With Pope's arrival, 'God has his hand in Cuba'
HOLGUIN, Cuba - A pope's visit is always a blessing, but there is something special about this one, say some residents in the city of Holguin, Cuba's fourth largest city, as they prepare not just for Pope Francis' arrival to the island but also to their city.
Pope Francis arrives in Cuba calling for freedom, better U.S.-Cuba relations
HAVANA - Pope Francis began his visit to Cuba praying for greater freedom for the island's people and calling on U.S. and Cuban politicians to continue moving toward fully normal and neighborly relations.
Little engine that could: Pope coaxes Vatican to open railway to villa
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis' desire for a Church whose doors are wide open isn't just a metaphor for encouraging a greater spirit of welcoming.
Pope Francis will test his diplomacy on U.S. tour
VATICAN - Pope Francis’ diplomatic style and strategy is about to be put to the test — the pontiff is set for a highly anticipated appearance at the UN as part of his U.S. tour.
Vatican welcomes its first family of refugees following Pope's appeal
VATICAN CITY - Embracing Pope Francis' request to sponsor a refugee family, the Vatican's St. Anne parish has welcomed a family of four from Damascus, Syria.
Proposal to loosen Anglican Communion ties draws mixed responses
A proposal to loosen the ties of the bitterly divided Anglican Communion drew mostly favourable reactions in Britain, while African prelates said they needed time to study the matter.
No one can pretend not to know Syrians, Iraqis are suffering, Pope says
Millions of Iraqis and Syrians are facing poverty and even death, neighbouring countries are bearing more than their fair share of the burden of helping refugees, arms dealers are getting richer and the international community seems helpless, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis says he is 'a bit feminist,' thanks women religious for hard work
VATICAN CITY - Calling himself "a bit feminist," Pope Francis praised women religious for always heading to the "front lines" to bring the church's tenderness and motherly love to those most in need.
God’s Spirit rests upon whom it chooses
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Sept. 27 (Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48)
Religion is all about power — that is the judgment of many cynics and skeptics. While this is too harsh a judgment and suffers from a lack of nuance and balance, it contains an element of truth. People sense the power and energy that flows from a close relationship with God and they guard it jealously. Boundaries and rules are established, as well as ways of determining who is in or out, worthy or unworthy. Tight control is maintained over who is allowed to exercise power.
Human nature: is it somehow all wrong?
An American humorist was once asked what he loved most in life. This was his reply: I love women best; whisky next; my neighbour a little; and God hardly at all!
Pope has high hopes for his 'mission' to Cuba-U.S., asks for prayers
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis asked for prayers for his trip to Cuba and the United States, calling it "a mission" he had high hopes for.