Pope: Synodal and Lenten journeys require effort, sacrifice, focusing on God
Tradition is a source of inspiration for seeking out new paths to take with Jesus and for avoiding the traps of stagnation or impromptu experimentation, Pope Francis said.
Catholics must overcome ‘temptation’ of divisions, pope says
Laypeople are not "guests" in the Catholic Church and priests are not the "bosses," Pope Francis said; rather all the baptized belong and share responsibility for its life and mission.
Take a risk on love; don’t be overly prudent in relationships, pope says
Christians are called to live the "imbalance of love" modeled by the cross rather than be overly prudent in relationships, Pope Francis said.
Pope clarifies rules limiting celebration of pre-Vatican II Mass
Diocesan bishops must have Vatican authorization to allow the celebration of the pre-Vatican II Mass in a parish church, to establish a new "personal parish" for devotees of the old Mass or to allow its celebration by a priest ordained after July 2021 when Pope Francis issued rules restricting the celebration, he said.
To be an apostle is to serve, not move up church’s hierarchy, pope says
Being an apostle does not mean climbing up the church's hierarchy to look down on others but humbling oneself in a spirit of service, Pope Francis said.
Liturgical elements must foster prayer, sense of communion, pope says
The aesthetic and artistic elements surrounding the liturgy must foster prayer and a sense of communion, Pope Francis said.
Synod vigil to be expression of ‘ecumenism of solidarity,’ pastor says
Planning an ecumenical prayer vigil for the Catholic Church's Synod of Bishops and making a commitment to participating in it is an expression of "an ecumenism of solidarity," said the Rev. Anne-Laure Danet, ecumenical officer for the French Protestant Federation.
Places that inspire people to live wisely, well are needed today, pope says
Places that serve as "oases of encounter" are needed today so that visitors can be inspired to live wisely and well, Pope Francis told representatives of a Buddhist organization.
Commission focuses on ensuring synod will be prayerful experience
At the end of their first meeting, three members of the preparatory commission for the assembly of the Synod of Bishops said they know some Catholics have very high expectations for the process while others have intense anxiety.
Accept God’s love, share it with others, pope tells Josephites
The secret to lovingly ministering to others is first allowing oneself to experience the overwhelming love of God, Pope Francis told priests belonging to the Josephites of Murialdo, the Murialdine Sisters of St. Joseph and the laypeople who work with them.
