Pope Francis has personally decided that markets inside the Vatican will no longer sell cigarettes as of January 1, 2018. The Vatican spokesman, Greg Burke, explained that “the Holy See cannot contribute to an activity that clearly damages the health of people.” Indeed, according to the World Health Organization, every year smoking is the cause of more than seven million deaths throughout the world. Cigarettes were a source of revenue for Vatican markets, as they sell products tax-free, at a price much lower than Italy’s. However, the Pope said “no profit can be legitimate if it puts lives at risk.”
U.S. Bishops to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Florida, June 10-12. In celebration of the
