Just as Jesus removed the stone that sealed his tomb on the morning of the Resurrection, on Easter Christ alone “has the power to roll away the stones that block the path to life” and which trap humanity in war and injustice, Pope Francis said.
International News
A Filipino Villager Endures 35th Crucifixion on Good Friday, Praying for Global Peace
Ruben Enaje, a Filipino villager, has once again undergone the harrowing ritual of being nailed to a wooden cross, marking his 35th time in a symbolic reenactment of Jesus Christ’s suffering on Good Friday.
Pope Washes the Feet of 12 Women During Holy Thursday Mass
Pope Francis on Holy Thursday washed the feet of 12 women inmates at a Roman prison — notably including no men in the ritual — telling inmates to never tire of asking for God’s forgiveness.
Pope, During Holy Week, Urges Catholics to Feel a Little More ‘Guilt’
In his first major liturgy for Holy Week, Pope Francis offered an extended reflection on the spiritual underpinnings of so-called “Catholic guilt,” a by-now notorious concept associated with an almost compulsive need to feel overly guilty for any perceived offense.
On Palm Sunday, Pope Prays People Open Hearts to God, Quell All Hatred
Only Jesus can deliver humanity from hatred and violence, Pope Francis said on Palm Sunday.
US Catholic Bishops’ Holy Week Message: Pray for an End to Israel-Hamas War
Leaders of U.S. bishops are urging Catholics to pray during Holy Week for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.
Haiti Bishops Condemn Homicides, Witch-Hunts, Other Acts of Violence
Amid a period of turmoil and uncertainty, the Catholic bishops of Haiti are calling for an end to “all acts aimed at reducing Haiti to rubble and ashes,” and for renewed support from the international community to help foster peace and reconciliation.
Vatican Says Women Deacons, Not Celibacy, on Docket for Synod
Organizers of Pope Francis’ ongoing Synod of Bishops on Synodality announced March 14 that 10 different working groups had been formed in the Roman Curia to address specific topics that came out of last year’s session.
Archbishop: Crisis in Haiti is ‘Complicated’ and ‘Very Delicate’
In response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ deploying hundreds of additional officers and soldiers to the state’s southern coast to “protect” against Haitian migrants, Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami says “Haitians are not an ‘invasive species,’ and shouldn’t be treated as such.”
Chora Church, a Famed Christian Icon, to Be Reopened as a Mosque
Istanbul’s Chora Church, famed for nearly 17 centuries for elaborate mosaics and frescoes depicting the life stories of Jesus and Mary, will be reopened as a mosque as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan moves forward with plans to convert iconic Byzantine churches into mosques.