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.
Pope, with fellow Jesuits, prays for ‘grace of shame,’ humility
Celebrating the feast of St. Ignatius with more than 200 of his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis prayed that he and all of them would receive "the grace of shame" for their failures and the humility to recognize that whatever good they accomplish is really done by the Lord. The pope's homily was filled with references to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, meditations and instructions for a 30-day retreat that form the basis of Ignatian spirituality. He later visited the Chapel of Our Lady of the Way, patroness of the Jesuits.
‘Who am I to judge?’ Pope’s remarks do not change Church teaching
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Pope Francis told reporters July 28, "Who am I to judge" a homosexual person, he was emphasizing a part of Catholic teaching often overlooked by the media and misunderstood by many people.
Statement of Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted reflecting on Pope Francis’ message of love and...
Read Bishop Olmsted's statement on Pope Francis' apostolic journey to World Youth Day and the reaction to the Holy Father's press conference.
In Brazil, pope’s simple, artless actions resonate powerfully
RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- If Blessed John Paul II had an actor's mastery of the dramatic gesture and Pope Benedict XVI engaged the faithful most effectively through his learned and lucid writing, Pope Francis showed the world on his first international trip that his forte as a communicator is the simple, seemingly artless action that resonates powerfully in context.
Pope tells bishops, other ministers fidelity is key to evangelization
RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- With the young pilgrims of World Youth Day, Pope Francis was encouraging and challenging; with the bishops, priests and religious who minister to them he was firm and blunt.
