Life triumphs over death as Christians rebuild in Iraq, Pope Francis says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceQARAQOSH, Iraq -- Amid the rubble and bombed out remains of four churches destroyed by Islamic State militants, Pope Francis paid tribute to Iraqi Christians who endured persecution and even death.
Hostility, violence are 'betrayals' of religion, Pope Francis says in Iraq
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceUR, Iraq -- Traveling to the birthplace of Abraham, Pope Francis urged believers to prove their faith in the one God and father of all by accepting one another as brothers and sisters.
Pope Francis, Iraqi Shiite leader affirm importance of dialogue, respect
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceNASIRIYAH, Iraq -- In a low-key meeting followed closely in Iraq and beyond, Pope Francis and Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the influential leader of Shiite Muslims in Iraq, spent 45 minutes speaking privately.
Marian summit part of rosary novena
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterA spirit of veneration for Mary is at work during the 2021 Lenten and Easter seasons as the Marian Devotional Movement (MDM) launched a Canada54 National Rosary Novena and Marian Summit on Ash Wednesday.
Honour martyrs by remaining faithful, working for a better Iraq, Pope Francis says on visit
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceBAGHDAD -- Visiting a Baghdad cathedral "hallowed by the blood of our brothers and sisters" murdered in a terrorist attack that shook the world, Pope Francis said their sacrifice must motivate faith and a commitment to working for the common good.
Pope Francis arrives in Iraq, promoting peace, tolerance, equality
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceBAGHDAD -- To consolidate peace and ensure progress, the government and people of Iraq must never treat anyone as a second-class citizen and must work each day to promote harmony, Pope Francis said.
Women of Faith conference balances the spiritual and feminine
By Wendy-Ann Clarke, The Catholic RegisterDorothy Pilarski is only half joking when she urges the women in her mother’s group to use their kitchen counters as a pulpit.
Pope Francis marks 90th anniversary of Divine Mercy apparition
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Marking the 90th anniversary of the apparition of Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska, Pope Francis wrote a letter to Catholics in Poland expressing his hope that Christ's message of divine mercy would remain "alive in the hearts of the faithful."
Push on to pray million rosaries for peace
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterA team of more than 20 young Catholic ambassadors is working feverishly to rouse believers of Christ young and old across the world to participate in a global mission to pray the Hail Mary one million times by Easter Sunday.
The changing parish
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterIn announcing another reorganization and consolidation of parishes, Quebec City Archbishop Cardinal Gérald Lacroix sought to focus the conversation on “our ability to fulfill our essential mission.”
Pope Francis gives a woman a vote in next synod of bishops
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Xaviere Missionary Sister Nathalie Becquart will not be the first woman undersecretary of a major Vatican office, but she will be the first woman with a right to vote at a meeting of the Synod of Bishops.