FAITH/STORIES
Pope Francis, Christian leaders around the globe join in prayer for pandemic's end
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Joined by Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant church leaders and faithful from around the world, Pope Francis led the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, imploring God's mercy on humanity amid the coronavirus pandemic.
VATICAN CITY -- With the number of priests and religious dying from coronavirus-related illnesses rising, Pope Francis offered his prayers for those who died after being infected helping COVID-19 patients and their communities.
'Every man for himself' is not a solution to pandemic, Pope Francis says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- As more and more countries start to feel the economic pinch due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis urged business leaders to seek solutions that will not hurt employees and their families.
Pope Francis announces extraordinary 'urbi et orbi' blessing March 27
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time March 27.
Vatican says Holy Week liturgies must proceed even if pews are empty
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that is causing public Mass cancellations worldwide, the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter can not be postponed or suspended, said the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.
Vatican says general absolution may be permissible during pandemic
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- In places particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic and with severe limits on people leaving their homes, conditions may exist to grant general absolution without people personally confessing their sins first, the Vatican said.
Pope Francis prays for coronavirus victims, workers who died serving others
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis asked people to pray for all victims of COVID-19, including the health care workers who sacrificed their lives caring for others.
Christianity without mercy is impossible, Pope Francis says at audience
VATICAN CITY -- Mercy, which is at the heart of the Christian life, is not a one-dimensional virtue but instead is the acceptance of God's love and the giving of that love to others, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis updates Vatican City State judicial system
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis updated the laws that govern the Vatican judicial system in an effort to establish greater transparency and independence, particularly in financial and criminal matters.
Pope Francis makes mini-pilgrimage outside Vatican to pray for end of pandemic
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceROME -- With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people.
Pope Francis prays for clergy, public service employees working during lockdown
VATICAN CITY -- Standing in the window of the library of the Apostolic Palace overlooking an empty St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis blessed the city of Rome still under lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Vatican says public will not be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The Vatican office that distributes free tickets to papal events has posted a notice on its website that "the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful."
Big graduating class brings big numbers
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterThe Serra CluböÏÓãÊÓƵapp 2020 Ordinandi Dinner on March 3 was the biggest ever, celebrating the biggest St. AugustineöÏÓãÊÓƵapp Seminary graduating class in recent memory.