Pope urges dialogue to end Georgian-Russian territorial stalemate
TBILISI, Georgia – Subtly acknowledging Georgia's ongoing territorial dispute with Russia, Pope Francis urged greater efforts to sow peace throughout the Caucasus region.
Venezuela's opposition asks Pope to mediate dialogue with government
VATICAN CITY – Venezuela's opposition party pleaded with Pope Francis to mediate discussions with President Nicolas Maduro's government to find a solution to the current crisis that has left most of the country without food or basic necessities.
Logic of weapons, self-interest wreak havoc on Mideast, Pope says
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis said he will never give up calling for stronger efforts to bring peace to the Middle East and for people to stop being indifferent to the fate of the region's people.
Pope Francis warns Syria aggressors they will face divine wrath
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis said those bombing civilians in the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo will be “accountable to God” for their actions as he renewed his appeals for peace amid an intensifying civil war in that country.
Former Israeli President Shimon Peres, known for efforts to achieve peace, dies at 93
JERUSALEM – One of the last ceremonies in which former Israeli President Shimon Peres participated as a public figure took place in the Vatican Gardens in June 2014, the last month of his presidency. Along with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, he planted an olive tree at the invitation of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis heading east on Caucasus peacemaking mission
VATICAN CITY – Peace and reconciliation will be the focus of Pope Francis’ first official visit to the nations of Georgia and Azerbaijan later this week.
Vatican concerned about North Korea's nuclear capabilities
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis and the Vatican are concerned about continuing tensions on the Korean peninsula "on account of the nuclear tests carried out by North Korea," the Vatican spokesman confirmed.
Pope tells World Jewish Congress that integration of migrants is crucial
VATICAN CITY – Leaders of the World Jewish Congress said that Pope Francis told them everyone needs to speak out against brutality and help ensure that migrants are better integrated.
Overcome spiritual desolation through prayer, not pills or drink
Pope Francis said silence and prayer is the way to overcome our darkest moments, rather than resorting to pills or alcoholic drinks to escape from our woes. His comments came during his homily at the morning Mass celebrated on Tuesday at the Santa Marta residence.
Another priest slain in Mexico as Pope Francis appeals for end to violence
VATICAN CITY – The Catholic Church in Mexico has been shaken by the recent murder of several priests, with the body of the latest victim found just hours after Pope Francis appealed for an end to the country’s drug-related violence.
Pope Francis endorses Mexican bishops on family marches
MEXICO CITY – Pope Francis' endorsement of pro-family marches made headlines in Mexico, taking by surprise people who saw his speeches in the country in February as being critical of a conservative Mexican Church hierarchy.
Fight hatred with love, respect for others, Pope tells Nice survivors
VATICAN CITY – With some stoic and others sobbing, survivors and family members of the victims of the July terrorist attacks in Nice met Pope Francis during a special audience at the Vatican.
Vanity is osteoporosis of the soul
Pope Francis contrasted the anxiety that comes from the Holy Spirit and the anxiety that comes from a dirty conscience. During his homily during the daily Mass at the Casa Santa Marta, he also spoke about vanity, which “masks” life, making it look like something it is not.
In Assisi, Pope Francis lunches with world refugees
Pope Francis met with refugees and leaders of religious faiths including Christians, Jews, Muslims and Hindus who joined him for a day of prayer for peace in Assisi, home of his namesake, the 12th-century friar St. Francis.
ASSISI, Italy – Jesus' cry of thirst on the cross is heard today in the cries of innocent victims of war in the world, Pope Francis said.
WYD Blog
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Call to arms
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Jesus calls us here to meet him
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Jesus I trust you
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