Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the new archpriest of the basilica, said June 22 that requests to celebrate, instead of concelebrate, early morning Masses at St. Peter’s by groups “with particular and legitimate needs” may be allowed.

Local media have called the Vatican’s action “unprecedented” in the history of the relationship between the two states.

Offering Mass at the Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia April 11, the pope reflected on Jesus’ appearances to his disciples between his resurrection and his ascension, explaining that the disciples received the mercy of Jesus Christ through the gifts of his peace, forgiveness, and wounds.

“I humbly beg the Holy Father to order the withdrawal of the recent norms issued by the secretariat of state,” Cardinal Sarah wrote in an essay published Monday on the blog of Vatican journalist Sandro Magister.

According to media reports, Bishop Claudio Maniago of Castellaneta, president of the liturgy commission of the Italian bishops’ conference, began a visitation to the Vatican’s liturgy office March 15.

In a joint statement Feb. 23, Caritas Europa and the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the EU (COMECE) said that “commitment to solidarity must be the decisive criterion in this historic moment.”

With the positions of archpriest and vicar general, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti was also appointed president of the Fabric of St. Peter, the office responsible for maintenance of the basilica.

According to a press release, the virtual assembly focused on the Holy See’s annual budget for the current year, presented by Spanish layman Maximino Caballero Ledo, who was appointed to the number two position in the Secretariat for the Economy in August.

These changes may affect the Vatican’s impending trial of the 39-year-old Italian woman Cecilia Marogna, who has been accused of embezzlement, which she denies.

In a video message for the “Day of Contemporary Martyrs” Feb. 15, the pope said, “I hold in my heart that baptism of blood, those twenty-one men baptized as Christians with water and the Spirit.”

Known as the patron saint of couples for his defense of Christian marriage, St. Valentine was martyred by decapitation on Feb. 14. He is also the inspiration behind the modern-day celebration of Valentine’s Day.

“These are unfounded accusations,” Fr. Gabriele Martinelli said during two hours of questioning in a Vatican courtroom on Feb. 10.