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FAITH/STORIES

Pope Francis accepts a gift during an audience with a group of international performers at the Vatican Dec. 13, 2019. The performers, including U.S. singer Lionel Richie, were scheduled to perform at the Vatican's Christmas concert the next day.

People's hearts yearn for God, not possessions, Pope Francis says

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VATICAN CITY -- The Christmas season is a time to reflect on what life is all about, Pope Francis told an international group of performers.

Pope Francis uses incense as he venerates an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe during a Mass marking her feast day in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 12, 2019. In attendance were U.S. bishops from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin making their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican.
December 12, 2019

Mary is loving mother, humble disciple, Pope Francis says on Guadalupe feast

VATICAN CITY -- Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis said she reminds Catholics of her true essence as a woman, a mother and a "mestiza" or person of mixed race.

A sculpture with peace doves is seen in Beijing April, 25, 2019. In his message for the Jan. 1 World Day of Peace, Pope Francis said the world does not need more empty words, it needs committed, active peacemakers.
December 12, 2019

World needs peacemakers, not empty words, Pope Francis says in message

VATICAN CITY -- The world does not need more empty words, it needs committed, active peacemakers who do not exclude or manipulate, but are open to respectful dialogue, Pope Francis said in his annual message for the World Day of Peace Jan. 1.

Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes.

Causes for sainthood require thorough investigation, Pope Francis says

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VATICAN CITY -- The saints are "the true light of the church," so before they are proposed to all Catholics for imitation and veneration, a scrupulous investigation is required, Pope Francis said.

December 11, 2019
Pope Francis greets a newly married couple during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 11, 2019.

Martyrdom comes from following Christ without compromise, Pope Francis says

VATICAN CITY -- There always will be martyrs among Christians in the world, Pope Francis said.

December 10, 2019
Pope Francis celebrates morning Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, at the Vatican Dec. 10, 2019. The pope said God will console anyone who lets himself or herself be consoled; all that is needed is to ask forgiveness.

Let yourself be consoled by the Lord in confession, Pope Francis says

VATICAN CITY -- Anyone who wants to experience the consolation and tenderness of God simply needs to go to confession, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass.

Pope Francis prays as he leads a prayer service at a Marian statue overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome Dec. 8, 2019, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Pope Francis prays for 'Normandy Summit'

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VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis offered prayers for a summit in France that will seek to bring an end to the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine.

December 9, 2019
A firefighter places a wreath on a Marian statue overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome Dec. 8, 2019, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Immaculate Conception is feast of hope, Pope Francis says

VATICAN CITY -- Mary, conceived without sin, is a "masterpiece" who reflects "the beauty of God who is all love, grace and self-giving," Pope Francis said on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Pope Francis meets with Jesuits in Tha Kham, Thailand, Nov. 22, 2019, during his apostolic trip to the Asian country. In his customary question-and-answer session with his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis spoke about resistance to addressing climate change and about hostility to migrants and refugees.

Pope Francis 'scandalized' by anti-migrant rhetoric

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VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis told Jesuits in Thailand he was "scandalized" by some of the anti-migrant rhetoric he hears in Europe, and he is convinced people are being manipulated into thinking the only way they can preserve their lifestyles is by building walls.

The Christmas tree sparkles after a lighting ceremony in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 5, 2019.

Vatican unveils Nativity scene, lights Christmas tree

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VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican unveiled the Nativity scene and lit the Christmas tree with energy-saving lights in St. Peter's Square during a late afternoon ceremony Dec. 5.

The dome of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

Pope Francis, council of cardinals discuss greater role for lay men and women

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VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals reviewed aspects of the draft of the apostolic constitution that would govern the Roman Curia, including a greater role for lay men and women.

December 4, 2019
Pope Francis leads his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 4, 2019.

Pope Francis: Trust in Christ, not psychics, card readers

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis scolded people who consider themselves practicing Christians, but who turn to fortunetelling, psychic readings and tarot cards.

December 3, 2019
Pope Francis celebrates morning Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, at the Vatican Dec. 3, 2019.

Pope Francis: Great faith sprouts from small, humble actions

VATICAN CITY -- God makes his presence known not by those who claim to have great faith but by those who are little and humble, Pope Francis said.

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