Pope Francis visits the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square after leading vespers on New Year’s Eve at the Vatican Dec. 31.
International News
World Scarred by War, Greed Must Welcome Prince of Peace, Pope Says
The angels’ song that heralded the birth of Christ urges men and women to seek peace in a world divided by war, terrorism and greed, Pope Francis said.
A Baby in Bethlehem
A pilgrim from India holds her baby in front of a painting of the Mary and the Christ Child in the grotto of the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank.
World Youth Day 2016
About 600 young people from Brooklyn and Queens attended World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, July 25-31.
Germany’s Christmas Angel Spreads Joy Through Service
She is Nuremberg’s embodiment of a female angel, the “Christkind” – or Christ child angel – and she brings Christmas joy as she promotes charitable causes.
Pope Mourns ‘Homicidal Madness’ Of Most Recent Terrorist Attacks
Expressing his condolences to victims and their families, Pope Francis called for an end to terrorism following a string of deadly attacks in Berlin and Ankara.
Attack Is Stopped at Grotto in Nazareth
Priests and worshippers thwarted an attack by a man armed with sticks in the lower grotto of the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel, on Sunday, Dec. 18.
Pope Says 2016 Was Filled with Surprises
Pope Francis described 2016 as a “packed year,” one full of initiatives that helped Catholics “see and touch with their hands the fruits of the mercy of God.”
Homeless, Prisoners Wish Happy Birthday to Pope
People from around the world, especially the poor and the homeless, had a chance to send their good wishes for Pope Francis’ 80th birthday.
Pope Will Visit Fatima in 2017
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Portugal in 2017 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions of Fatima.