FAITH/STORIES
SKOPJE, North Macedonia - Pope Francis went to the tiny Balkan nation of North Macedonia to pay tribute to a tiny saint who accomplished big things: St. Teresa of Kolkata.
Honoring St. John XXIII, pope and Bulgarians give witness for peace
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceSOFIA, Bulgaria - Prayers for peace are important, but they must lead those praying to roll up their sleeves, reach out their hands and open their hearts, Pope Francis said at an interreligious meeting in Sofia.
SOFIA, Bulgaria - Twelve boys and girls wearing white T-shirts and dark pants sang for Pope Francis at a refugee center on the outskirts of Sofia.
Pope to Bulgarians: Treasure identity as crossroads of cultures
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceSOFIA, Bulgaria - In a country that has seen many of its citizens emigrate in search of work and a better life, Pope Francis asked Bulgarians to be welcoming of and sympathetic to the migrants and refugees who arrive in their country hoping to get to Western Europe.
Respect rights of indigenous people, culture, pope tells mining industry
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - A "fallacious" economic model that exploits the earth's resources while disregarding the rights and cultures of indigenous people has left the planet in a precarious condition and requires a change of heart that places the common good before financial gain, Pope Francis said.
Nations stirring up nationalism betray their mission, pope says
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Migrants are not a threat to a nation's culture, traditions and values, Pope Francis said.
Letter writers accuse Pope Francis of heresy
By Catholic News ServiceLANCASTER, England - A small group of Catholics has accused Pope Francis of heresy and has written to the world's bishops asking them to "take the steps necessary to deal with the grave situation of a heretical pope."
Satan, not God, tricks people with temptation, pope says
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - God never tricks, traps or tempts his children to sin or commit evil, Pope Francis said.
Christian life impossible without the Holy Spirit, pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Christians must allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit if they expect to live a Christian life, Pope Francis said.
Pope applauds beatification of Argentine martyrs
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis applauded the beatification of four Argentine martyrs -- a bishop, two priests and a layman -- who were murdered early in the country's seven-year long "Dirty War."
People can find peace by visiting those who suffer, pope says
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - People who feel restless or lacking inner peace will discover it when they visit those who are experiencing great difficulty, suffering, illness or persecution, Pope Francis said.
Pope makes donation to help migrants traveling through Mexico
By David Agren, Catholic News ServiceTAPACHULA, Mexico - Pope Francis has donated $500,000 to assist migrants attempting to travel through Mexico, but who are increasingly being impeded by Mexican officials from reaching the U.S. border.
An architect’s quest for ‘transcendence’
By Bishop Robert BarronThough I reside in Santa Barbara, I am in Los Angeles a good deal for meetings and other events. When I’m in the city, I like to walk the downtown neighbourhood. My favourite building to look at while I’m on these strolls is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home base of the L.A. Philharmonic and the creation of Canadian Frank Gehry, probably the best-known architect in the world.