Pope urges visitors to really get to know Jesus by reading Gospels

Pope Francis asked thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square to be quiet for a moment and ponder the question, "Who is Jesus to you?"

Little Sisters get temporary relief while Supreme Court mulls taking case

The Little Sisters of the Poor have received temporary protection from the federal contraception mandate until the Supreme Court decides whether or not it will hear their case. On Aug. 21, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Little Sisters will not be subject the to mandate’s requirements or the fines associated with resisting it. The court order lasts until the Supreme Court announces whether it will take up the sisters’ appeal. If the Court agrees to hear the case, the protection from the mandate will last until it issues a final ruling.

Mary’s assumption shows life’s aim is to be with God, pope says

"The 'great things' the Almighty has done for her touch us deeply, speak of our journey through life and remind us of the destination that awaits us: the house of the Father," Pope Francis said.

Vatican U.N. representative reports high interest in papal visit

Requests for copies of Pope Francis' environmental encyclical and the demand for tickets to see him at the United Nations indicate enthusiasm and expectations for Pope Francis' visit are running high, said the Vatican representative.

Ideals worth sacrificing for: Pope to challenge U.S. Congress, U.N.

Along with having a winning smile and a warm embrace, Pope Francis is known for challenging people.

Teens say Steubenville conference inspires them, bolsters their faith

The first Steubenville Youth Conference to be held in New York drew 1,800 teenagers from around the country Aug. 7-9 to St. John's University in Jamaica in the New York borough of Queens.

Pope designates Sept. 1 as World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation

Like their Orthodox brothers and sisters, Catholics formally will mark Sept. 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Francis has decided.

Divorced and remarried are not excommunicated, pope says at audience

The 100th general audience of his papacy came following a summer break and had Pope Francis discussing how to care for those who, after the irreversible failure of the matrimonial bond, have undertaken a new union.

Don’t be afraid or ashamed to go to confession, pope says

"There are people who are afraid to go to confession, forgetting that they will not encounter a severe judge there, but the immensely merciful Father," Christ's vicar on earth said.

CRS strengthens civil society groups in fractured Lebanon

Catholic Relief Services and certain groups within the countries it serves are beginning to see fruits of its capacity-building program designed to enhance their ability to identify and meet development challenges.