VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is defending his efforts to make the Catholic Church more open and pastoral in its ministry, telling an interviewer that his opponents have a legalistic mindset about Christianity that only sees the faith in “black or white.”
Pope tells bishops to have compassion on those with failed marriages
By Elise Harris, CNA/EWTN NewsVATICAN CITY - On Friday Pope Francis stopped by a formation course for bishops on the new marriage nullity process, telling attendees that as bishops, and now as local judges in annulment cases, they must pursue the truth, but never exclude those whose marriages have failed.
Pope Francis, the ultimate headhunter
By David Gibson, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is often referred to as the “Pope of surprises” for many reasons. One of them is the unexpected churchmen he chooses to elevate to the rank of cardinal, as he will do with 16 bishops and an elderly priest on Saturday (Nov. 19) in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Ouellet tells U.S. bishops to be 'witnesses to the Risen One'
By Catholic News ServiceBALTIMORE – Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops, told the U.S. bishops that their ministry is to be "witnesses to the Risen One."
Time of mercy: Holy doors close, but mission of mercy continues
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – The Year of Mercy brought more than 20 million pilgrims to Rome, but for Pope Francis, the idea always was that the celebration of God's mercy would be local: have people experience God's love in their parishes and send them out into the world to commit random acts of mercy.
Protecting planet is ethical, moral obligation, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – The vulnerability of the poor and of future generations to the impact of climate change creates a "serious ethical and moral responsibility to act without delay and as free as possible from political and economic pressure" to slow climate change and protect the environment, Pope Francis said.
Four cardinals ask Pope Francis to clarify 'Amoris laetitia'
By CNA/EWTN NewsVATICAN CITY- Citing conflicting interpretations of Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation on love in the family, four prominent cardinals wrote a letter to him in September requesting that he “resolve the uncertainties and bring clarity.”
St. Michael's College created a champ in Red Kelly
By Evan Boudreau, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO – For hockey fans of a few different generations, Red Kelly represents the very best of the game and the NHL.
Cubs chaplain cares for ‘spiritual needs’ of players
By Joyce Duriga, Catholic News ServiceCHICAGO – When Fr. Burke Masters accepted God’s call to become a priest, he thought he was giving up baseball forever.
Catholic Church never likely to ordain women, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SWEDEN – The Catholic Church insistence that it cannot ordain women to the priesthood and episcopacy is a teaching likely to last forever, Pope Francis said.
Vatican cardinal explains limits of eucharistic sharing
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceMALMO, Sweden – The Catholic Church continues to insist that sharing the sacrament of Communion will be a sign that Christian churches have reconciled fully with one another, although in some pastoral situations, guests may be invited to the Eucharist, said Cardinal Kurt Koch.