As Israel and Hamas near a ceasefire, Catholic ordinaries in the Holy Land said the deal is a necessary step but also acknowledged that more has to happen to “credibly address the deep-rooted issues” at the core of the conflict.
International News
Pope Francis Offers ‘Baby Bonus’ to Vatican Employees
Pope Francis put his money where his mouth is this week when it comes to his constant appeals for couples to procreate, offering a financial incentive to permanent Vatican employees who have more children.
Pope Injures Arm in a Fall, Wears Sling at Audiences
Pope Francis was wearing his arm in a sling during his meetings and audiences Jan. 16 after hurting his right arm in a fall.
Best Gift a Child Can Receive is Faith, Pope Says at Baptisms
When children are baptized, their parents and the church are giving them the greatest gift ever: the gift of faith, Pope Francis said before baptizing 21 infants in the Sistine Chapel.
Medjugorje: A Pathway to Peace and Reflection for One Queens Chaplain
While the Vatican has acknowledged the “abundant spiritual fruits” experienced by people visiting and praying at the site of reported Marian apparitions at Medjugorje, it has yet to sign off on their authenticity. Still, local devotees regularly visit this small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they believe that Mary, Mother of Jesus, has regularly appeared to a half-dozen “visionaries” since they were children in 1981. They said she identified herself as “The Queen of Peace.”
Pope Names First Woman Prefect of Vatican Office, With Cardinal as Pro-Prefect
Pope Francis this week made the novel decision to appoint the first-ever woman as prefect of a Vatican department, naming Italian Consolata Sister Simona Brambilla as head of the Dicastery for Religious.
St. Peter’s Holy Door Sees More Than Half Million Pilgrims in Two Weeks
More than half a million pilgrims crossed the threshold of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the first two weeks after Pope Francis opened it.
God Does Not Reject, Forget Anyone, Pope Says on Feast of Epiphany
Just as the star over Bethlehem called to and welcomed everyone to encounter the newborn Jesus, God today calls on the faithful to welcome everyone, creating safe, open spaces to find warmth and shelter, Pope Francis said.
Destination of Holy Year Pilgrimage is Encounter with Jesus, Pope Says
When Catholics come to Rome for the Holy Year, their journey should have the specific goal of encountering and listening to Jesus, Pope Francis said.
On New Year’s, Pope Calls for Real Commitment to Respect Human Life
Marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and the start of the new year, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for a “firm commitment” to respect all human life worldwide.