Pope gets media's attention as he rebrands church, papacy, says priest

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Pope Francis has rebranded the Catholic Church and the papacy, and the media have taken notice.

Focus on mercy is Catholic-Lutheran common ground, says Kasper

VATICAN CITY – The ecumenical commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017 can be a time to celebrate the fact that Christians are no longer "on the path of separation, but that of unity," said Cardinal Walter Kasper, former president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Those exploiting cheap labour are ‘leeches,’ Pope says

VATICAN CITY – Human traffickers and unjust business owners who become wealthy by exploiting others for cheap labour commit a mortal sin, said Pope Francis. 

Call to study female deacons just one part of Pope’s review of role of women in Church

An exclusive focus on whether or not women might be ordained deacons misses the real point of the conversation Pope Francis had with leaders of 900 orders of nuns May 12 at the Vatican, said a Canadian sister who was present for the gathering.

To ignore the poor is to despise God, pope says at general audience

VATICAN CITY – How Christians treat the poor is the clearest demonstration of their relationship with God, Pope Francis insisted.

Top nun pushes for women deacons, greater role for Catholic women

VATICAN CITY – Catholic sisters globally would be better-equipped to carry out their work if they could become deacons, the head of a global network of nuns has said, an important marker in the sharp debate over women deacons that Pope Francis opened last week.

We can’t discount there is intelligent life elsewhere

TORONTO – Is there intelligent life outside of our planet? It’s possible, said Fr. Thomas O’Meara.

Rosary making turned into life’s ministry

TORONTO – It is a collection of beads hung on a chain or a piece of rope, anchored by a cross. The rosary may not look like much but it is one of the most powerful spiritual weapons Catholics can carry.

An ocean of tears calls for mercy, compassion, Pope says

VATICAN CITY – The tears shed by men, women and children around the world each day cry out for mercy, compassion and consolation, Pope Francis said during a special Year of Mercy prayer service for those who weep.

Pope prays for Orthodox, Catholic Christians kidnapped in Syria

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis led Christians in praying for Catholic and Orthodox clergy and religious kidnapped in Syria and around the world.

When it comes to happiness, there's no app for that, Pope tells teens

VATICAN CITY – Happiness "is not an 'app' that you can download on your phones nor will the latest update help you become free and great in loving," Pope Francis told thousands of teenagers.