Fear, status quo smother fire of God’s love, pope says at synod Mass

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church’s mission in the world is to spread the fire of God’s love and must not be limited to the “‘ordinary maintenance’ of those who already know the Gospel,” Pope Francis said.

Pope to cardinals: Loving, loyal service requires feeling God’s love

VATICAN (CNS) — A long, snail-paced line of well-wishers waited to greet Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa, Congo, after the ceremony in which Pope Francis placed a red hat on his head.

Without Holy Spirit, preaching becomes proselytizing, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A person who claims to preach the Gospel by convincing people of their beliefs in Jesus is not evangelizing, but proselytizing, Pope Francis said.

U.S. officials seek greater cooperation with Vatican on religious freedom

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Promoting religious freedom, providing humanitarian assistance and fighting human trafficking are three major issues the Vatican and the U.S. administration agree on and on which they will continue to coordinate efforts, panelists said at a joint symposium.

Pope opens Missionary Month with call to share joy, hope, talents

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God wants everyone to take a risk to share with others the gifts He has given to them — their life, talents and His love, Pope Francis said.

Calumny, slander is a ‘diabolical cancer,’ pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The act of bearing false witness to destroy someone is an attack against the body of the Church, Pope Francis said.

Solutions to save, protect forests needed ‘without delay,’ says Vatican Secretary of State

UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — At a time of increasing urbanization, the “irreplaceable importance” of forests is being “taken for granted and underestimated,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, Sept. 23 at a high-level meeting at the United Nations.

Mass celebrates life of famed Memphis Catholic who founded order

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (CNS) — On the night of a full moon Sept. 13, a high Mass in Latin was celebrated in remembrance of prominent Memphis historical figure Mother Mary Agnes Magevney (1841-1891) at St. Peter Church, sponsored by the Magevney Society.

School celebrates 70 years serving as shining light in south Phoenix

Its student population stands at 230, but the school is well-known across Phoenix’s six-digit South Mountain community.

Despite human sinfulness, God’s projects will endure, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church will endure, despite the frailty and sins of its members, because it is God’s project, Pope Francis said.