God calls all Christians to be saints – not plastic statues of saints, but real people who make time for prayer and who show loving care for others in the simplest gestures, Pope Francis said in his new document on holiness.
International News
Salvadoran Priest Murdered Before Holy Thursday Mass
On Easter, as thousands of Salvadorans from around the country packed into the rural town of Lolotique, Catholic Church officials laid to rest a 36-year-old priest violently killed during Holy Week – the latest victim of an unending wave of violence that plagues the country.
Four Catholics Killed in Pakistan
Four members of a Catholic family were killed in a militant attack in southern Pakistan a day after the minority community celebrated Easter.
Gunfire Disrupts Holy Week Passion Plays in Mexico
A pair of passion plays were interrupted by gunfire on Good Friday as the violence convulsing Mexico continued claiming lives through the Holy Week holidays.
Pope on Easter: Death Is Not the Last Word
Easter makes it clear that in the life of Jesus, but also in the lives of modern men and women, “death, solitude and fear” do not have the last word, Pope Francis said before giving his Easter blessing.
Holy Week Observances Cancelled in Filipino City
There will be no Holy Week observance this year in Marawi almost a year after extremist gunmen occupied the southern Philippine city.
Youth Seek More Recognition by the Church
Young people want to know they are valued members of the Catholic Church and that their questions and struggles are taken seriously enough that someone will spend time with them discussing issues rather than simply repeating “prefabricated” responses, said delegates to a meeting in Rome.
Young People Will Write Pope’s Way of the Cross
During this year dedicated to the younger generations, Pope Francis asked that the meditations for his Good Friday service be written by young people.
Advocating for Human Rights
While the United Nations has a stated commitment to protecting and promoting the lives of those with Down Syndrome, the Holy See believes some in the international community are abetting what one Washington Post columnist recently termed a “genocide” against such individuals.
On Palm Sunday, Pope Asks Youth ‘Not To Keep Quiet’
Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass with thousands of young people, Pope Francis urged them to continue singing and shouting “hosanna” in the world, proclaiming the lordship of Jesus and following his example of outreach to the poor and suffering.