Pope Francis often says that migrants are more than mere numbers, but people with names and faces. On Sunday, he had the opportunity to look into these faces himself during a visit to the Greek island of Lesbos.
International News
Pope Arrives in Greece Blasting Rise of Nationalism Across Europe
Pope Francis arrived in Greece Saturday issuing a searing critique of the state of Europe, where he said democracy is waning in favor of a nationalist agenda that has forgotten the pursuit of solidarity and common good that he insisted are characteristic of the Old Continent’s roots.
Only In Print: Catholic Rites’ Christmas Quests See ‘Nativity Fast’ Rising in East
Representatives of various congregations which gather across Brooklyn and Queens — and around the world — say the “Nativity Fast” launches many believers on a rewarding journey that ends on Christmas Eve.
Pope Francis Offers Message of Healing to a Divided Cyprus
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.
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.