At New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Pope embraces nuns once under Vatican fire
By Lauren Markoe, Religion News ServiceNEW YORK - In a grand yet intimate prayer service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Sept. 24, Pope Francis exhorted the priests and women religious who filled the sanctuary to redouble their sacrifices on behalf of the faithful, but he reserved his greatest praise for American nuns who have often been viewed by Rome with deep suspicion.
Pope's visit to Catholic Charities meal seen as sign of hope for the poor
By Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - Benedict Zama looked out from her table and Pope Francis was coming toward her moments after he arrived at the St. Maria's Meal program of Catholic Charities of the Washington Archdiocese.
'No justification whatsoever' for lack of housing, Pope says
By Mark Pattison, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - "We can find no social or moral justification, no justification, no justification whatsoever, for lack of housing," Pope Francis told an audience of about 200 clients of Catholic Charities gathered at St. Patrick Church.
‘Pope is hope’ to New York Latinos
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterNEW YORK - Pope Francis’ appeal to Congress on behalf of migrants has heartened New Yorkers, none more so that Franciscan Father Julian Jagudilla, director of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi’s Migrant Centre.
Pope tells U.S. Congress to stop bickering, world needs your help
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - The past, the promise and the potential of the United States must not be smothered by bickering and even hatred at a time when the American people and indeed the world need a helping hand, Pope Francis told the U.S. Congress.
St. Junipero Serra brought Jesus to the worthy Native Americans
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterAs Pope Francis presided at the canonization of St. Junipero Serra I was inside the Museum of the American Indian down on the southern tip of Manhattan Island — the island purchased from the Canarsee nation in the 17th century with coloured beads.
Junipero Serra a trailblazer, Pope says at canonization Mass
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - Canonizing the 18th-century Spanish missionary Junipero Serra, Pope Francis insisted a person's faith is alive only when it is shared.
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 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.