Fr Reginald Foster 
Fr Reginald Foster, a friar of the Discalced Carmelite Order, passed away on Christmas day at the age of 81.
Originally from Milwaukee in the US state of Wisconsin, Fr Reginald spent almost 40 years as one of the Vatican’s foremost experts in the Latin language. He worked in the Latin Letters section of the Secretariat of State from 1970 until his retirement in 2009.
Fr Reginald became known on Vatican Radio as the “Latin-lover”.
His radio personality was eminently informed by his years of experience as the Latinist of the Popes.
Fr Reginald also received global acclaim for his unique pedagogical method and his presentation of Latin as a living language.
Generations of students, as well as Vatican Radio listeners, fell in love with the classical language through him.
He taught for years at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and held an annual Aestiva Romae Latinitas, always offered free-of-charge.
In 2010, the University of Notre Dame awarded Fr Reginald an honorary Doctorate for his contribution to Latin studies.
Administration of Secretariat of State holdings passes to APSA
With the Motu Proprio focusing on areas of competence in economic and financial matters, dated December 26 and published December 28, Pope Francis authorises the transfer of the management of financial investments and real estate holdings owned by the Secretariat of State (including the administration of Peter’s Pence), over to the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), effective as of 1 January 2021.
Pope Francis previously announced this decision last August in a letter to the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin; it was then subsequently developed by a special “Commission of transfer and control” established in early November.
The transfer marks a significant step towards a centralised management of investments, which decreases autonomy, increases oversight, and demonstrates how Pope Francis not only launches reforms, but accompanies them with guidelines.
At the beginning of the Motu Proprio, the Pope writes that “a better organisation of the administration, control and supervision of the economic and financial activities of the Holy See” is fundamental in the reform of the Curia “to ensure transparent and efficient management and clear distinction of competencies and roles”.
Pope Francis appeals for help for quake-struck Croatia
Pope Francis said he is praying for the victims of an earthquake that struck central Croatia December 29, killing seven people, injuring more than 20 and causing extensive damage.
Speaking during the weekly General Audience, the Pope said “I express my closeness to the wounded and to those who have been affected by the quake and I pray in particular for those who have lost their lives and for their families.”
The 6.4 magnitude earthquake was the second to strike the area in two days. Tremors were felt in Croatia’s capital Zagreb and as far away as Austria’s capital Vienna. Slovenia shut its only nuclear power plant as a precaution.
“I hope that the country’s leaders, helped by the international community might be able to quickly alleviate the suffering of the dear population.”
The worst hit towns appear to be those of Petrinja, Glina, Sisak and Zazina. The area is still in the throes of aftershocks and officials say rescue efforts continue.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who rushed to Petrinja, said: “The army is here to help. We will have to move some people from Petrinja because it is unsafe to be here.”
