On his second day in Cyprus, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the island’s Catholic community and said the only way to truly recover from the tensions that still divide the country is to seek healing in Jesus together, as brothers and sisters.
International News
Designer Picks Simple Fabric, Cypriot Symbols for Pope’s Vestments
The Lebanese designer for Pope Francis’ vestments for Mass in Cyprus chose simple fabric and symbols that figure prominently in the island nation.
Pope, Arriving in Cyprus, Tells Catholics to Celebrate, Welcome Diversity
The Catholic Church is a mosaic of different rites and cultures and must show the world the beauty of welcoming all people as brothers and sisters, Pope Francis told the Catholics of Cyprus.
Cardinal Parolin Calls Out EU Directive Against ‘Christmas’ Language
On the first Monday of Advent, it was revealed the European Union was attempting to ban the use of the word “Christmas” in an internal dossier promoting “an inclusive communication.”
Pope Francis Assures Migrants They Are in His Prayers and His Heart
Pope Francis asked visitors in St. Peter’s Square to join him for a moment of silent prayer for migrants, especially those who recently drowned in the English Channel and in the Mediterranean and those who are freezing on the border of Belarus and Poland.
Pope, Diplomats Point to Migration as Key Theme of Greece-Cyprus Trip
Just days ahead of Pope Francis’ Dec. 2-6 visit to Greece and Cyprus, both he and the Cypriot ambassador to the Holy See have issued statements highlighting, among other things, the urgency of the migration issue for the island nation and the broader Mediterranean region.
Trappist Monk, Last Survivor of Algerian Monastery Attack, Dead at 97
Trappist Father Jean-Pierre Schumacher, the last survivor of the 1996 attack on the Tibhirine monastery in Algeria, died at the age of 97.
Two of 17 Kidnapped Christian Missionaries in Haiti Are Freed
Two of the 17 Christian missionaries kidnapped by gang members in Haiti in October were set free over the weekend, leaders of their Ohio-based organization announced.
U.S. Bishops Affix Feast Day for St. Teresa of Kolkata
The U.S. bishops have assigned a feast date to St. Teresa of Kolkata.
Pope Francis Gives Papal Knighthood to Veteran Journalists
Honoring two reporters who have covered the Vatican for more than 40 years, Pope Francis paid tribute to all journalists who work to explain what is going on in the world and “make it less obscure.”