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FAITH/STORIES

Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, is pictured in a 2016 photo at the Vatican.

Christians must convert to ecumenism, cardinal says

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VATICAN – To be effective evangelizers, the Catholic Church and other Christian churches must constantly undergo their own conversion to a stronger commitment to Christian unity, said Cardinal Kurt Koch, the Vatican's chief ecumenist.
Family members bring up the offertory gifts as Pope Francis celebrates Mass marking the World Day of Migrants and Refugees in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 14.
January 14, 2018

Fear becomes sin when it leads to hostility toward migrants, Pope says

VATICAN – Being afraid and concerned about the impact of migration is not a sin, Pope Francis said, but it is a sin to let those fears lead to a refusal to help people in need.
Pope Francis holds his pastoral staff during a Mass marking the feast of the Epiphany in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 6, 2018.
January 12, 2018

Pray with courage, conviction, not mindlessly like a parrot, Pope says

VATICAN – Prayer is a "high stakes" endeavor, requiring courage, perseverance and patience, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis leads his general audience at the Vatican Jan. 10.

Be intentional about silence during Mass, Pope says

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VATICAN – Pope Francis said Wednesday that moments of silence in the Mass should be intentional times of prayer, recollection and communion with God, rather than being viewed as times to just be quiet or not speak.
January 9, 2018
Pope Francis blesses a group of newly ordained priests of the Legionaries of Christ at the end of his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 20, 2017.

Pastors who lead double lives wound the Church, Pope says

VATICAN – Pastors who preach one thing and do another are wounded and harm the church, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis baptizes an infant Jan. 7 in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel. The Pope baptized 34 children during the celebration on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Follow Jesus like the Magi, Pope urges on Epiphany

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VATICAN CITY – To follow Jesus, one must set out like the Magi, leaving comfort behind, following the light and offering the Lord gifts without expecting anything in return, Pope Francis said Jan. 6 during Mass on the feast of the Epiphany.
January 8, 2018
Pope Francis raises the Book of the Gospels during a Mass marking the feast of the Epiphany in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 6.

Bullying is the devil's work, Pope says

VATICAN – Just as the influence of the Holy Spirit is recognized when one does an act of charity, Christians also must recognize the presence of the devil when bullying occurs, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis drinks a mate tea during his general audience Jan. 3 in Paul VI hall at the Vatican.

Don't confess other's faults, own up to sins, Pope says

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VATICAN – Fear and the shame of admitting one's own sins leads to pointing fingers and accusing others rather than recognizing one's own faults, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis carries his crosier as he celebrates Mass marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 1.

Pope urges respect for life on the Feast of Mary, Mother of God

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VATICAN – Pope Francis began the New Year praying the world would demonstrate a marked increase in solidarity and welcome for migrants and refugees.
Pope Francis leads Benediction during vespers on New Year's Eve in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31.

The gift of God can only be met with "heart-wrenching gratitude", Pope says

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VATICAN – At Vespers for the close of 2017, Pope Francis said that the only adequate response to God’s gift of His Son Jesus is one of profound gratitude for the many graces we’ve been given, particularly in the last year.
Members of Italy's Golden Circus perform for Pope Francis during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 27.

Pope: Festivities become a facade when Christ is left out of Christmas

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VATICAN – Only when Christ is the focus of the Christmas season do all the colorful lights, carols, special meals and traditions help create a festive and joyous atmosphere, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis delivers his Christmas message and blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 25.

Jesus' coming is an invitation to conversion, Pope says

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VATICAN – On Tuesday Pope Francis said there is a strong link between the death of St. Stephen, the Church's first martyr, and the birth of Christ, who came to offer message that is often uncomfortable and calls us to convert.
Pope Francis delivers his Christmas blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 25.

Urbi et orbi: We see Jesus in every suffering child, Pope says

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VATICAN – Those who recognize the Lord in the baby Jesus in the manger also should recognize his presence in children suffering today because of war, poverty and immigration, Pope Francis said.
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