VATICAN CITY – While hope can often be viewed as the desire for things out of our reach, Pope Francis has said that the birth of Jesus offers us a new kind hope – one which, thanks to the Incarnation, is attainable and leads to a different goal.
Pope’s world peace day message is built on hope
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterThe annual World Day of Peace message is an occasion that can’t help but highlight the idealism expected from popes.
Mass attendance in Canada more than doubles on Christmas Day, survey finds
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterGoing to Church is a big part of a Catholic Christmas — even if it’s not a big part of the rest of the year for the majority of Canadian Catholics.
Pope Francis: Take a break from busy holidays to prepare for real Christmas
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Make time to get ready for what Christmas really is about – the child born in Bethlehem signalling that "God is with us," Pope Francis said.
Vatican official: Religion in public has never been more at risk
By Elise Harris, CNA/EWTN NewsVATICAN CITY – While violent persecution against Christians assails swaths of territory the Middle East and Africa, one Vatican official says that Western nations face a different type of oppression, marked by the push to eliminate religion from public life.
Year of Mercy was especially needed in South Sudan, bishop notes
By Matt Hadro, CNA/EWTN NewsYAMBIO, South Sudan – The Jubilee Year of Mercy was observed throughout the world but one bishop in South Sudan, suffering from war and famine, said it was especially needed in his country.
Indian missionaries teach faith by living among poor in remote areas
By Barb Fraze, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON – In remote northeastern India, where Christianity is largely unknown, members of two Eastern Catholic churches are taking people on a journey of faith simply by living with them.
Catholic Church could play larger role in a post-Fidel Castro Cuba
By Rick Jervis, Religion News ServiceThe relationship between Fidel Castro and the Cuban Catholic Church has been a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs, though it has noticeably improved in recent years.
Patriarch Bartholomew says 'Amoris Laetitia' is about God's mercy
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Knowing the debate surrounding Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation on the family, Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople said the document "first and foremost recalls the mercy and compassion of God and not just moral norms and canonical rules."
Pope extends special Year of Mercy provisions, including mandate on abortion
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Initiatives undertaken during the special Year of Mercy must continue, including granting absolution to those who confess to having an abortion, Pope Francis said.
Year of Mercy affirmed dignity, sacredness of life, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Visiting young women rescued from forced prostitution and meeting with a mother inconsolable over the loss of one of her newborn triplets are images from the Year of Mercy that Pope Francis said remain impressed on his heart.