Pope Francis: Ideological 'fixation' feeds schisms
ABOARD 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."
Vatican representative calls for electoral reform in Nicaragua
GENEVA -- With increasing concerns worldwide about human rights violations in Nicaragua, a Vatican representative has called for an immediate return to negotiations and a rollout of reforms necessary to hold "free and transparent elections" there.
Pope Francis cautions Mauritius amid economic growth: care for poor
PORT 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.
Pope Francis appoints three cardinals to lead Amazon synod
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis appointed three delegate presidents for the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.
Text of pope's prayer for workers at Madagascar stone quarry
ANTANANARIVO, 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
ANTANANARIVO, 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.
Fr. Yaw Acheampong: Spiritual journey to Confirmation begins
At the beginning of every academic year, parishes across the Archdiocese of Toronto begin the process of preparing their young parishioners to celebrate Confirmation. It is one of three “sacraments of initiation” — the others being Baptism and Eucharist — that lays the foundations of every Catholic life.
Solidarity, not poverty, is God's plan, Pope Francis says
ANTANANARIVO, 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
ANTANANARIVO, 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.
God's Word on Sunday: God is faithful even when we are not
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 15 (Year C) Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14; Psalm 51; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-32
The Golden Calf is alive and well. It is a powerful cultural symbol for greed, infidelity and idolatry — even in secular settings.
Pope Francis in Madagascar: Help the poor, protect the environment
ANTANANARIVO, 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.