Pope Francis says care of environment a new ‘work of mercy’
In a message released Thursday (Sept. 1) to mark the Catholic Church’s World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which Francis instituted last September, the pontiff noted that the worst impact of global warming was being felt by those least responsible for it — refugees and the poor.
Pope establishes new office for promoting integral human development
VATICAN CITY – To promote Catholic social teaching and ensure appropriate assistance to vulnerable people – especially victims of war, refugees and the sick – Pope Francis has established a new office combing the responsibilities of four pontifical councils.
Pope to scientists: Faith doesn't hurt reason, it leads to greater truth
VATICAN CITY – Because scientists can never be neutral in their research, they must not be tempted to suppress the truth and ignore the divine, Pope Francis told health care professionals.
'VatiLeaks': Spanish monsignor who leaked documents begins jail time
VATICAN CITY – A Spanish monsignor found guilty of leaking confidential documents about the Vatican's financial reform has begun serving his 18-month prison sentence at the Vatican.
'Icon of mercy': Missionaries superior describes Blessed Teresa
ROME – Blessed Teresa of Calcutta was a woman who truly felt wed to Jesus, and the freedom she experienced in loving him led her to radical poverty, a courageous outreach and an immense love for the poor, said the superior general of the order Mother Teresa founded.
Catholic mission set up to bring God to hipsters
WASHINGTON – The gray robes worn by the Conventual Franciscan friars may not be fashionable in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, but the religious men appear to be fitting in just fine in the heart of "hipster" country.
For Catholics choosing a new parish, it's location, location, location
WASHINGTON– The driving force behind Catholics' search for a new parish is location – most likely how close it is to their new home.
New Vatican manual warns that sex is not just for pleasure
VATICAN CITY – Sex should be focused on love, not egotism or pleasure, according to the Vatican.
Retired Pope Benedict says it was his 'duty' to resign from papacy
VATICAN CITY – Retired Pope Benedict XVI said in an interview that he felt a "duty" to resign from the papacy because of his declining health and the rigorous demands of papal travel.
Pope asks Jesuits to educate diocesan clergy in practice of discernment
ROME – When it comes to the Christian life, too many seminaries teach students a rigid list of rules that make it difficult or impossible for them as priests to respond to the real-life situation of those who come to them seeking guidance, Pope Francis said.
Chilean homeless in tears at cathedral feast for Year of Mercy
SANTIAGO, Chile – Outside the cathedral, Ricardo Reyes, dressed in a black tracksuit, waited with nearly 250 other homeless people to pass through white metal barriers for a special dinner to celebrate the Year of Mercy. Inside the nave, 10 tables were covered with red and white tablecloths, waiting for the food and guests.