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.
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.
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.
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."
Lent comes ‘to reawaken us,’ pope says at Ash Wednesday Mass
ROME (CNS) — Lent is meant to wake up Christians and help them see that God can give them the strength to change their...
Priest’s ministry helps kids overcome trauma of living on the streets
A group of young boys scurried about their cottage completing household chores, all part of the normal daily routine at the House and Treasure of St. Martin de Porres.
Pope: Anointing the sick doesn’t bring bad luck, it brings Jesus
Never hesitate to call a priest to bless and anoint sick or elderly family members, Pope Francis said. The sacrament brings Jesus closer to those in need, strengthening their faith and hope.
Go directly to confession, don’t wait, pope says at audience
If you haven't been to confession recently, don't wait, Pope Francis told people at his weekly general audience. One may walk into the confessional with a heavy heart, but forgiveness brings freedom and lightness.
"If a lot of time has passed, don't lose even one more day. Go," the pope said Feb. 19
Mass to pray for persecuted Church in Middle East
Bishop Nevares will celebrate a Mass Feb. 16 at St. Anne Church in Gilbert to pray for the persecuted Christians of the Middle East.
‘Troublemaker’ pope reshaping church, but drawing some skepticism
As early on as it is for the pontificate of Pope Francis, his statements and actions already have given guidance for how simple changes can improve the world, said panelists at Georgetown University.
