The visit was timed to coincide with the 90th birthday of Carla Rabezzana, the pope’s second cousin. And, after landing in Portacomaro near Asti Nov. 19 and stopping for a prayer in a village church, Pope Francis headed straight to Rabezzana’s house for lunch.
In the spotlight: Pope visits relatives, Vatican Christmas tree, soccer for peace
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In the spotlight: Eucharistic Congress in Italy, protests in Russia, Hurricane Fiona, ‘Little Amal’
One cannot love and worship the Eucharist without compassion for the poor and marginalized, Pope Francis said at a Mass concluding Italy’s eucharistic congress.
Pope Francis opened the basilica’s holy door as part of the annual penitential rite and was the first pope to do so since 1294. He also prayed before the relics of St. Celestine, whose tomb lies inside the basilica.
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In the spotlight: Roe v. Wade decision, World Meeting of Families, restoring earthquake-damaged artwork
