FAITH/STORIES
Pope Francis writes to Ukrainians after nine months of conflict
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceNine months after Russia launched its war on Ukraine, Pope Francis wrote to the Ukrainian people expressing his admiration for their courage and commitment to their country in the face of so much death and destruction.
Vatican offers guidelines for investing in a way consistent with faith
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceNo investment of money is morally neutral; "either God's kingdom is being advanced by the assets we deploy, or it is being neglected and undermined," said a new Vatican document.
Pope Francis tells patriarch Catholics are ready for a common Easter date
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceMeeting the U.S.-born patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, Pope Francis expressed his hope that Christians of the East and West could finally agree on a common date for celebrating Easter.
Showing love, mercy are key to entering heaven, Pope Francis says on All Souls' Day
As Christians await their death and the final judgment of God, the Gospel tells them what they must do to be welcomed into heaven: love others because God is love, Pope Francis said.
The devil enters through pornography, Pope Francis tells young priests, seminarians
After telling a funny story about receiving a cellphone decades ago that was "as big as a shoe," Pope Francis went on to encourage young priests and seminarians to use technology and social media, but to avoid pornography at all costs.
Cries for peace can't be ignored, Pope Francis says at interreligious meeting
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceStanding in front of an ancient symbol of violent battles, Pope Francis and religious leaders from around the world echoed "the cry for peace" of people suffering the impact of conflicts around the world, but especially in Ukraine.
Vatican, China renew agreement on appointing bishops
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceSaying it is committed to "respectful dialogue" with China's communist government and to "fostering the mission of the Catholic Church and the good of the Chinese people," the Vatican announced it has renewed its agreement with China on the appointment of bishops.
Indigenous traditions enrich Catholic faith
By Susan Korah, Catholic Register SpecialIt was a double celebration — the launch of a first book of its kind by an Anishinaabe Catholic woman, and a powerful lesson on how a harmonious blend of indigenous rituals and practices with those of Western Christianity could illuminate the path to a renewed spirit of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and an enriched Catholic Church.
Pope Francis prays for unity of church as he celebrates anniversary of Vatican II
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceThe Second Vatican Council was the universal Catholic Church's response to God's love and to Jesus' command to feed his sheep, Pope Francis said, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the council's opening.
Tourist detained after toppling busts at Vatican Museums
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceA tourist who toppled two ancient Roman busts in the Vatican Museums has been handed over to Italian police, the Vatican said.
Pope Francis set to be first pope to visit Bahrain
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceThe Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis intends to visit the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain Nov. 3-6.
Renewal of Vatican agreement with China appears to be on the horizon
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceAs the October deadline approaches for the extension of the Vatican's agreement with the Chinese government, the newly appointed editor of the news agency of the Dicastery for Evangelization said the deal has been instrumental in allowing Catholics to practice their faith openly and in communion with the church.
Blessed John Paul I, 'the smiling pope,' showed God's goodness, Pope Francis says
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceBeatifying Blessed John Paul I, Pope Francis praised the late pope for showing the world God's goodness and for living the Gospel without compromise.