Jerusalem, shared ‘security blanket,’ key to Israeli-Palestinian peace
Coveted as a spiritual and political capital by both Israelis and Palestinians, the status of the city of Jerusalem has stood out as one of the pivotal topics in their ongoing peace negotiations.
Pope to parents: Teach your children to respect, defend human life
Respect for human life from conception until natural death is something children must be taught, not mainly with words, but by the example of their parents, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis discovers charismatic movement a gift to the whole church
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — During World Youth Day celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, July 23-28, many worshippers in the crowds could be seen swaying...
At home and abroad, popemobile fills with gifts for pope
When he's riding in the popemobile -- at the Vatican or, for example, in Rio de Janeiro -- Pope Francis uses his hands not just to bless people and hold the babies he's kissing. He uses them to catch things.
This ‘bike gang’ aims to serve community, spread Catholic faith, values
Members of the Knights on Bikes adamantly make it clear that they are not a "bike gang." While they proudly wear a vest with a patch, they claim no territory like a traditional motorcycle club. Instead, as an extension of the larger ministry of the Knights of Columbus, the group is a family friendly organization that seeks to serve the Catholic Church and the community through a common interest in riding motorcycles.
Missionary activity is service to hurting world, pope says in message
In a world that often seems dark and full of suffering and violence, Christians can offer hope by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Pope Francis wrote in a message for World Mission Sunday 2013.
Pope restricts use of old Mass by Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate
Pope Francis' order restricting the use of the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass in communities of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate addresses problems within the religious order and does not contradict retired Pope Benedict XVI's permission for wider use of the old Mass throughout the church, the Vatican spokesman said.
Madagascar archbishop confirms no contraceptives in CRS programs
A Madagascar archbishop confirmed in talks with leading U.S. church leaders that Catholic Relief Services is not providing or facilitating access to contraceptives and abortifacients in its health care programs in his archdiocese.
Pope writes to world’s Muslims at end of Ramadan, urges mutual respect
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As a sign of his "esteem and friendship," Pope Francis said he personally wanted to write this year's Vatican message to Muslims about to celebrate the end of their monthlong Ramadan fast.
Against the tide: the pope rallies a counterculture
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- At a weekly public audience earlier this year, the pope underscored one of his characteristic themes: the countercultural implications of membership in the church.
