Pope Francis greets then-Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican June 19, 2013.

Elitism, clericalism fosters every form of abuse, Pope Francis says

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VATICAN – Sexual and physical abuse by priests and religious and the scandal of its cover-up by church authorities thrive in countries where the Catholic Church is "elitist and clericalist," Pope Francis told Jesuits in Ireland in August.
Pope Francis attends a meeting with new bishops from mission territories at the Vatican Sept. 8. The pope told them that the church needs bishops who promote unity, not "soloists singing their own tune or captains fighting personal battles."

Shun clericalism, Pope tells new bishops

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VATICAN – The Catholic Church needs bishops who promote unity, “not soloists singing their own tune or captains fighting personal battles,” Pope Francis told new bishops from the Church’s mission territories.

A child walks along the shores of Lake Ontario.

Season of Creation an invitation to pray

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Catholics might finally be ready to pray for the most obvious sign of God’s goodness that has ever been seen, touched or walked through — the natural world. 

Young adults gathered on the steps of the Cathedral of St. Paul, Minn., Aug. 20 during a vigil called "Evening Prayer for the Survivors of Clerical Abuse and the Healing of the Church."

Questioning Faith: The truth will make us agents of healing

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As a psychotherapist, I work with people harmed by abuse: abusers who “own” it, and who don’t; falsely-accused people; and many, many people from many walks of life who have been abused.  

St. Joseph and the child Jesus.

Imitate St. Joseph in service, hiddenness, Pope says

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VATICAN – Pope Francis told the Oblates of St. Joseph that for decades he has relied on the intercession of St. Joseph, and "never, ever has he told me no."
Pope Francis greets a recently married couple as he visits St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin Aug. 25.

A fruitful marriage fulfills God's dream for the human family, Pope tells young couples

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DUBLIN – God wants every person to love and be loved, creating a family or community where love is nurtured and shared with all who are poor, lonely or in need, Pope Francis said.
Fr. Justin Huang He prepares homilies five weeks in advance, praying, reading, studying, writing and re-writing what he’ll say in front of 1,000 parishioners each weekend.

A preacher’s guide to a good homily

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VANCOUVER – By the time Fr. Justin Huang stands before St. Anthony of Padua Church on a Sunday morning, he has done 10 hours of preparation and written about seven drafts of what he’ll say.

Pope Francis elevates the Eucharist as he celebrates morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican March 12, 2018.

Eucharist is a taste of heaven on earth, Pope Francis says

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VATICAN – By receiving the Eucharist at Mass, Christians are given Christ's same spirit and a taste of eternal life, Pope Francis said.
The Passion of Christ, circa 1485−1490 (Old Saint Peter's Church, Strasbourg)

God's word on Sunday: Our seat awaits at the Lord’s banquet

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20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 19 (Year B) Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

Pope Francis waves as he leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Aug. 15, the feast of the Assumption.

Pope Francis asks consolation for all who suffer on feast of the Assumption

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VATICAN – Mary's assumption into heaven was a special sign of God's favor, but it also indicates God's desire to save all people, body and soul, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis raises the Book of the Gospels during an evening meeting with Italian young adults at the Circus Maximus in Rome Aug. 11.

Fight church scandal by living Catholic faith authentically, Pope tells youth

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ROME – Members of the Catholic Church sin and give scandal, it's true, Pope Francis said, but it is up to each Catholic to live the faith as authentically as possible and witness to the world the love of Jesus.
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