Pope calls new cardinals to be agents of unity in divided world
VATICAN CITY – The Catholic Church's 17 new cardinals must dedicate their lives to being ministers of forgiveness and reconciliation in a world – and sometimes a church – often marked by hostility and division, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis dismisses critics of his teachings
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is defending his efforts to make the Catholic Church more open and pastoral in its ministry, telling an interviewer that his opponents have a legalistic mindset about Christianity that only sees the faith in “black or white.”
Pope tells bishops to have compassion on those with failed marriages
VATICAN CITY - On Friday Pope Francis stopped by a formation course for bishops on the new marriage nullity process, telling attendees that as bishops, and now as local judges in annulment cases, they must pursue the truth, but never exclude those whose marriages have failed.
Pope Francis, the ultimate headhunter
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is often referred to as the “Pope of surprises” for many reasons. One of them is the unexpected churchmen he chooses to elevate to the rank of cardinal, as he will do with 16 bishops and an elderly priest on Saturday (Nov. 19) in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Today’s warning signs are a call to action
1st Sunday of Advent Nov. 27 (Year A) Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44
The passage from Isaiah is one of the most stirring and inspiring images in the Bible. It represents humanity’s deep yearning for peace, happiness and prosperity, as well as an intimate knowledge of the ways of God.
Finding the real presence of Jesus
When I was a graduate student in Belgium, I was privileged one day to sit in on a conference given by Cardinal Godfried Danneels of Brussels.
Cardinal Ouellet tells U.S. bishops to be 'witnesses to the Risen One'
BALTIMORE – Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops, told the U.S. bishops that their ministry is to be "witnesses to the Risen One."
Time of mercy: Holy doors close, but mission of mercy continues
VATICAN CITY – The Year of Mercy brought more than 20 million pilgrims to Rome, but for Pope Francis, the idea always was that the celebration of God's mercy would be local: have people experience God's love in their parishes and send them out into the world to commit random acts of mercy.
Protecting planet is ethical, moral obligation, Pope says
VATICAN CITY – The vulnerability of the poor and of future generations to the impact of climate change creates a "serious ethical and moral responsibility to act without delay and as free as possible from political and economic pressure" to slow climate change and protect the environment, Pope Francis said.
Four cardinals ask Pope Francis to clarify 'Amoris laetitia'
VATICAN CITY- Citing conflicting interpretations of Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation on love in the family, four prominent cardinals wrote a letter to him in September requesting that he “resolve the uncertainties and bring clarity.”
Let God’s power of love be our guide
Christ the King Nov. 20 (Year C) 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43