WASHINGTON - Canonizing the 18th-century Spanish missionary Junipero Serra, Pope Francis insisted a person's faith is alive only when it is shared.
Pope Francis tells U.S. bishops to reject ‘harsh and divisive’ battles, be open to others
By David Gibson, Religion News ServiceWASHINGTON - In a deeply personal talk that blended poetry and a new set of marching orders for the U.S. hierarchy, Pope Francis told U.S. bishops to reject “harsh and divisive language” and to reach out to the world, especially those in need.
Be shepherds concerned only for God and others, Pope tells U.S. bishops
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - Acknowledging the real challenges and burdens the U.S. bishops face in their ministry, Pope Francis shared with them his own experience as a pastor and urged them to keep their eyes focused on Jesus and their hearts open to others.
Pope seeking to reconcile and build bridges
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterPope Francis may have kickstarted a process of re-establishing diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States more than a year ago, but this Pope has no intention of leaving well enough alone.
Pope’s message has inspired so many Americans, Obama says
By Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - Pope Francis introduced himself to President Barack Obama and all people of the United States as a "son of an immigrant family" arriving in the United States for the first time to learn from others and to share from his own experience.
Pope Francis tickets prompt debate: Is it better to scalp or to receive?
By David Gibson, Religion News ServiceNEW YORK - When free tickets to see Pope Francis’ procession through Central Park on Sept. 25 started appearing for sale at huge markups on web sites like Craigslist and eBay, the reaction was swift and strong.
Pope Francis arrives, reassures Americans: ‘I’m a Catholic, not a communist!’
By David Gibson, Religion News ServiceWASHINGTON - Pope Francis touched down in Washington on Sept. 22 after a historic visit to Cuba, the first Latin American Pope in history on his first trip to the United States. He comes “as a migrant,” as a top papal aide put it, on a six-day visit filled with great expectations for the popular pontiff but also numerous challenges.
Meeting reporters on plane, Pope defends his teaching on social issues
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM CUBA - Pope Francis defended his position on the economy, the environment and other social issues as faithful repetitions of the basic Catholic social doctrine.
As Francis arrives in U.S., fans of all stripes welcome, watch and wait
By Adelle M. Banks, Religion News ServiceWASHINGTON - With cellphone cameras held high and cheers of delight, an enthusiastic and disparate crowd of hundreds gathered outside the Vatican Embassy Sept. 22 to welcome Pope Francis to the United States.
Horn of Africa facing worst drought in 60 years
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterJIJIGA, ETHIOPIA - At the end of June the Famine Early Warning Systems Network of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization issued a warning about dry conditions in Ethiopia, Somalia and the rest of the Horn of Africa. On July 5 the UN called it “the worst drought in 60 years” in the Horn of Africa, with Ethiopia and Somalia worst hit.
D&P goes back to the basics
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterClimate change has refocused the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace’s commitments in Africa and worldwide.