Spend time in silence and service before Christmas, pope suggests

In the heart of Rome's high-end shopping district, sparkling with Christmas lights and shiny baubles in the windows of famous designers, Pope Francis prayed that people would spend time in silence and in service as they prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth.

American Life League welcomes Tempe pro-life center as 125th associate

Aid to Women Center, whose work surrounds the Arizona State University community, became the 125th member of American Life League's Associate Program.

Msgr. Christopher J. Schreck appointed rector/president of Pontifical College Josephinum

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Official correspondence from the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, by means of a decree from Cardinal...

Sainthood Now! Catholics rejoice in upcoming canonizations, recall encounters with future saints

When Pope Francis canonizes Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II this month, the eyes of the world will turn toward Rome. Some of them will fill with tears of joy.

Scottsdale parish’s countdown to construction ends with groundbreaking

St. Bernadette parishioners have waited 20 years for the day they would break ground on a church.

British Catholic legislators ask pope to relax priestly celibacy rule

Twenty-one Catholic members of Parliament have written to Pope Francis to ask him to relax the rule on priestly celibacy for Latin-rite priests.

Sundays must be a day of rest dedicated to God, family, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The demands of work can't bully people out of needed time off, Pope Benedict XVI said. Sunday must be a day...

Auxiliary Bishop Nevares celebrates Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Francis

Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares, accompanied by numerous priests and deacons, processed through the plaza in front of the downtown Diocesan Pastoral Center March 15 surrounded by clouds of billowing incense, en route to the Solemn Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Francis.

Argentine Cardinal Bergoglio elected pope, takes name Francis

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, was elected the 266th pope and took the name Francis. The election March 13 came on the first full day of the conclave on the conclave's fifth ballot. It was a surprisingly quick conclusion to a conclave that began with many plausible candidates and no clear favorite.

Students celebrate canonization of school’s namesake

Pope Francis canonized their school’s patron saint, Pope John XXIII, in Rome April 27. That set off a two-day celebration honoring his elevation to sainthood and the school’s new name.