Believing in eternity and in the final establishment of the kingdom of God, Christians throughout history – starting with the disciples – were filled with questions such as when the end will come and what will happen to the created world, Pope Francis said.
International News
In Turkey, Pope Visits ‘Invisible’ Christians
Ankara and Istanbul were gray and cold, at least compared to Rome, during Pope Francis’ Nov. 28-30 visit to Turkey. And the general reception, outside of the pope’s official meetings, was hardly warmer.
Changing Times Mean Change in Religious Life
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Religious orders and the Vatican congregation that assists them must be bold in assessing whether current structures and practices help or hinder the proclamation of the Gospel, the pursuit of holiness and the service of the poor, Pope Francis said. “We must not be afraid to leave ‘old […]
Trust Underlies World Economy, says Jesuit Priest
VILLANOVA, Pa. (CNS) — Economic activity depends on a foundation of trust that can’t be compromised without creating harmful consequences for all parties, said Jesuit Father Drew Christiansen, distinguished professor of ethics and global development at Georgetown University. Reflecting on the global financial crisis of 2006-2010 and the Church’s efforts to “promote the common good […]
Complex Issues Await Pope in Turkey
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Almost every papal trip abroad is a complex mix of the religious and political, and that will be especially true of Pope Francis’ Nov. 28-30 visit to Turkey. Given the country’s crucial geographic position straddling Europe and Asia, its historic importance for both Christianity and Islam and the wars now raging […]
Pope Encourages New Idealism for Europe
By Cindy Wooden STRASBOURG, France (CNS) – The project of European unity and cooperation, ensuring peace on the continent and helping others find peace as well, requires a real commitment to dialogue and respect for others, Pope Francis said. While the pope did not specifically mention the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia, both members […]
Challenges in Feeding the World’s Hungry
ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) – With projections putting the planet’s population at 9 billion by 2050, the question of how to feed them is taking on ever-greater importance. But at the “Faith, Food & the Environment” symposium Nov. 5-7 in St. Paul, held at the University of St. Thomas and sponsored by more than a […]
Pulling Heartstrings: Hand Puppets Bring Healing
By Barb Fraze BEIRUT (CNS) – Syrian children who have seen their houses bombed and family members killed are using string, glue, socks, beads and other odds and ends to help put their lives back together. Counselors, teachers and volunteers are being trained to help the children process their trauma through the use of puppets. […]
Historians Explore Shakespeare’s Catholic Sympathies
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, England (CNS) – When the latest production of William Shakespeare’s play “Love’s Labor’s Lost” opened in the recently refurbished Royal Shakespeare Theater, it attempted to draw new meaning from the Bard’s eternal lines. A similar task is being pursued by historians and researchers amid claims that Shakespeare was a secret Catholic at a time […]
Vatican Issues Guides For Bishops’ Retirements
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – While all bishops offer to resign at age 75, those who are not cardinals and are working in the Roman Curia – including as presidents of pontifical councils – automatically end their service on their 75th birthdays, said a new document from Pope Francis. The ministry of a […]