Pope, in interview, suggests church could tolerate some civil unions

Pope Francis suggested the Catholic Church could tolerate some types of nonmarital civil unions as a practical measure to guarantee property rights and health care. He also said the church would not change its teaching against artificial birth control but should take care to apply it with "much mercy."

Lost in the line of duty

The Diocese of Phoenix, in partnership with area law enforcement agencies and fire departments, remembers all those who have died in the line of duty at the annual Blue Mass. Last week, a local parishioner's name was added to that list: Detective John T. Hobbs, a 21-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department.

Former student recalls life lessons from literature teacher, the pope

Jorge Milia, today an Argentine writer, reveals in a lengthy interview then-Father Jorge Bergoglio's approach to education and teaching methods, which also shed light on his pastoral style as pope.

For Pope Francis, a year of reform and evangelization

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As leader of the universal church, a pope must direct his ministry in both of the ways traditionally described by the Latin terms "ad intra" and "ad extra": inwardly to the church itself, and outwardly to the rest of the world.

Pope Francis: ‘A friend bringing us closer to God’

The world has kept a watchful eye on Pope Francis ever since seeing him on that balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square a year ago. But once he humbly bowed and requested the people to pray for and bless him, they were hooked.

‘Everybody smiles’: St. Vincent de Paul’s dental clinic gives patients bright smiles, brighter futures

Francis Richardson longed for a full set of teeth so much that he created his own using a sheet of white paper and a pen. Before coming to St. Vincent de Paul late last year, Richardson estimated it had been a decade or so since he had seen a dentist.

A walk with God: Youth prepare for ‘Camino de Santiago’ in Spain

For more than a thousand years, millions have made their way through the lush landscapes of France and Spain, traversing what’s known as the Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James. This summer, a group of young people from St. Anne Parish in Gilbert is joining their ranks.

Parishioners lean on Scripture, each other to guide them through Lent

Catholics are now well into the holy season of Lent and challenging themselves to draw closer to Christ through prayer and action.

A life reclaimed: DIGNITY program transforms women who see selves as ‘throwaway’

An eighth anniversary isn’t a traditional milestone to mark. But every day away from the life of human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, is worth celebrating.

Pope Francis’ Game Plan; Part Four: Hear the Cry of the Poor

Pope Francis also hears their cry and has made service of the poor a top priority in his life and ministry. Repeatedly, since his election as pope, he has called for a Church of the poor, a Church for the poor. Let us see why pastoral concern for the poor is so important.