Benedictines keep spiritual oases alive in hectic world, Pope says
VATICAN CITY – The world's Benedictines offer precious gifts by providing quality education, quiet refuge in a hectic world and loving hospitality to anyone in need, Pope Francis said.
York Region christens school after Pope Francis
When students attend a new school named Pope Francis, principal Anthony Arcadi hopes children will embrace the PopeöÏÓãÊÓƵapp qualities of caring, compassion and conversation.
Pope prays for Spanish nun murdered in Haiti
VATICAN CITY – Remembering religious women who too often are the targets of violence around the world, Pope Francis led prayers for a Spanish sister murdered Sept. 2 in Haiti.
St. Teresa of Calcutta will always be 'Mother' Teresa, Pope says
VATICAN CITY – With a large tapestry bearing the portrait of the woman known as the "Saint of the Gutters" suspended above him, Pope Francis proclaimed the sainthood of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, hailing her courage and love for the poor.
St. Teresa reliquary reflects her life, her works, priest says
VATICAN CITY – At every canonization ceremony, people connected to the new saint carry to the altar a relic – often a bone shard from the new saint's body. The relic presented at the Mass for St. Teresa of Calcutta was a few drops of her blood.
An appeal to Pope Francis in Sudanese pastors’ espionage case
NAIROBI, Kenya – As the high-profile espionage trial of two evangelical pastors resumes in Khartoum, Sudan, this week, a human rights group is calling on Pope Francis to intervene on their behalf.
Pope Francis says care of environment a new ‘work of mercy’
In a message released Thursday (Sept. 1) to mark the Catholic ChurchöÏÓãÊÓƵapp World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which Francis instituted last September, the pontiff noted that the worst impact of global warming was being felt by those least responsible for it — refugees and the poor.
Pope welcomes deal with Colombian rebels
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has welcomed a groundbreaking deal reached between the Colombian government and rebels that promises to end more than 50 years of violent conflict.
VATICAN CITY – To promote Catholic social teaching and ensure appropriate assistance to vulnerable people – especially victims of war, refugees and the sick – Pope Francis has established a new office combing the responsibilities of four pontifical councils.
VATICAN CITY – Because scientists can never be neutral in their research, they must not be tempted to suppress the truth and ignore the divine, Pope Francis told health care professionals.
Italian earthquake woke Pope Francis in the Vatican
VATICAN CITY – While Pope Francis has expressed his sympathy for the victims of ItalyöÏÓãÊÓƵapp devastating earthquake, few may have realized the pontiff himself was shaken by the 6.2 magnitude temblor as he slept at his residence inside the walls of the Vatican.
Pope meets with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg
VATICAN CITY – Continuing his dialogue with leaders in the world of social media and technology, Pope Francis met with Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Pope pledges to visit Italian quake victims
Pope Francis led prayers for the victims of ItalyöÏÓãÊÓƵapp earthquake and announced plans to visit survivors in the affected area soon.
VATICAN CITY – After a strong earthquake struck central Italy and with the early news reporting many deaths and serious damage, Pope Francis turned his weekly general audience Aug. 24 into a prayer service.
ROME – When it comes to the Christian life, too many seminaries teach students a rigid list of rules that make it difficult or impossible for them as priests to respond to the real-life situation of those who come to them seeking guidance, Pope Francis said.