On Sunday, Pope Francis chose to celebrate his birthday with the children and families cared for by this facility, which marked 100 years last May.
International News
Vaccinating Kids Essential to Ending Pandemic, Vatican Official Says
As Europe rolls out its vaccination campaign for young children this week, a top Vatican official has endorsed the move, saying children have been uniquely impacted by the pandemic and must be protected and cared for.
Solidarity, Dialogue Needed to Confront Pandemic, Pope Says
The ongoing pandemic serves as a reminder that the world cannot move forward without cooperation and solidarity, Pope Francis told a group of ambassadors beginning their service at the Vatican.
Pope Francis Welcomes First Group of Asylum-Seekers From Cyprus on His 85th Birthday
With many “thanks” and “best wishes,” a group of 10 asylum-seekers greeted Pope Francis on his birthday Dec. 17.
Brooklyn Scouts Welcome the Peace Light as Flame Begins Journey Around the Country
The welcoming ceremony for the light at JFK was sponsored and coordinated by the Catholic Committee on Scouting of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens.
Despite Age, Surgery, the Pope is Still Energetic, His Nephew Says
Pope Francis will turn 85 years old Dec. 17. And according to his nephew, Jesuit Father José Luis Narvaja, he is still rarin’ to go.
Pope Advances Sainthood Causes, Including of French nun
Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to Blessed Marie Rivier, a French nun who founded the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, paving the way for her canonization.
Pilgrims Return to Guadalupe Basilica but in Smaller Numbers
Jesús Martínez Aguilar walked two days from the state of Puebla to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, arriving at dusk on the eve of the Dec. 12 feast day. He posed for a selfie with his family at the basilica’s gates, then prepared to enter and give thanks to the patroness.
Pope Francis Could Visit Canada as Part of Reconciliation Process, Archbishop Says
After Pope Francis voiced his intention earlier this year to travel to Canada as part of the nation’s reconciliation process with indigenous communities, one of the country’s top prelates has said the papal visit could come as early as next year.
Vatican Official Consecrates Largest Cathedral in Persian Gulf Region
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, head of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, consecrated Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in Bahrain, the newest and largest cathedral in the Persian Gulf region, Dec. 10.