Negotiating table is only way to bring peace to Syria, Pope says
VATICAN CITY - A negotiated political resolution is the only answer to the crisis unfolding in Syria, Pope Francis said, urging world leaders to do everything possible to kick-start talks.
The fruitful spring of Lent emerges from the womb
Pope Francis had barely begun this year’s Lenten message when the talk turned to women’s wombs.
Pope-patriarch meeting not an ‘all-clear’ sign in relations
VATICAN CITY - Russian Orthodox officials said the planned meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow is not a signal that decades of tension have been resolved, but emphasizes the need to work together on behalf of persecuted Christians in the Middle East.
Pope, Russian Orthodox patriarch to meet in Cuba, Vatican announces
VATICAN CITY - After almost three decades of tense Catholic-Russian Orthodox relations, Pope Francis will meet Patriarch Kirill of Moscow Feb. 12 in Cuba on the Pope's way to Mexico.
Most of us lack the self-confidence for greatness
We all have our own images of greatness as these pertain to virtue and saintliness. We picture, for instance, St. Francis of Assisi kissing a leper; Mother Teresa publicly hugging a dying beggar; John Paul II standing before a crowd of millions and telling them how much he loves them; Therese of Lisieux telling a fellow community member who has been deliberately cruel to her how much she loves her; even the iconic Veronica, in the crucifixion scene, who amidst all the fear and brutality of the crucifixion rushes forward and wipes the face of Jesus.
Open and shut case for mercy
In our city, and throughout the world during this Year of Mercy, several churches have Holy Doors. They’re pilgrimage sites, just like the one at St. Peter’s in Rome, only much closer.
Pope asks Mexican people for time alone with Our Lady of Guadalupe
VATICAN CITY - In a video message one week before his apostolic visit, Pope Francis asked the people of Mexico for some time alone during his visit to pray before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
God wants to save you; will you let him, Pope asks
VATICAN CITY - God doesn't want to condemn anyone; he wants to save every person in the entire world, Pope Francis said.
Vatican downplays film promo, says Pope will not have movie debut
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis will not be an actor in a proposed movie based on the Gospels, a Vatican spokesman said.
Cardinal confirms some priests decline appointment as bishop
VATICAN CITY - Although the number is not high, it is no longer "exceptional" to have priests turn down an appointment as bishop, said Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
Interpreting the Bible through nuance
TORONTO - Chances are you’ve never heard a homily preached on Deuteronomy 20:10-18. It’s kind of difficult to apply these God-given rules of war to daily life in the 21st century.