Atlanta archbishop, former USCCB president, named new leader of Washington Archdiocese

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis has named Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta as the new archbishop of Washington.

Spread mercy, build fraternity, pope urges Morocco’s Christian minority

RABAT, Morocco (CNS) — Celebrating Mass with members of Morocco’s tiny Catholic community, Pope Francis praised them for the many ways they “bear witness to the Gospel of mercy in this land.”

Some traditional formalities do not ring true with Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has made it more than obvious that he does not like people kissing his ring.

Pope urges officials to preserve Rome’s historic, spiritual traditions

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As the capital of Italy and center of Catholicism, the city of Rome must work with the Catholic Church to preserve and defend its rich historical and spiritual traditions, Pope Francis said.

Mary inspires, assists those seeking their vocation, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Signing his document dedicated to young people, faith and discernment, Pope Francis said Mary, the mother of God, is a source of inspiration and strength for everyone who seeks to understand their vocation and remain faithful to it.

Pope leads pilgrims in prayer for victims of mosque attack

https://youtu.be/loh57jiBPHY VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis called on Christians to unite in prayer for the victims of two mosque attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, that left...

Pope meets top leaders of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis welcomed top officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes referred to as the Mormon Church, to the Vatican the day before the officials inaugurated their first temple in the city of Rome.

Venezuela detains, deports U.S. journalist, CNS contributor, after military raid

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Catholic News Service contributor in Caracas, Venezuela, was taken by military counterintelligence officials after his home was raided early March 6. Cody Weddle,...

Lent begins with reminder of all that fades away, pope says

ROME (CNS) — Marked with ashes, Christians set off on a Lenten journey where they strive to leave behind everything that will turn to dust and instead focus on drawing closer to God and God’s promise of eternal life, Pope Francis said.

Catholic youth learn significance of ashes in fiery Lenten tradition

COLUMBUS, Ind. (CNS) — Smoke billowed from a small fire pit, rising nearly as high as the steeple of St. Bartholomew Church in Columbus.