For Second Week in a Row, Ailing Pope Speaks From Private Residence

Pope Francis on Dec. 3 recited his noontime Angelus address from his private residence rather than St. Peter’s Square in order to avoid changing temperatures as he continues treatment for what the Vatican has described as lung inflammation caused by bronchitis.

Texas Immigration Bill Will Likely Face Legal Challenge

Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, is expected to sign an immigration bill that would make it a state crime to cross into Texas from Mexico. Catholic organizations including the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops have opposed the legislation.

Our Responsibility Is to Be Ready for Christ’s Return

Although our celebration of Advent follows a rather predictable course, the underlying significance of what we do is quite different. One of the best (and personally most quoted) similes for Advent comes from Alfred Hitchcock.

Advent’s Three Comings of Christ

Advent, this holy season in which we find ourselves beginning Dec. 2 at first vespers, is a time of waiting and expectation. Indeed, the violet which we wear and with which we adorn the chapel is not necessarily a symbol of penance (although prayerful repentance and reconciliation is a major factor in this liturgical season), but of deep longing for the coming of the Savior Christ into our life. 

Pope Cancels Dubai Trip Over Health Concerns

Just hours after a Vatican news conference confirming Pope Francis’ trip to Dubai this weekend for a United Nations climate summit, the Vatican announced Tuesday that it has been canceled upon medical advice due to an ongoing infection causing lung inflammation.