Advent watching includes noticing God at work in daily life, pope says

Being so distracted that one does not notice God's presence in daily life is a warning sign that one is not being vigilant enough, Pope Francis cautioned.

With America magazine pope talks about church division, women, abortion

In a wide-ranging interview with top staff of America magazine, Pope Francis decried increased polarization within the Catholic Church, affirmed the need to involve more women in church administration but ruled out women priests and emphasized the importance of the ministry of individual bishops over the role of a bishops' conference.

Pope: Spiritual consolation is deep joy that motivates one to ‘do good’

The spiritual practice of discernment, of seeing where God is at work in one's life and what God is calling one to do, includes examining what brings a sense of consolation and spurs one to do good, Pope Francis said.

Dancers full of praise as Honor Your Mother places renewed emphasis on Eucharist

From the choir’s warm, gentle entrance rendition of “Immaculate Mary” to the numerous flags and posters depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe to Bishop John P. Dolan’s reminder of Jesus’ mother’s love

‘Knights’ Kids’ in need get Christmas joy during shopping spree, visit with Santa

Christmas joy came a little early for 34 underprivileged children from Guadalupe this year.

Pope approves new law strengthening oversight of Vatican-related entities

Pope Francis has approved a new law strengthening the oversight of Vatican-related foundations and nonprofit organizations as well as detailing sanctions and clarifying existing norms on transparency, accountability and mandated compliance with anti-money laundering measures.

USPS ‘Virgin and Child’ stamp features one of world’s most revered images

Every two years the U.S. Postal Service issues a traditional first-class Christmas stamp showing Mary and Jesus, and this year's stamp features an oil-on-panel painting from the first half of the 16th century titled "Virgin and Child."

Supreme Court appears ready to support web designer in free speech case

In a case examining the scope of free speech protected by the First Amendment, the Supreme Court Dec. 5 ultimately seemed to favor a broad view of free speech.

Advent is opportunity to get off pedestal of superiority, pope says

The season of Advent is a moment of grace to help believers stop being presumptuous and pretending to be self-sufficient, Pope Francis said.

Keep the creche in Christmas, pope urges

Stopping to gaze at and perhaps pray before a Nativity scene is one of the best ways to remember the real meaning of Christmas, Pope Francis said.