December 11, 2018
Jesus gives us joy even in martyrdom, Pope Francis says
VATICAN – God sends his consolation to those in need of reassurance, even when they are facing death, Pope Francis said.
Published in
Reflections
VATICAN – Advent is a time for people to think about what they can change about themselves so that they can sow the seeds of peace, justice and fraternity in their daily lives, Pope Francis said.
Published in
Faith
VATICAN – The fundamental rights of all human beings, especially the most vulnerable, must be respected and protected in every situation, Pope Francis said, marking Human Rights Day, Dec.10.
Published in
International
ROME – In the heart of Rome, near streets of fancy shops already blinged out for Christmas shopping, Pope Francis prayed for Romans struggling to survive and for families in the city and around the world who face the same lack of welcome that Mary and Joseph experienced.
Published in
Faith
December 7, 2018
Fight against drugs, 'traffickers of death', Pope Francis says
VATICAN – Everyone must help in the fight against drugs, particularly governments which are called to confront the "traffickers of death" who produce, distribute or sell addictive substances, Pope Francis said.
Published in
International
December 7, 2018
Vatican urges adoption of global agreements on migration, refugees
VATICAN – Welcoming the finalization of global compacts on migration and on refugees, the Vatican urged nations to adopt the nonbinding agreements to protect people who are on the move and to promote their orderly acceptance in new countries.
Published in
International
VATICAN – Pope Francis approved a new set of laws concerning the structure and governance of Vatican City State in an effort to simplify the many offices and activities of the world's smallest nation and to boost oversight, transparency and budgetary controls.
Published in
International
VATICAN – Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the death of the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.
Published in
International
December 4, 2018
Gay clergy must stay celibate or leave, Pope Francis says
VATICAN – In a book-length interview to be published next week, Pope Francis addressed gifts and challenges for clerical and religious vocations, among them the challenge of homosexuality in the clergy.
Published in
Faith
December 4, 2018
Papal Lamborghini up for raffle; winner gets trip to Rome
VATICAN – A custom-built 2018 Lamborghini Huracan coupe autographed by Pope Francis is back on the block, but, this time with an online fundraising platform, not at an elite European auction house.
Published in
International
VATICAN – There is no growth without some form of crisis and no victory without a battle, Pope Francis told a group of Jesuits.
Published in
Vatican
December 3, 2018
Pope Francis, President Abbas hope to restart peace process between Israel, Palestine
VATICAN – Pope Francis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas renewed their commitment to peace in the Holy Land and a two-state solution to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the Vatican said.
Published in
International
December 3, 2018
Advent is a time for vigilance, prayer, Pope Francis says
VATICAN – Christians can turn Christmas into a "pagan" or "mundane" holiday by focusing on the gifts and the tree rather than on the birth of Jesus and his promise to come again, Pope Francis said.
Published in
Faith
December 3, 2018
Pope Francis leads prayers with Aid to the Church in Need for peace in 'tormented' Syria
VATICAN – Leading thousands of pilgrims in prayer, Pope Francis lit a candle in remembrance of the people of Syria, especially innocent children tormented by the country's eight-year conflict.
Published in
Faith
November 30, 2018
Pope Francis praises witness of Pakistani Catholic, 'servant of God' killed in 2011
VATICAN – Servant of God Shahbaz Bhatti, a Catholic politician from Pakistan who was killed in 2011, is a witness of how to act with love in the face of hatred, Pope Francis said Friday.
Published in
International
WYD Blog
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