FAITH/STORIES
VATICAN CITY -- Christ's cross is a powerful symbol of God's love for humanity and not just a decoration or trinket, Pope Francis said.
Care of the earth, concern for migrants are connected, Canadian cardinal says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Catholics will mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees during the ecumenical celebration of the Season of Creation, highlighting the obligation, as Pope Francis says, to listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, said Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny.
Public invited to attend pope's weekly general audiences starting Sept. 2
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Twenty-six weeks after his last weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis will resume his audiences with the public present, but in a Vatican courtyard.
With millions deprived of basic needs, Christians must act, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- Christians cannot stand idly by and watch as millions of people are deprived of their basic needs because of others' greed, Pope Francis said.
Charity is path to perfection when done for Jesus, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- The central focus of a Christian's life and all he or she does to help others must be Jesus Christ, Pope Francis said.
Thanking God for his gifts brings joy, Pope Francis says on Assumption feast day
VATICAN CITY -- Taking time out each day to be thankful for God and his gifts will lead to greater joy and mark a great step forward for humanity, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis extends Loreto jubilee to 2021
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Since many of the celebrations of the Our Lady of Loreto jubilee year were grounded because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis has extended the celebration to December 2021.
Pope Francis: Trust in God's compassion, tell him everything
VATICAN CITY -- Those who take time to understand Jesus will find he loves them and wants what is best for them, Pope Francis said.
Weapons must be set aside for peace to flourish, Pope Francis says
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- For peace to flourish, weapons of war must be set aside, especially nuclear weapons that can obliterate entire cities and countries, Pope Francis said on the 75th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima.
Pope Francis names six women to Council for Economy
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Renewing the membership of the Vatican Council for the Economy, Pope Francis named six women to the previously all-male board that oversees the financial operations of all Vatican offices and entities.
Vatican says baptisms that used a modified formula are not valid
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Changing the words of the formula for baptism render the sacrament invalid, said the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Pope Francis calls for prayers for Lebanon after deadly explosion in Beirut
VATICAN CITY -- After a massive fire triggered a deadly explosion in Beirut, Pope Francis called for prayers and a united effort to help Lebanon overcome "this serious crisis."
Christians must courageously share with others, Pope Francis says at Angelus
VATICAN CITY -- True compassion requires "courageous sharing," not telling people to go fend for themselves, Pope Francis said.