASES”

With all your enthusiastic readers, I thank God for you, and Inside the Vatican, especially your Christmas issue and editorial. The January issue prompts me to write this: Sodano, Marciel = Money; so many Judases willing to betray Jesus and his Church for money! Christ said: “Blessed is he who is not scandalized in me.” (Mt 11:6)

BL. STANLEY ROTHER BUSTS The Vintage Catholic – Sacred Art & Antiques – “What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred....” Pope Benedict XVI

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INSIDE THE VATICAN APRIL 2020

No, I am not scandalized — I am grateful I am called, as a Poor Clare, to love and reparation for the Church. I take as my own the prayer of St. Catherine of Siena: “O Eternal God, receive the sacrifice of my life for the Mystical Body of Holy Church... May God have mercy on the Judases... Where sin abounds, grace more abounds.” Thank God for our Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who wrote that what we need is the faith of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Thank you, Holy Father Emeritus, for what you are to us. Sr. Mary Pius, O.S.C. Monastery of St. Clare Kiryu-shi, Gumma-Ken, Japan

ON THE PRIESTHOOD Thank you for publishing Cardinal Müller’s essay addressing the broad controversy leading up to and addressed at the Amazon Synod. Using multiple citations from the Gospels, Müller defends the Church, as Pope Francis should, and demonstrates that failure to do so demeans priests into being employees of an NGO, not the consecrated representatives of Jesus Christ and His mission. He defends Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as the outstanding theologian that he is and commends him for defending the Church and its dedicated priests. Catholic organizations and media should rise to the occasion and loudly proclaim their support for the message Cardinal Müller has given! Peter J. Brock Sun City Center, Florida, USA 2 ssizes: izes: ǎǎǱƊǭ ǱƊǭ ǎǎǱƌǭ Ǳƌǭ Hand Hand painted painted wood wood From From Italy Italy E Exclusively xclusively ou ours! r s! S STJOSEPHOLDCATHEDRALGIFTSHOP TJOSEPHOLDCATHEDRALGIFTSHOP

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EAST AND WEST UNITY Your work for Christian unity is vitally important. You have identified music and art as a way to break down barriers and go beyond disagreements. This has proven to be a way to bring humanity together in many circumstances. I served in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania diocese under Bishop William Keeler, later Cardinal, and kept up correspondence after I left active ministry. He told me his initiatives with Patriarch Bartholomew were important precursors to wider Christian unity. I’m writing to affirm your efforts. Robert (Bob) Graf, D.Min. robertgraf@aol.com

IS THE TIDE TURNING? Several surprisingly traditional interventions have come from Peter’s Successor in the last few months. Notably, we’ve seen a robustly orthodox Motu Proprio on Sacred Scripture establishing the “Sunday of the Word of God,” and, in Querida Amazonia, the confirmation of priestly celibacy and the reservation of sacramental ordination (deacons as well as priests and bishops) to men. I don’t think I’m the only Catholic in whom this development has been stirring hopes that we may now be starting to see Christ’s promises to Peter, the Rock, a little more clearly in action, after seven very lean years of a pontificate in which they have often seemed mysteriously hidden. Of course, the providential interplay, and probably frequent tension, between those promises and the human free will that they will never simply override, will always remain mysterious. I thought you might find fascinating, as I have, a February 2, 2020 report by veteran vaticanista Sandro Magister, “Francis and the Schism of Germany, History of a Nightmare.” This report shows how Pope Francis, largely behind the scenes, or acting through Vatican cardinals, has been offering some definite resistance to the most radically heterodox sector of today’s Church, namely, the German bishops (or at least the vast majority of them). As is now well known, their noxious “synodal process” is openly pushing for the abolition of celibacy, for female deacons, priests and bishops, and for the rejection of perennial Church teaching on homosex-

uality and other issues covered by the Sixth Commandment. As a little straw in the wind, who would have suspected that the most outspokenly conservative German cardinal, Gerhard Ludwig Müller, whom Francis fired as Prefect of the CDF a couple of years ago, would now receive a friendly personal letter from the Pope thanking him for his recent appreciative comments about Querida Amazonia’s upholding priestly celibacy? This has happened around the same time that, according to a report, a papal audience given to Cardinal Marx, super-liberal leader of the German bishops, became a virtual shouting match in which his and Francis’ raised voices could be heard through closed doors down the adjacent corridor! Is the tide beginning to turn? Or, as some of you reading this may suspect, is it all just a cynical piece of theatrical peronismo — i.e., Francis taking one step back in preparation for two steps forward? Time will tell. But if anything should cause hope to spring eternal, it is surely our Lord’s promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church founded on petrine rock. Let’s offer some Lenten prayers and sacrifices that Peter’s Titanic-sized barque continues to turn little by little away from the looming iceberg — or perhaps I should say, siren song — of conformity with the moral decadence and doctrinal skepticism and indifferentism that now predominates in what was once Western Christendom. Fr. Brian W. Harrison, O.S. materdei82@hotmail.com

“I AM SCARED”

Today is March 7. Drudge tonight reports Italy is considering quarantine for one quarter of its population. They say there are fist fights over toilet paper and New York has just declared a state of emergency. My state of Florida has also. We have been feeding the Beast for a long time. China, a Communist country, supplies 95% of Vitamin C, our penicillin and Ibuprofen, ingredients in diabetes meds and others, not to mention supply parts for everything we use, electronics, cell phones, military, etc. Thank you for pressing on. This manmade virus from a Communist country will change many things. We’ve been feeding the Beast for too long. Linda Smith Florida, USA

FROM PRISONERS I would like to first of all thank Robert Moynihan for an enjoyable year of reading Inside the Vatican. If possible, may I have another year? I read each and every article, then share it with our prayer group. My prayers and those of our daily prayer group are with all you at Urbi et Orbi Communications! May God bless all of you! David Williams, # D29095 SFRC South Unit. Doral, Florida, USA

I’m scared. I received the March issue of your beautiful publication today — thank you. I just pulled The Drudge Report.

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APRIL 2020 INSIDE THE VATICAN

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LEAD STORY

Left to right: Cardinal Re, Cardinal Zen, Archbishop Viganò

THE CHINESE ACCORD: PROGRESS OR BETRAYAL? CONFLICT ABOUNDS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF THE CHURCH. CHINESE CARDINAL ZEN CALLS IT A “BRUTAL ACCORD” THAT POPE BENEDICT REFUSED TO SIGN; CARDINAL RE DENIES THIS. EXILED ARCHBISHOP VIGANÒ, MEANWHILE, DEFENDS ZEN AGAINST HIS ATTACKERS

n BY ROBERT MOYNIHAN

s the world, from China to South Korea to Iran to Italy and now to the United States as well, is deeply troubled by fears of a virulent flu virus apparently originating in Wuhan, China, we have now also had a flurry of odd activity at the top of the Catholic Church — as Pope Francis himself seemed to have developed a cold which itself led to wild 10 INSIDE THE VATICAN APRIL 2020

(and not in any way verified) rumors about his own health. The activity, in some ways unprecedented, has to do with disagreements over Catholic Church (Vatican) accords with the Communist government of China. On February 26, Wednesday, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 86, recently appointed by Pope Francis

the new Dean of the College of Cardinals (succeeding Cardinal Angelo Sodano, 92) sent a letter to all the cardinals of the Catholic Church in which he sharply criticizes Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, S.D.B., 88, born in Shanghai, China. Zen, for his part, has for nearly two years been criticizing a secret (the text of the accord has never been released)

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Below, Cardinal Parolin and Cardinal Filoni

2018 Vatican accord with China which allows the Communist government a role in naming the bishops of the Catholic Church in China. A letter Zen wrote to his fellow cardinals on September 17, 2019, is a particular object of Cardinal Re’s critique. On February 26, Re, in his very first act as the new Dean of the College of Cardinals, said Zen’s criticisms of the Holy See-China Accord are misguid-

ed and should be discounted. In short, as of then, we clearly have had “cardinal against cardinal.” And then, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, himself a lifelong Vatican diplomat and in fact for decades a close collaborator of Cardinal Re, nevertheless sprang promptly to a passionate defense of Cardinal Zen against Re’s charges. (See below for the text)

This report and supporting documents is an attempt to provide some context for this controversy, by publishing the complete texts of the interventions. A blessed Lenten season for all, in faith and hope, despite the sins and worrisome fears of this present time. We entrust ourselves now as always to the love of Jesus Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.m

Summary report from Catholic News Agency CARDINAL RE CLAIMS CARDINAL ZEN IS AT ODDS WITH JOHN PAUL II, BENEDICT XVI ON CHINA

atican City, February 29, 2020 (CNA) — The newly-appointed Dean of the College of Cardinals purportedly sent a letter to cardinals February 26 claiming that the China-Vatican deal represents the minds of St. John Paul II and of Benedict XVI, and that Cardinal Zen is mistaken in his opposition to the deal. An Italian text of the letter from Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dated Feb. 26, was published Feb. 29 by La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana. “I desire first of all to emphasize that, in their approach to the situation of the Catholic Church in China, there is a profound symphony of the thought and of the action of the last three Pontificates, which — out of respect for the truth — have favored dialogue between the two parties and not contrariety,” Cardinal Re wrote. “Cardinal Zen has affirmed several times that it would be better to have no accord than a ‘bad accord.’ The three last Popes did not share this position and supported and accompanied the drafting of the accord that, at the present moment, seemed to be the only one possible,” he stated. Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, has

been an outspoken opponent of the 2018 agreement between the Vatican and the People’s Republic of China regarding episcopal appointments. The Church in mainland China has been divided for some 60 years between the underground Church, which is persecuted and whose episcopal ap-

pointments are frequently not acknowledged by Chinese authorities, and the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, a government-sanctioned organization. The agreement between the Holy See and Beijing was intended to normalize the situation of China’s Catholics and unify the underground Church and the CPCA. That accord was eventually reached, Cardinal Re said, and signed

in Beijing Sept. 22, 2018. It is particularly surprising to the dean of cardinals that Zen has written that “the accord signed is the same one which Pope Benedict had, at the time, refused to sign.” “That assertion does not correspond to truth,” Cardinal Re stated. Cardinal Re was an official of the state secretariat from 1989 to 2000. Because the deal provides for the Pope’s intervention in bishops’ appointments in China, the dean said, “the expression ‘independent Church’ can no longer be interpreted in an absolute manner, as ‘separation’ from the Pope, as was the case in the past.” “Unfortunately, there is slowness in drawing in loco all the consequences which derive from this epochal change both on the doctrinal and on the practical level, and there persist dolorous tensions and situations,” Cardinal Re said. Cardinal Re objected to Cardinal Zen’s evaluation of the Pope’s pastoral guidelines concerning the civil registration of clergy in China, saying that these guidelines “were designed precisely to safeguard the faith” in complicated and difficult situations. APRIL 2020 INSIDE THE VATICAN 11

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THE EASTER TRIDUUM ESSAY

“THIS DAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE”

THE “SECOND WORD” OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS WAS SPOKEN TO THE GOOD THIEF, AFTER HE ASKED, “REMEMBER ME, O LORD, WHEN YOU COME INTO YOUR KINGDOM”

nd there were also two other malefactors led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified him there: and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.... And there was also a superscription written over him in letters of Greek and Latin and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of those robbers who were hanged blasphemed him, saying: “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” But the other answering, rebuked him, saying: “Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly: for we receive the due reward of our deeds. But this man hath done no evil.” And he said to Jesus: “Lord, remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdom.” And Jesus said to him: “Amen I say to thee: This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:32-43)

It has become traditional to refer to the “Seven Last Words” of Christ on the Cross. In this meditation, we add an eighth “word,” the first words spoken by Jesus after his resurrection, to Mary Magdalen, “Touch me not.” The traditional order of the sayings is: 1st Word: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) 2nd Word: “Verily, I say unto you, today thou shalt be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) 3rd Word: (To Mary His mother) “Woman, behold thy son.” (To His disciple) “Behold thy mother.” (John 19:26–27) 4th Word: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34) 5th Word: “I thirst.” (John 19:28) 6th Word: “It is finished.” (John 19:30) 7th Word: “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) 8th Word (1st Word after Resurrection, to Mary Magdalen) “Touch me not” (John 20:17)

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Crucifixion by Gaudenzio Ferrari, painted in 1513 in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Varallo, Italy

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THE EASTER TRIDUUM ESSAY

"I THIRST"

THE “FIFTH WORD” OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS: “I THIRST.” ONE OF THE SOLDIERS LIFTED A SPONGE SOAKED IN VINEGAR TO HIM TO DRINK. AFTER THIS, JESUS SPOKE THE “SIXTH WORD,” “IT IS CONSUMMATED,” AND GAVE UP HIS SPIRIT...

fterwards, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said: “I thirst.” Now there was a vessel set there, full of vinegar. And they, putting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to his mouth. Jesus therefore, when he had taken the vinegar, said: “It is consummated.” And bowing his head, he gave up the ghost. —John 19:28-30

he fifth word of Jesus is His only human expression of His physical suffering. Jesus is now in shock. The wounds inflicted upon him in the scourging, the crowning with thorns, losing blood on the three-hour walk through the city of Jerusalem on the Via Dolorosa to Golgotha, and the nailing upon the cross are now taking their toll. The Gospel of John first refers to thirst when Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well. After first asking for "a drink," he answers the woman, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). This passage implies there is more than physical thirst. Jesus also thirsts in a spiritual sense. He thirsts for the love of his Father, who has left him unaided during this dreadful hour to fulfill his mission all alone. And for the love and salvation of his people, the human race. —Msgr. Charles Pope, In Mission “I THIRST”

Jesus is God, therefore His Love and His

Thirst are infinite. He, the Creator of the universe, asked for the love of His creatures. He has thirst for our love... These words:

“I thirst”... Do they echo in our soul?

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—ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA

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An angel by Bernini, holding one of the symbols of the Passion, on the Castel Santâ€™Angelo bridge

APRIL 2020 INSIDE THE VATICAN

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THE EASTER TRIDUUM ESSAY

“TOUCH ME NOT”

THE “EIGHTH WORD” WAS THE FIRST CHRIST SPOKE AFTER HIS RESURRECTION, TO MARY MAGDALEN, WHO CAME TO THE TOMB TO ANOINT HIS DEAD BODY...

ut Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:11-18)

n Jesus’ public ministry, Mary had rightly reverenced Jesus as teacher and rabbi, but Jesus the Lord is doing more now than merely leading an earthly life and fitting into earthly categories. In effect, Jesus is saying to Mary, “Don’t go on clinging to what in Me is familiar to you. Step back, take a good look, and then go tell my brothers what you see.” When Mary Magdalene has done this, she runs to the apostles and says, “I have seen the LORD” (Jn 20:18). I show the word “LORD” in uppercase in this quote because up until this point, Mary used the word “Lord” as a title of human respect. She said, “They have taken my Lord and I don’t know where they have put Him.” No longer clinging to Him in merely a familiar way, Mary now says, “I have seen the LORD,” in a divine sense. —Msgr. Charles Pope, In Mission

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REMEMBER ME IN PARADISE

My forgiving Savior, I am condemned justly for my sins

and deserve death. Forgive me and have mercy on me, dear Lord. I repent of my sins and ask You for the grace to be remembered by You in Your glorious Kingdom.

â€”Poem by St. Teresa of Calcutta

Noli me tangere by Titian Vecellio, National Gallery, London

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

n BY MOTHER MARTHA

Stefano Navarrini illustration

TABLES NEAR RAPHAEL

lready an acclaimed artist, at the end of 1508 Raphael (1483-1520) left Florence for Rome, where he lived for the rest of his short life. He was invited to come by Pope Julius II (reigned 1503-13), probably at the suggestion of the architect Donato Bramante, who was working on St. Peter’s Basilica. Bramante came from just outside Urbino, Raphael’s birthplace, and was distantly related to the “divin pictor” (“divine painter”), the biographer Giorgio Vasari’s nickname for Raphael. Raphael’s first commission was to paint the frescoes for Julius II’s new papal apartments, known as “The Raphael Rooms” and today part of the Vatican Museums and generally regarded as his greatest masterpieces. Julius II’s death in 1513 did not interrupt Raphael’s creativity. Quite the contrary, Raphael had an even closer relationship with Julius II’s successor, Pope Leo X (reigned 1513-21). His close friend and patron Cardinal Bernardo da Bibbiena was also a former tutor, close friend, and advisor of the Medici Pope. Cardinal Bibbiena had a niece Maria who fell in love with Raphael. Although he didn’t reciprocate, Raphael became officially engaged to Maria so as not to lose favor with the cardinal and the Pope. However, he kept on postponing their marriage. Leo X may have promised to make him a cardinal, but his heart, it seems, belonged to Margherita Luti, the daughter of Francesco Luti, a baker (fornaio) from Siena, who lived on Via del Governo Vecchio just across the Tiber from St. Peter’s. Although no one cites a date, supposedly the lovers first met after Raphael watched her bathing her feet in the Tiber in a garden near his first Roman home in Trastevere. They would meet in a nearby house, maybe hers, now the restaurant Romolo at Via di Settimiana 8, which specializes in delicious Roman dishes with excellent service. House specialties: cacio e pepe, all’amatriciana, carbonara, trippa, coda alla vaccinara, and saltimbocca. It’s also said, that, when commissioned by the very rich banker Agostino Chigi to decorate his nearby Villa

Farnesina, Raphael couldn’t concentrate on his work until Margherita was allowed to come to live at his side there. She was also one of his models: for his Madonna della Seggiola and his Madonna di Foligno, the kneeling figure in the Vatican Museums’ Transfiguration, the Ecstasy of St. Cecilia, and Galatea. His La Velata and La Fornarina are both her portraits. La Fornarina, identified by Vasari as Raphael’s mistress, wears a blue ribbon on her left arm with the artist’s name. X-rays during restoration in 2012 revealed a ring with a ruby on the third finger of her left hand, which had been painted over by Raphael’s apprentices. Other symbols of the artist’s love for Margherita are the pearls, margarita in Latin, in both canvases. Although generously provided for in his will, on his deathbed Raphael sent Margherita away. At the time there were rumors that they’d been secretly married in spite of her humble origins. A document discovered in 1897 reports that she retired to the Convent of Santa Apollonia in Trastevere four months after Raphael’s death, registered as “widow Margherita.” Instead, Maria, who died a maiden before Raphael, may be buried with him in the Pantheon. Raphael or his apprentices installed a memorial plaque to her there. All three carried the truth to their graves. Their story has been the subject of numerous artworks: by Ingres, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Turner and Picasso, to name just a few. For a very special meal overlooking the Pantheon, head to rooftop “Idylio by Apreda” in the 5-star Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel. Only six months after opening last year, Neapolitan Chef Francesco Apreda, formerly executive chef at Imagò, the rooftop restaurant in the deluxe Hassler Hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps, was awarded a Michelin star. You can order à la carte or choose among three tasting menus: “Inside the Pantheon,” or Rome through Apreda’s eyes (120 euros); “Iconic Signature by Apreda” (140 euros), a journey through Apreda’s experience of gourmet dishes from around the world; or “Seasons at the Pantheon” (160 euros).m

In the paintings, from left: Pope Julius II, Cardinal Bernardo Bibbiena, La Fornarina and La Velata. In the photo, center, Neapolitan Chef Francesco Apreda

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