Pope Francis begins papacy pledging to protect Church, human dignity

Pope Francis formally began his ministry as bishop of Rome and as pope by pledging to protect the Catholic Church, the dignity of each person and the beauty of creation, just like St. Joseph protected Mary and Jesus.

Pope begins ministry with biblical symbols, signs of universal ministry

Although attempts were made to simplify the ceremony, Pope Francis officially inaugurated his ministry as pope and bishop of Rome in a liturgy filled with biblical symbolism and signs of the universality of his mission.

Bishop Nevares to lead Year of Faith pilgrimage

Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares will lead a pilgrimage next October to Mexico City and Guanajuato to mark the closing of the Year of Faith.

Modern day saint, convert depicted in diocesan window

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted blessed and dedicated the image of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, the newest stained glass window in the chapel, March 13 during a special evening liturgy. It’s the 10th window depicting a saint canonized or beatified by Blessed Pope John Paul II to be installed in the chapel.

Exhibit depicting replica of shroud at St. Maria Goretti March 18-30

Catholics and those coming into the Church at the Easter Vigil know the story of Christ’s death and resurrection. Thanks to a recurring exhibit at a Valley parish, they can also gain a deeper understanding of a key object involved. This marks the second year that St. Maria Goretti Parish will host its Shroud of Turin exhibit in the final days of Lent.

Pope Francis: Argentina’s Cardinal Bergoglio elected Bishop of Rome

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, the leader of a large urban archdiocese in Latin America, was elected the 266th pope and took the name Francis. He is the first pope in history to come from the New World and the first non-European to be elected in almost 1,300 years.

Church mourns loss of stewardship director: D’Aunoy remembered for her Southern charm, smile

Missie D’Aunoy, who captured the hearts of all she met with her warm, Southern spirit and compassionate heart, died March 3. She was 56.

New media, social sites continue role post-conclave

Television screens and radios weren’t guaranteed to be the first to tell the Catholic world it had a new pope March 13. The second conclave in the third millennium was the first that social media played a large role. So much so that a seagull who came to rest on the smokestack atop the Sistine Chapel prior to the puff of white smoke March 13 temporarily had two Twitter accounts to its name,

Pope’s episcopal motto comes from homily by English doctor of church

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' episcopal motto is based on the Gospel account of "The Call of St. Matthew," the tax collector, in a homily given by St. Bede the Venerable.

Pope Francis: Don’t give in to pessimism, courageously share Gospel

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Never give in to the devil's pessimism, discouragement and bitterness, Pope Francis said; Christians need to share the Gospel message with joy and courage because it will truly answer people's deepest needs.