The new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Joe Donnelly, officially began his duties April 11, presenting his letters of credential to Pope Francis.
International News
Philippine Cardinal: Shout for Truth and Justice, not Wealth and Power
Cardinal José Advincula of Manila urged Catholics to profess their faith by shouting for truth and justice instead of seeking money and fame.
Pope Advances Sainthood Causes, Including Salesian Brother
Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Artémides Zatti, a Salesian brother who was a pharmacist in Argentina and known for his care for the sick; the miracle clears the way for his canonization.
Pope Calls for Easter Truce in Ukraine, Condemns Civilian Massacres
At the start of Holy Week, Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for an immediate ceasefire to the war in Ukraine, saying Easter is a time to choose life over death.
Pope Francis’ Full Homily on Palm Sunday
On Calvary, two ways of thinking collided. In the Gospel, the words of the crucified Jesus are in sharp contrast with the words of those who crucified him.
Taliban Erases Decades of Progress for Afghan Girls
Just as Afghani girls were ready to return to school for the first time in seven months on March 23, the Taliban — which seized ruling power in Afghanistan last summer — that morning reversed its decision to reopen girls’ secondary schools, citing a need for more time to draw up policies in line with the Islamic law Sharia.
Pope Francis Asks Families to Write 2022 Way of the Cross Meditations
Pope Francis has asked several families to write the prayers and meditations for his Stations of the Cross service at Rome’s Colosseum on Good Friday.
As Three Feasts Converge, Holy Land Christians Hope for Peace, Tourism
With pandemic restrictions almost fully lifted, churches and shopkeepers alike are hopeful that the streets of Jerusalem will fill up once again as Easter, Passover and Ramadan converge.
Across Brooklyn and the U.S., Catholics are Being Urged to Donate to Good Friday Collection for Holy Land
In an economy hit hard by the pandemic and the lack of pilgrimages and other tourism for two years, Christians in the Holy Land “are in desperate need of support,” said an April 5 news release about the 2022 Good Friday Collection that continues to support the work of the Franciscans of the Holy Land.
Pope Says UN, Other Organizations ‘Impotent’ in Ukraine War
Pope Francis on Wednesday said that international organizations, such as the United Nations, have proven to be useless in stopping violence and atrocities in the war in Ukraine.