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.”
International News
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.
Social Entrepreneur Wins Opus Prize For Anti-Trafficking Initiative in India
Social entrepreneur Sarah Lance has been awarded the 2016 Opus Prize for her work as director of Sari Bari in Kolkata, India, a nonprofit anti-trafficking initiative. The organization offers “opportunity and hope” to women who have been impacted by Kolkata’s sex trade.
Pope Mourns Attack on Egyptian Coptic Church
Pope Francis phoned Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Egypt, Dec. 12, expressing his prayers and condolences for the previous day’s terrorist attack at the Cairo cathedral that left 25 people dead.
Creche at the Vatican
The Christmas tree and Nativity scene are pictured in St. Peter’s Square after a lighting ceremony at the Vatican Dec. 9.
Pope Makes Another Plea to Assad
Cardinal Mario Zenari, the papal nuncio to Syria, met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and brought a letter from Pope Francis with an appeal “for an end to the violence” and for a “peaceful resolution of hostilities.”
Our Lady of Guadalupe: Her Message Transcends Time and Space
Nearly 500 years after Mexican peasant Juan Diego was greeted by Mary and urged to share a message of hope and comfort as promised by God’s compassion, Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to inspire new generations of faithful believers in their daily routines and struggles.
Iraqi Refugees Keep Christmas Spirit Alive
Sami Dankha, his three brothers and their families used to kick off Christmas celebrations by attending a packed Christmas Eve Mass at St. Thomas Church in Baghdad.
Scorsese Film About Jesuits Merits a Meeting with Pope
The morning after screening his film, “Silence,” for about 300 Jesuits, the U.S. director Martin Scorsese had a private audience with Pope Francis.