Don't be afraid of shame, open hearts to God's mercy, Pope says
VATICAN – Feeling ashamed of one's sins does not mean wallowing in guilt, rather it is the gateway all men and women can use to experience firsthand God's tender mercy and forgiveness, Pope Francis said.
Leave Mass committed to Christian witness, not with a 'loose tongue', Pope says
VATICAN – The final words at Mass – "Go in peace" – are an invitation to Christians to proclaim God's blessings through their lives, not an opportunity to go outside and speak ill of others, Pope Francis said.
Christ is victorious over all that divides people, Pope says
VATICAN – Easter is a feast that calls Christians to gather together, make a commitment to dialogue and to work for the common good, Pope Francis said.
Urbi et orbi: Death, fear do not have the last word, Pope says
VATICAN – Easter makes it clear that in the life of Jesus, but also in the lives of modern men and women, "death, solitude and fear" do not have the last word, Pope Francis said before giving his Easter blessing.
Easter Vigil: Hope breaks routine, unleashes creativity, Pope says
VATICAN – Truly celebrating Easter means allowing Jesus to triumph over personal fears and give life to hope, creativity and care for others, Pope Francis said.
Pope on Good Friday: Jesus' church offers truth, comfort despite efforts to discredit it
ROME – Leading a prayer to God for the grace to feel ashamed and repentant for so many sins in the world, Pope Francis highlighted the hope that always comes from Jesus.
Youth have a mission to rescue human love, papal preacher says
VATICAN – Papal preacher Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa dedicated his Good Friday homily to young people, comparing them to the apostle John and urging them to have the courage to go in the opposite direction of the selfishness of the world, running instead toward the sacrificial love of Jesus on the cross.
Christians may be sinners, but they can't be corrupt, Pope says
VATICAN – Though they may go to church and say they are people of faith, the corrupt and "mafioso" have absolutely nothing Christian about them, Pope Francis said.
Canadian bishops: Let Easter be our call to reconciliation
The following is the Easter message from Bishop Lionel Gendron, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- By CCCB
Mary, Mother of the Church should be celebrated this year, Cardinal Sarah says
VATICAN – Reminding bishops, pastors and Catholics around the world that all Latin-rite Catholics should celebrate the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church on the Monday after Pentecost this year, Cardinal Robert Sarah said the celebration should take precedence over any other possible liturgy that day.
The Easter Triduum leads to understanding of Passion
On Ash Wednesday, the mark of ashes on our foreheads led us into our journey of faith in the Holy Season of Lent. Throughout this journey, we have tried to make some progress in our spiritual lives so we can be ready to celebrate Easter.