FEATURED

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — On a cloudy, damp morning, Pope Francis’ voice echoed in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica: “Open the gates of justice.” With five strong thrusts, the pope pushed open the Holy Door, a symbol of God’s justice, which he said will always be exercised “in the light of His mercy.”

Discovering God's generous love kick-starts a virtuous circle, which "leads us to acting in a way that's more tolerant, patient, tender" and just, he said.

"Firelight," one of Matt Maher's latest songs, was inspired by the experience and legacy of Mother Teresa whose biographical film hits theaters Dec. 4.

A movie premiere at the Vatican is not your typical star-studded event, but did include those Pope Francis, the film's main star, deemed to be celebrities.

The global Church is a week away from opening the Holy Doors so Duquesne University art historian Elizabeth Lev explains their meaning.

Pope Francis concluded his three-nation trip to Africa Nov. 30 visiting countries with as little as 20-something percent Catholic to Uganda, which is nearly 42 percent Catholic.

This Advent message also rightly highlights the upcoming Year of Mercy. Connect with a wealth of Advent resources too.

When we visit a cemetery, there's often substantially more buried there who we don't know than who we do know leaving ample room for reflection on their role in God's divine plan.

Offering a Christian funeral and burial to those who would otherwise never have one is among the corporal works of mercy, but arguably the one least spoken of.

Phoenix are focusing on what it means for the faithful and how the year will be celebrated. The pope has asked that all dioceses around the world designate a “Door of Mercy” at their cathedral or another special church or shrine, and that every diocese implement the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative on the Friday and Saturday before the fourth week of Lent.