ReflectionsFeatureVer2

Spending more money than we need is the enemy of generosity, Pope Francis says

VATICAN – The desire to spend vast amounts on shopping and needless extravagances can prevent Christians from being generous with others, Pope Francis said.
  • November 26, 2018

Bishops must be 'blameless' servants of God, not businessmen, Pope says

VATICAN – A bishop must be "blameless" and at the service of God, not of cliques, assets and power, especially if he is ever to "set right" what needs to be done for the church, Pope Francis said.
  • November 12, 2018

Sacraments are gifts, not for sale, Pope says at Mass

VATICAN – The sacraments are gifts from God that are given freely and are not a way for the church to fill up its coffers to cover expenses, Pope Francis said.
  • November 9, 2018

The meaning of life is found in self-giving service, Pope says in memorial Mass for cardinals, bishops

VATICAN – For every Christian, but especially for those called to ministry, God's gift of life is a call to serve others, Pope Francis said at a memorial Mass for bishops and cardinals who have died in the past year.
  • November 5, 2018

Feast of All Souls a time to remember, to hope for eternal life, Pope says

ROME – The Mass for the feast of All Souls is "realistic, concrete" in calling Catholics to remember the people and events of their past, to consider how they live today and to hope for eternal life with God and their loved ones who preceded them, Pope Francis said.
  • November 2, 2018

Pope closes synod with apology to young people who felt ignored by the Church

VATICAN – Speaking on behalf of all adult Catholics, Pope Francis formally closed the Synod of Bishops by asking young people for forgiveness.
  • October 29, 2018

Holiness comes from practicing the faith, not pious talk, Pope says

VATICAN – Following the Francigena Way, an ancient pilgrims' path, a group of about 300 synod participants and young people from Rome parishes headed to St. Peter's Basilica to pray at the apostle's tomb.
  • October 25, 2018

Beware of hypocrisy, which leavens selfishness, Pope Francis says

VATICAN – Hypocrisy is the leaven that causes men and women to be self-centered and indifferent to the world around them, Pope Francis said.
  • October 19, 2018

Saints risk all to follow Jesus with love, Pope says at canonization Mass

VATICAN – Carrying Pope Paul VI's pastoral staff and wearing the blood-stained belt of Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, Pope Francis formally recognized them, and five others, as saints of the Catholic Church.
  • October 14, 2018

Devil uses friendliness to destroy, encouraging people to be lukewarm, Pope says

VATICAN – The devil is more dangerous when he is polite and friendly, persuading people to be "lukewarm" and worldly, than when he shows his true face and blatantly pushes people to sin, Pope Francis said.
  • October 12, 2018