Cardinal-designate Robert W. McElroy told reporters May 31 that when he learned he is among the 21 new cardinals Pope Francis will create Aug. 27, “I said a big prayer.”
International News
Pope Francis Appeals for End to Russian Blockade of Ukraine Grain Exports
With hundreds of millions of lives at risk because of the Russian blockade of grain exports out of Ukraine, Pope Francis appealed for an end to the blockade and a resolution to the crisis.
World Meeting of Families Opens June 22 in Rome and Online
The COVID-19 pandemic not only caused a one-year delay in holding the World Meeting of Families, it also prompted a look at new ways to involve Catholic families from around the world and to ensure that they take the lead in ministering to each other.
Pope Francis Asks Mary, Queen of Peace, to End War in Ukraine and Everywhere
After setting white flowers at a statue of Mary, Queen of Peace, Pope Francis prayed the rosary and asked Mary to intercede to bring peace to Ukraine and to every place in the world torn by violent conflict.
Vatican Offers Indulgence for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Any Catholic who participates in the celebration July 24 of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly can receive a plenary indulgence, the Vatican announced.
Cardinal Sodano, Former Vatican Secretary of State, Dies at 94
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, former Vatican secretary of state and former dean of the College of Cardinals, died in Rome May 27 at the age of 94.
Pope Francis Announces 21 New Cardinals, Including Key Allies
Pope Francis announced on May 29 that he will create 21 new cardinals on Aug. 27, including Bishop Robert W. McElroy of San Diego, long seen as one of his key allies in the United States.
Syria’s Economy so bad Many People Don’t Have one Meal a day, Nun Says
The war in Syria is mostly over, and not a house was unaffected, said a nun based there. But now, the economy is so bad that people look back on the war and say, “at least then we had some food to eat and we could feed our children.”
Pope Francis, With Ukrainian Families, to Lead Rosary for Peace on May 31
Pope Francis and Ukrainian families in Rome will gather May 31 before a statue of Mary, Queen of Peace, to recite the rosary for peace in Ukraine and in other places at war.
For Indigenous Canadians, Pope Francis’ age Is Advantage: He’s an Elder
For six days in July, the most important thing happening in Canada will be an old man confronting the nation’s history.