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'Every man for himself' is not a solution to pandemic, Pope Francis says

VATICAN CITY -- As more and more countries start to feel the economic pinch due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis urged business leaders to seek solutions that will not hurt employees and their families.

Pope Francis announces extraordinary 'urbi et orbi' blessing March 27

VATICAN CITY -- In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time March 27.

God's Word on Sunday: Restoration of life offers us reassurance

Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 29 (Year A) Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45

God is the source of life, but life comes in many forms.

Vatican says Holy Week liturgies must proceed even if pews are empty

VATICAN CITY -- Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that is causing public Mass cancellations worldwide, the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter can not be postponed or suspended, said the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

Vatican says general absolution may be permissible during pandemic

VATICAN CITY -- In places particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic and with severe limits on people leaving their homes, conditions may exist to grant general absolution without people personally confessing their sins first, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis prays for coronavirus victims, workers who died serving others

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis asked people to pray for all victims of COVID-19, including the health care workers who sacrificed their lives caring for others.

Pope Francis updates Vatican City State judicial system

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis updated the laws that govern the Vatican judicial system in an effort to establish greater transparency and independence, particularly in financial and criminal matters.

Pope Francis makes mini-pilgrimage outside Vatican to pray for end of pandemic

ROME -- With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people.

Fr. Yaw Acheampong: Joseph holds special place in Canada

Do you know that St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is not only the patron saint of the universal Church but also the principal patron saint of Canada?

Vatican says public will not be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican office that distributes free tickets to papal events has posted a notice on its website that "the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful."

God's Word on Sunday: Judgment lies in reading the human heart

Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 22 (Year A) 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7,10-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41

Do not judge by outward appearances! We would save ourselves a lot of grief if we would only heed these instructions from God to Samuel. It has been repeated by Jesus in the Gospel of John and many spiritual writers since then.