Pope Francis offered prayers for the people of the United States “shaken by the recent siege on Congress” and prayed for the five people who lost their lives “in those dramatic moments” when protesters stormed the Capitol Jan. 6.
International News
Pope Francis Amends Canon Law so Women Can be Installed as Lectors, Acolytes
Recognizing “the gifts of each baptized person” — women and men — Pope Francis ordered a change to canon law and liturgical norms so that women could be formally installed as lectors and acolytes.
Some Canadian Provinces Close Churches to Contain Pandemic
Canadian churches faced new restrictions as public health officials tried to contain a post-holiday surge of COVID-19.
Philippine Leaders Work to Make Black Nazarene ‘Translacion’ Safe
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene will only allow 400 people in the church for Masses marking the transfer of the Black Nazarene, but it will offer 15 Masses Jan. 9.
With Land Mines Gone, Mass to Be Celebrated at West Bank Baptismal Site
For the first time in 54 years, a Mass will be celebrated Jan. 10, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, at St. John the Baptist Chapel on the banks of the Jordan River.
On Epiphany, Pope Francis Says Church Needs Healthy Dose of ‘Theological Realism’
Pope Francis during a Mass for the feast of the Epiphany advocated what he called an attitude of “theological realism,” which, he said, fosters trust in God and looks for deeper meaning rather than getting caught up in one’s own problems.
2021 Brings New Challenges to Church in Latin America
There was no “bang” when most of Latin America rang in the New Year due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, but in Venezuela, Mexico, and Brazil, 2021 brought “new” concerns.
Lebanese Man’s Decades of Research Helps Great-Uncle’s Sainthood Cause
Fares Melki’s first introduction to his great-uncle was when he asked his grandfather about the picture framed above his grandfather’s bed. That was around 60 years ago, when Melki was 10.
After Maradona’s Death, Pope Francis Opens Up and Talks Sports
After the recent death of his Argentine countryman Diego Maradona, arguably the greatest soccer player of all time but also a man who spent much of his life battling personal demons, Pope Francis has addressed the superstar’s legacy.
Pope’s Point Man on Charity Released From Hospital After COVID Fight
After a 10-day stay in the hospital battling COVID-19, one of Pope Francis’s closest cardinals came home Jan. 1 to find a gift from the boss: An Argentinian steak.