Faith is lived with gratitude, not slave-like duty, Pope says
VATICAN – God always loves and generously gives first before asking for fidelity to his commandments -- which are the words of a loving father showing people the right way to live, Pope Francis said.
South Korean bishops call on Catholics to pray novena after historic summits
SEOUL, South Korea – Following two historic summits involving North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un, South Korea’s bishops are calling on Catholics to pray a novena for nine specific intentions for the Korean peninsula June 17 - 25.
Pope Francis: Are we truly capable of listening to the cries of the poor?
VATICAN – How is it that God in heaven can hear the cries of the poor, but so many people watching or standing nearby either cannot or just do not care, Pope Francis asked.
Council of Cardinals finalizes draft of Roman Curia's governing document
VATICAN – Pope Francis will review a finalized draft of the apostolic constitution that would govern the Roman Curia, the Vatican spokesman said.
Biggest danger is in life is mediocrity, living in fear, Pope says
VATICAN – The worst enemies in a young person's life aren't the problems they may face, Pope Francis said.
Pope tells children to remembers their roots while sharing his childhood memories
VATICAN – Pope Francis told Italian schoolchildren that he grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, "the most beautiful city in the world," and that besides playing soccer, he loved to fly kites as a child.
Blasphemy is the gravest sin, Pope says
VATICAN – During his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis discussed the incomprehension Christ faced during his earthly ministry, from both the scribes and his own family.
Gossip destroys Holy Spirit's gift of peace, Pope says
VATICAN – Peace is a gift that can easily be destroyed through petty gossip and speaking ill of others, Pope Francis said.
Pope's June prayer intention focuses a more inclusive social media
VATICAN – In his prayer video for June, Pope Francis asked that digital communications and social media platforms would be a place of inclusion and encounter, rather than isolation and “alienation.”
No sin can erase 'spiritual seal' of baptism, Pope says
VATICAN – The baptismal font is a tomb in which a person dies to sin, and it is a womb through which a person is born to new life in Christ, Pope Francis said.
Either you are with God or with Satan, Pope says
VATICAN – Baptism requires rejecting Satan and professing one's full faith in God, Pope Francis said.