In conversations with parishioners, pope reveals he once was a bouncer

In addition to having worked sweeping floors and running tests in a chemical laboratory as a teenager, Pope Francis revealed he also used to work as a bouncer.

USCCB evangelization chair, others laud pope’s apostolic exhortation

Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" ("The Joy of the Gospel") has prompted plenty of commentary, and not exclusively from Catholic circles.

Adopt-A-Family sponsors bring Christmas home for needy families

Megan Kaiser had to humble herself five years ago. She and her husband finally worked up the nerve to visit St. Vincent de Paul’s dining room in Mesa. It’s open daily for breakfast and lunch.

Nelson Mandela 1918-2013: South African cardinal recalls the blessing of ‘Madiba’

Nelson Mandela, who led the struggle to replace South Africa's apartheid regime with a multiracial democracy, died Dec. 5 at his home in Johannesburg.

Calls to hike minimum wage echo long-standing Catholic social teaching

When fast-food workers across the country walked off their jobs demanding higher wages Dec. 5, their actions should have caught the attention of the nation's Catholics, say those who stress that the call for a living wage echoes long-standing Catholic social teaching.

Pope calls on Catholics to end world hunger, join in ‘wave of prayer’

Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted has asked that parishes, schools and individuals join Pope Francis in his call to unite in prayer and action against global hunger.

Pope Francis is third pope to win Time’s Person of the Year honor

Pope Francis is not seeking fame or accolades, but being named Time magazine's Person of the Year will make him happy if it helps attract people to the hope of the Gospel, said the Vatican spokesman.

Our gentle shepherd: Bishop marks decade of serving the Church of Phoenix

On a typical evening, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will make his way to the rectory chapel and pray vespers by himself, silently before the Lord. The bishop kneels using a meditation bench and, since he’s praying shortly before supper, his tummy rumbles.

Honor Your Mother: Thousands celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe

The streets of Phoenix were alive with dance and drums, brightly feathered masks and costumes and loud shouts of “¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!”

Pope Francis’ Game Plan; Part One: The Gospel of Joy

Since his election on March 13 of this year, he has caught the attention of the world. Even non-believers and non-practicing Catholics are paying attention. Pope Francis surprises and inspires, even as he challenges us to love the poor and in them to meet Jesus anew.