Happy Halloween. Or—excuse us—“Holyween,” as some might argue.
Pope Francis said a lot this week, but before we get into that, here’s some other news.
First, the Archdiocese of New York announced that more than 50 of its 368 parishes will consolidate. The Archdiocese of Chicago also announced seven elementary schools will close and six will merge with others.
The Vatican confirmed carbon dioxide has caused a bit of a problem at the Sistine Chapel.
Brittany Maynard, the terminally ill 29-year-old who announced her decision to end her life on Nov. 1, revised her decision.
Following decisions made by several other Jesuit universities, the president of Creighton University in Omaha said the university will recognize spouses of gay employees married in states where same-sex marriage is legal, which upset some bishops.
And, most importantly, a priest baptized a baby penguin.
And now for the papal rapid fire roundup:
This week, Pope Francis:
- Thanked exorcists.
- Talked about communists.
- Warned us about the devil.
- Said Judas wasn’t the only sinner.
- Reminded us that God is not a magician with a magic wand.
- Is Elton John’s hero.
