October 20, 2021

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - Pope Benedict XVI said in a letter this month that he looks forward to joining his friends in heaven. The 94-year-old retired pope sent a condolence message following the death of Cistercian priest Father Gerhard Winkler, and wrote, quote, “Now he has arrived in the next world, where I am sure many friends are already waiting for him. I hope that I can join them soon.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249327/i-hope-that-i-can-join-them-soon-benedict-xvi-sends-condolence-message-after-friend-s-death The Vatican has launched a new prayer website and smartphone app to help Catholics pray for the success of the synod on synodality. At prayforthesynod.va, Catholics can find information in English, Spanish, and other languages about how to support the synod through prayer. During the two-year synod process, which Pope Francis launched earlier this month, Catholics around the world will be encouraged to submit feedback to their local dioceses. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249337/vatican-launches-prayer-website-to-accompany-synod-on-synodality In the wake of last week’s stabbing of a Catholic lawmaker in England, a bishop has called for a greater recognition of last rites as an “emergency service.” Police reportedly turned away a priest who sought to administer the last rites to Sir David Amess, who was attacked and killed last Friday while meeting with constituents. Last Rites help to prepare Catholics for death by offering them the sacraments of reconciliation, the anointing of the sick, and Holy Communion. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249325/sir-david-amess-death-catholic-bishop-calls-for-last-rites-to-be-recognized-as-emergency-service The gang responsible for the kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries in Haiti is demanding a $17 million ransom for their safe release.