The Via Dolorosa represents the route taken by Jesus on the way to His crucifixion. Although the route followed for this devotion has changed over the centuries, the need of the faithful to walk in Jesus’ footsteps has not.
International News
Pope Announces Holy Year of Mercy
The biblical theme of the year, he said, will be “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful,” an admonition that applies “especially to confessors,” the pope said with a smile.
What is a Holy Year?
For the Catholic Church, a holy year remains a time of great spiritual significance, and emphasis is placed on the examination of conscience and conversion, the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation, concrete acts of solidarity and initiatives to restore justice.
Vatican Sets Date for Romero’s Beatification
Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero will be beatified in San Salvador May 23, said Italian Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the chief promoter of the archbishop’s sainthood cause.
Pope Talks About a Brief Papacy
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – When Pope Francis went out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time, he said he did not prepare what he was going to say, but “I felt deeply that a minister needs the blessing of God, but also of his people.” He did not […]
Pope Expected to Canonize St. Therese’s Parents
The couple was beatified in 2008. They are believed to be the first parents of a saint to be beatified, highlighting the important role parents play in their children’s human and spiritual upbringing.
Church Seeks End to Death Penalty Around the World
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi told the U.N. Human Rights Council: “My delegation contends that bloodless means of defending the common good and upholding justice are possible.”
Statue of Romero Vandalized Again
The right hand, which had been holding a cross, was cut off the nearly 10-foot monument, located near Plaza El Divino Salvador del Mundo in San Salvador.
Pleas for Help as ISIS Steps Up Attacks
Christian leaders again called for help for Assyrian Christians in northern Syria, who have been targeted by Islamic State militants.
The Reformer Pope Has Enemies Inside And Outside the Church
A prominent church historian says that Pope Francis is a radical reformer who is facing enemies opposed to at least some parts of his agenda.