A little piece of history today: Pope Francis has chosen, for the first time, a woman to head the Vatican Museums. Barbara Jatta, 54, is an Italian art historian and graphic arts expert, who had been serving as vice-director of the museums since June. The Vatican announced the appointment Dec. 20. She will begin her new role as director of the museums Jan. 1, 2017, replacing 77-year-old Antonio Paolucci, who had been director since 2007. Each year millions of people... Read more

This video has been circulating over the weekend. It is a devastating and heart-rending glimpse into the hell that is Aleppo. This morning, we heard from CNEWA’s regional director in Beirut, who has been in touch with CNEWA’s partners on the ground in Syria:  in the area: The humanitarian situation is catastrophic; the weather is extremely cold. Over 15,000 people had gathered in a square in east Aleppo on Sunday for buses to take them to rebel-held areas outside the city. Many... Read more

This didn’t receive much fanfare, but attention should be paid. From The Christian Post: President Obama signed the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, which further strengthens the United States’ effort to combat persecution of religious minorities around the world as part of the country’s foreign policy. “As a world leader for freedom and the protection of basic human rights, the United States should take every opportunity to advocate for people to think, believe, and act according to their... Read more

I can’t recall a pope ever doing this before. Check out the video above. Details:  A video has been released in which Pope Francis uses sign language to deliver a Christmas message to deaf and hearing-impaired Catholics. The Pope signs enthusiastically, asking people to pray for him and offering God’s blessing for Christmas to people with hearing impairments. It’s unknown when the video was recorded, or what prompted it. But it’s incredibly sweet. Read more

From your pal in Queens, Deacon Greg. Ad multos annos!    Read more

From the vault, my homily for this Sunday from 2013… + The other night, for the umpteenth time, they were showing “It’s a Wonderful Life” on television. It’s a cliché, but it’s true: they don’t make ‘em like this anymore. It’s hard to imagine a movie like this today, where old-fashioned virtues like sacrifice and love of neighbor and a sense of duty and loyalty trump personal ambition and a desire for material gain There’s something else, too: the movie’s... Read more

A friend sent this my way and it seems an apt meditation for a snowy, slushy Saturday (at least, here in New York City) when a lot of people are finishing their shopping, wrapping gifts, mailing cards, buying eggnog, hanging lights, baking pies or otherwise freaking out. Not in the solitude Alone may we commune with Heaven, or see Only in savage wood And sunny vale, the present Deity; Or only hear its voice Where the winds whisper and the... Read more