Christ is victorious over all that divides people, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Easter is a feast that calls Christians to gather together, make a commitment to dialogue and to work for the common good, Pope Francis said.

Feast of St. Pedro Calungsod

Educated by the Jesuits in Visayas, the Philippines, Pedro could read, write and speak Visayan, Spanish and Chamorro, paint, draw, sing and worked as a carpenter.

Vatican: Claim that pope denied hell’s existence is unreliable

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican said comments attributed to Pope Francis denying the existence of hell are a product of an Italian journalist’s “reconstruction” of the pope’s remarks and not a faithful transcript of the pope’s real words.

Resurrection can inspire hope, love in a divided world, USCCB president says

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Easter is a time to remember the joy that Jesus is alive and that his resurrection can inspire hope and love in the world, said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Knights give more than $1 million to Iraqi, Syrian Christians for Easter

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CNS) — As part of its ongoing support of persecuted Christians in the Middle East, the Knights of Columbus committed more than $1 million to Iraqi and Syrian Christians for Easter.

Easter shows the power of love, which renews the world, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Easter makes it clear that in the life of Jesus, but also in the lives of modern men and women, “death, solitude and fear” do not have the last word, Pope Francis said before giving his Easter blessing.

Easter hope breaks routine, unleashes creativity, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Truly celebrating Easter means allowing Jesus to triumph over personal fears and give life to hope, creativity and care for others, Pope Francis said.

Minnesota family’s search for faith brings them to Catholic Church

ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) — When Dalton Renteria visited the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul for the first time Feb. 18, he was struck by the large crucifix behind the altar.

Indiana inmates embrace fresh start by joining the Catholic Church

INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — There are times when nearly everyone seeks redemption for a mistake or a moment of darkness, times that can help find a way to return to the grace of God.

New members of the Church reflect on the past year

On average, over 100,000 people enter the Catholic Church every year in the U.S. For those who were received into the Church last Easter, the ensuing months brought opportunities to deepen their bourgeoning faith and live out their Christian call to witness.