ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM MADAGASCAR -- No one really knows what the future of the news media will be, but it will have no future if reporters and the public cannot distinguish between facts and fiction, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis: Ideological 'fixation' feeds schisms
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM MADAGASCAR -- Pope Francis told reporters he hoped and prayed the Catholic Church would not experience a new schism, but human freedom means people always have had and will have the "schism option."
Pope Francis cautions Mauritius amid economic growth: care for poor
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServicePORT LOUIS, Mauritius -- Statistical indicators show Mauritius' rapid economic growth has benefited all sectors of society, lifting thousands out of poverty over the past 30 years, but Pope Francis still urged the island's Catholics to be careful.
Text of pope's prayer for workers at Madagascar stone quarry
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- Here is the Vatican's English translation of Pope Francis' "Prayer for Workers," which he prayed Sept. 8 at the Mahatazana stone quarry:
Pope Francis prays for Madagascar's working poor
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- Standing where the phrase "by the sweat of their brow" is a daily reality for hundreds of Madagascar's poor, Pope Francis prayed for those whose daily bread is earned by hard physical labor and for the unemployed longing to earn a living for their families.
Solidarity, not poverty, is God's plan, Pope Francis says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- God's plan for humanity involves community, mutual support, sharing and caring for each other and for the earth, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis to young people: Change the world
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- Following Jesus means growing in friendship with him and with one's brothers and sisters, never being content with the way things are, but not just griping about them either, Pope Francis told young people.
Pope Francis in Madagascar: Help the poor, protect the environment
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- In Madagascar, where the destruction of the environment and the suffering of the poor are inextricably bound, Pope Francis urged government officials to promote development projects that protect nature.
Leaving Mozambique, Pope Francis urges reconciliation
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceMAPUTO, Mozambique -- When Jesus told his disciples to love one another and pray for their enemies, he meant it -- even disciples in a nation like Mozambique, where political tensions have led to violence, war and death, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis to Mozambique church workers: Move forward, don't be afraid
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceMAPUTO, Mozambique -- The Catholic Church's ministers -- including catechists and bishops -- are called to be realistic, to treasure the Christian identity and to never be afraid to move forward and try new ways to bring the Gospel to life, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis talks peace, politics in Mozambique
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceMAPUTO, Mozambique -- With a courtesy and solemnity seldom seen at a gathering of opposing political leaders, Mozambican politicians came together a month before their general election to welcome Pope Francis and pledge to work for peace and the common good.