VATICAN CITY – On the first day of the new year and the 50th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis condemned a terrorist attack which took place in Istanbul early Sunday morning, praying for the victims, the injured and in support of everyone who works to fight violence and terrorism.

VATICAN CITY – Whether the new year will be good or not depends on us choosing to do good each day, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has said the heroic martyrdom of St. Stephen is mirrored in the persecution of modern-day Christians, particularly in the Middle East.

VATICAN CITY – In his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing Christmas Day, Pope Francis prayed that the Child Jesus, also called the Prince of Peace, would bring a real and lasting peace to everyone suffering from violence and conflict around the world.

VATICAN CITY – On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis noted how the coming of Jesus as an infant is paradoxical to the images of grandeur that had accompanied the prophesies on the coming of the Messiah, saying this should challenges us to go beyond the ephemeral and focus on what really counts.

VATICAN CITY – While exchanging gifts for Christmas is a beautiful tradition, Pope Francis said, do not forget the one and only real gift people will ever receive is God's gift to humanity – his son, Jesus Christ.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis furthered the sainthood causes of seven men and women as well as recognized more than 100 martyrs who were killed during the Spanish civil war.

Epiphany of the Lord, Jan. 8 (Year A) Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

Darkness does indeed often cover the Earth and its people, and it is one of our own making.

Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Jan. 1 (Year A) Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

What does Aaron’s blessing tell us about the nature of God?