VATICAN CITY – In an interview with a magazine that supports the homeless, Pope Francis suggested wealthy nations are partly to blame for the migrant crisis and urged Europeans and others to stand “in the shoes” of those arriving at their borders.

VATICAN CITY – People who don't give money to the homeless because they think it will be spent on alcohol and not food should ask themselves what guilty pleasures they are secretly spending money on, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY – Not only is there a good deal in common between Muslims and Christians, but Catholics are called to respect and work together with those who practice the Muslim faith in recognition of truth and goodness they do possess, said Islam scholar Fr. Thomas Michel.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis advanced the sainthood cause of two medical doctors and six religious – many of whom died just a generation ago.

VATICAN CITY – Reaching out to and guiding couples in cohabitation with tenderness and compassion is essential to promoting and defending the sanctity of marriage, Pope Francis said.

WASHINGTON – In more ways than one, Ash Wednesday – celebrated March 1 this year – leaves a mark.

WASHINGTON – Ash Wednesday seems to offer contradictory messages. The Gospel reading for the day is about not doing public acts of piety but the very act of getting ashes – and walking around with them – is pretty public.

For centuries during Lent, Christians have sought to grow closer to God through praying, fasting and giving to the poor.

VATICAN CITY – Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right and a key component in protecting human life, Pope Francis said.

First Sunday of Lent, March 5 (Year A) Genesis 2:7-9, 16-18, 25; 3:1-7; Psalm 51; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

The story of the Garden of Eden and the Fall is deeply embedded in the consciousness of the West. Even those who are not at all religious are familiar with it and it has found its way into art, literature and music.