With a mix of awe and excitement, pilgrims from many parts of Europe conquered the exhaustion of a long road trip and prepared to celebrate the World Day of the Poor with Pope Francis.
International News
Assisi Pilgrimage With the Poor: Pope Calls for Open Hands, Open Hearts
With a pilgrim’s staff and mantle, Pope Francis entered Assisi’s Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels with 500 economically or socially disadvantaged people and the volunteers who walk alongside them. The pontiff’s pilgrimage to Assisi Nov. 12 was dedicated totally to the poor in preparation for the celebration Nov. 14 of the World Day of the Poor.
Pope’s World Day of the Poor Includes Listening, Helping
Pope Francis plans to prepare for his celebration of the World Day of the Poor by meeting with and listening to some 500 poor people making a pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, Nov. 12.
Church Leaders Call Attention to Ethiopia as Troops Approach Capital
One year into the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, Father Joseph Mussie Zerai is urging the international community to accelerate efforts to stop any risk of ethnic cleansing, avoid balkanization of Ethiopia and stop a food catastrophe underway.
Pope Urges Prayers For Ethiopia As Deadly Violence Threatens To Escalate
After praying the Angelus prayer, the pontiff expressed concerns over increasing violence in Ethiopia amid reports that Tigray Defense Force rebels were approaching the outskirts of the country’s capital, Addis Ababa.
U.S. Archbishop Says ‘Elitist Leaders’ See Christianity As Obstacle
Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez said that Church institutions and businesses with Christian owners are increasingly being challenged and harassed.
Grassroots Effort Calls on Pope to Canonize six Black Sainthood Candidates
The Mass was organized by a national campaign made up of members of three Baltimore parishes, St. Ann, St. Francis Xavier and St. Wenceslaus, as well as longtime members of St. Ann’s social justice committee. The purpose was to create awareness and educate the American people about the stories of these six candidates for sainthood.
Pope Francis Plans Dec. 2-6 Visit to Cyprus and Greece
Pope Francis’ planned trip to the eastern Mediterranean in December will focus on migration, Catholic-Orthodox relations and promoting peace in a region known more for its vacation spots than its ongoing political tensions.
Pope Francis To Offer Prayers for Record Number of Deceased Cardinals, Bishops
Pope Francis will be praying for the eternal repose of more cardinals and bishops at a memorial Mass Nov. 4 than ever before in his papacy.
Only In Print: Exchange of Gifts Features Personal Touches
During a nearly 90-minute meeting in the library of the Apostolic Palace, which included 75 minutes of closed-door discussions, Pope Francis gave President Joe Biden a large painted ceramic tile of a pilgrim walking along Rome’s Tiber River, pointing to St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.