Do not be afraid to be a witness to God’s love, pope says
Christians must not be afraid of being judged or condemned for bearing witness to the gifts and love they receive from God, Pope Francis said.
Papal message to focus on people’s right not to migrate
Reflecting on people's right to remain in their country of origin, share in the common good and live in dignity will be the focus of Pope Francis' next message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Confession, indulgences express and strengthen communion, speakers say
The Catholic Church's ministry of granting absolution for sins and indulgences to remove the punishments those sins deserve is a ministry that builds communion, said speakers at a Vatican course.
Pope: Without power of Holy Spirit, evangelization is empty advertising
To evangelize well, the faithful need to dialogue with God, let the Holy Spirit renew their hearts and lives, and then dialogue with today's world, Pope Francis said.
Pope asks Catholics to renew consecration of world to Mary every March 25
Pope Francis has invited Catholics worldwide to renew the act of consecrating the church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine, to Mary every March 25, the feast of the Annunciation.
Pope calls European bishops to be prophetic voices for peace
While promoting dialogue and building relationships with leaders of the European Union contribute to peace, bishops in EU countries also must be prophetic in denouncing war and encouraging all possible efforts to restore peace, Pope Francis said.
Pope talks abortion, LGBQT rights with young people in Disney documentary
"It's boring to talk to priest," Pope Francis said with a smile as he began an upfront and informal conversation with 10 young people in Rome on their questions about faith and issues within the church.
Avoid polarizing debate, promote healthy scientific discussion, pope says
When presenting its moral teachings on bioethics, the church needs to avoid falling into the "extremist dynamics of polarization" seen in media debates, Pope Francis said.
Confession is ‘encounter of love’ that fights evil, pope tells priests
In a world where "there is no shortage of hotbeds of hatred and revenge," Pope Francis told priests and seminarians that "we confessors must multiply the 'hotbeds of mercy,'" by making it easy for people to access the sacrament of reconciliation.
Pre-Vatican II Mass was formed by ‘clericalization,’ says papal preacher
Clericalization led to the separation of the clergy from the faithful in the church's liturgy celebrated before the Second Vatican Council, said Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the papal household.
