Pope Francis appeals for aid as famine grips South Sudan
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis appealed for humanitarian assistance to South Sudan where famine threatens the lives of millions of people already suffering due to a three-year civil war.
Toronto family tells their story of migration directly to Pope Francis
A Toronto family had the chance to take centre stage during an audience with Pope Francis at the VI International Forum on Migration and Peace in the Vatican Feb. 21.
Pope Francis: creation is a sign of hope – we have to take care of it
VATICAN CITY – On Wednesday Pope Francis said creation has often suffered because of humanity’s sins and failings, stressing that we must take care of it because as Christians, we see signs of hope in Christ’s Resurrection in nature every day.
Pope's homily: ‘Holy shame overcomes temptation of ambition’
Pope Francis began his homily at daily Mass noting that “We will all be tempted.” He drew inspiration from the First Reading, which recalls that whoever wishes to serve the Lord must prepare for temptations, and the Gospel reading, in which Jesus tells his disciples of his impending death.
Vatican's new health charter goes beyond patient-doctor relations
VATICAN CITY – When updating the Catholic Church's medical and bioethical charter, experts decided it wasn't enough to aim the guidelines at health care professionals.
This couple gave to persecuted Christians, and Pope Francis responded
MADRID, Spain – Josefa Rodríguez and Amaro Pesquero were not expecting to receive a letter from Pope Francis.
Integration key to quelling fear of migrants, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY – On Friday Pope Francis paid a visit to Rome’s Roma Tre university, stressing to students the importance of dialogue, listening and integration in putting an end to the fear that can at times be generated in the face of welcoming new migrants.
Special Olympians show world that 'every person is a gift,' Pope says
VATICAN CITY – The athletes of the Special Olympics witness to the world the beauty and value of every human life and the joy that comes from reaching a goal with the encouragement and support of others, Pope Francis said.
War begins in a person’s heart, for this reason we are all responsible for caring for peace. This was Pope Francis’ message during his morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta.
VATICAN CITY – Vatican heavyweight Cardinal Reinhard Marx said there may be tensions within the Roman Catholic Church but stressed Pope Francis has the full support of his senior cardinals.
Pope's homily: Preach the Gospel with courage, prayer, and humility
Courage prayer, and humility: these are the traits that distinguish the great “heralds” who have helped the Church to grow in the world, who have contributed to its missionary character. Pope Francis was speaking at the morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta, taking his inspiration from the Liturgy and from the example of Sts Cyril and Methodius, the patrons of Europe, who are honoured today.
Pope Francis seeks forgiveness from clergy sex abuse victims
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has condemned clerical sex abuse as an “absolute monstrosity” and asked victims and their families for forgiveness on behalf of the Catholic Church.
Pope's homily: Lack of brotherhood leads to war and bloodshed
Pope Francis on Monday spoke of the importance of the bond of brotherhood and of how easy it is for petty jealousies and envy to damage that bond and set off a process that can lead to the destruction of families and peoples.
Celebrating marriage: Newlyweds look to Pope for blessings, strength
VATICAN CITY – Each week dozens of newlyweds, dressed again in their wedding gowns and tuxedoes, come to the Vatican to receive a special papal blessing as they begin their lives together.