FAITH/STORIES
VATICAN CITY -- Saying he wanted to renew his "urgent call to respond to the ecological crisis," Pope Francis asked Catholics around the globe to participate in the international observance of "Laudato Si' Week" May 16-24.
Pope Francis skips Lenten retreat with Roman Curia due to a cold
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Continuing his recovery from a mild cold, Pope Francis said that he would be unable to attend his annual Lenten retreat with Roman Curia officials.
Humanity, ethics must be at center of AI technology, Pope Francis says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The use of artificial intelligence in science and medicine must be guided by ethical standards that place humanity and the pursuit of the common good first, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis skips penance service with Rome clergy due to mild cold
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis did not attend a traditional penitential service with priests of the Diocese of Rome due to a mild cold, the Vatican said.
Pope Francis: Lent is a time to reflect on God's love, not 'useless sermons'
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceROME -- Ashes not only symbolize humanity's frail mortality but are also a reminder of God's infinite love of people, whom he created from dust, Pope Francis said.
Shut off cellphone, open Bible for Lent, Pope Francis tells faithful
VATICAN CITY -- Lent is a time to remove all distractions and bitterness from one's life in order to better hear God and those who suffer silently and need help, Pope Francis said.
Reconciling oneself to God leads to healing, Pope Francis says in Lenten message
VATICAN CITY -- Lent is a time for deeper dialogue with God through prayer, for renewed gratitude for God's mercy and for increased compassion for people whose lives are under attack, Pope Francis said.
A search for ‘strengths’ in community
By Mickey Conlon, The Catholic RegisterFr. Dominic Barber believes he’s found the tool that will take St. Patrick’s Parish in Markham, Ont., on the path to a stronger, more engaged parish.
Vatican to open WWII archives, research will take time, archivists say
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- When the Vatican's wartime archives open to researchers March 2, it will be just the start of what should be a long, slow process of studying, analyzing and publishing findings, said the Vatican's archivist and librarian.
Vatican official denies use of charity money for London property deal
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Italian Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, denied allegations that money earmarked for helping the poor was used to invest in a London property deal.
Pope Francis: New Vatican finance laws are working
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The decade-long process of updating the laws of Vatican City State is part of the Vatican's support for international commitments to protect people and safeguard vulnerable groups, who are "frequently the victims of new, odious forms of illegality," Pope Francis said.
God's commandments lead to freedom, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- Jesus wants his followers to move from a formal observance of God's commands to an interior acceptance of them and, in that way, to no longer be slaves to sin and selfishness, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis shares frustration with reaction to Amazon document
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis told a group of U.S. bishops that, like them, he is accused of not being courageous or not listening to the Holy Spirit when he says or does something someone disagrees with -- like not mentioning married priests in his document on the Amazon.