Fierce persecution around the globe aims to destroy Christianity
"Without the Eucharist, Christians in Iraq cannot survive." These were the words uttered by Fr. Ragheed Ganni, a young Chaldean Catholic priest martyred in Mosul, Iraq, alongside three subdeacons in 2007. With his cause for beatification open, Fr. Ganni may soon be among those the Church calls “blessed.”
‘You will see…Jesus…Truly present:’ Vatican exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles comes to diocese
For Catholics, there is be no more fundamental aspect of their faith than the moment of transubstantiation. During Mass, at the Eucharistic prayer, the consecrated bread and wine become the actual body and blood of the risen Christ. Worshippers then receive that body and blood minutes later when they take Holy Communion.
Cries for peace can’t be ignored, pope says at interreligious meeting
Standing in front of an ancient symbol of violent battles, Pope Francis and religious leaders from around the world echoed "the cry for peace" of people suffering the impact of conflicts around the world, but especially in Ukraine.
Focus on Dialogue: Papal trip to highlight importance of opening doors
Pope Francis is set to make a four-day visit to Bahrain, a journey that will make him the first pope to visit the Arab kingdom just off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf.
Pope: Church’s concern for the family goes beyond focus on couples
The importance of the family for the Catholic Church and for society means that theological reflection on family life and pastoral responses to the joys and problems of families must focus on more than the relationship between a husband and wife, Pope Francis said.
Thinking you are holier than others is form of self-worship, pope says
"Spiritual arrogance" -- thinking one is holier or better than others -- is a temptation everyone faces and is a form of self-worship, Pope Francis said.
Vatican, China renew agreement on appointing bishops
Saying it is committed to "respectful dialogue" with China's communist government and to "fostering the mission of the Catholic Church and the good of the Chinese people," the Vatican announced it has renewed its agreement with China on the appointment of bishops.
Vatican II was ‘necessary,’ retired pope writes to U.S. conference
The Second Vatican Council was "not only meaningful, but necessary," retired Pope Benedict XVI said in a letter to a conference about his theological work at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Catholic media must be in communion with pope, cardinal tells EWTN
Media outlets that identify as Catholic must live "in a spirit of communion" with the pope, especially at a time of "overly dramatic debates, also within the church, which do not even spare the person and the magisterium of the pontiff," Cardinal Pietro Parolin told employees of EWTN and its affiliated outlets.
‘Forgive me, father’: Vatican seminar looks at why people avoid confession
Every year, for more than three decades, the Vatican tribunal dealing with matters of conscience has offered a course to help priests in their "ministry of mercy" as confessors.
