Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the place where his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, created the world’s first Nativity scene.
International News
Signs of the Times
Year in Review: signs of 2015
A Timely Encyclical
Year in Review: Pope Francis placed the Church in the corner of environmentalists with the publication Laudato Si’ on May 24.
A Year of Terror
Year in Review: Pope Francis has been calling for a compassionate world response to the plight of the refugees but fear of terrorism and economic disruption have led to some resistance.
World’s Refugees Reaches Highest Point Since WWII
The explosive global refugee crisis – likely the top debate-generating news story of 2015 – seems destined to dominate domestic and foreign politics for years to come at a time when Pope Francis has been calling for a compassionate world response.
Pope Prescribes Antidotes To Cure What Ails Curia
If Pope Francis sees the church as a field hospital after battle, then his annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia often looks like the triage tent, with him holding the charts.
Christmas in St. Peter’s Square
The Christmas tree and Nativity scene decorate St. Peter’s Square during a lighting ceremony at the Vatican.
Mexican Priest: It’s Okay to Fight Back
COALCOMAN, Mexico (CNS) – Father Emiliano Mendoza Magana, pastor of the St. James the Apostle Parish in this town of timber cutters, recalls parishioners coming to confessions in past years with questions about grabbing guns and fighting back against a marauding drug cartel.
Miracle Approved Declaring Mother Teresa to be a Saint
Pope Francis has approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, thus paving the way for her canonization in 2016.
Pope Backs UN Road Map to Peace in Syria
Pope Francis endorsed a recent U.N. resolution on peace in Syria and expressed “deep appreciation” to the international community for reaching an agreement.