For the first time in his nearly 12-year papacy, Pope Francis skipped his customary inflight press conference at the end of an overseas voyage, this time a whirlwind daytrip to French Mediterranean island of Corsica.
International News
Pope Praises Popular Piety During First-Ever Papal Mass in Corsica
As Pope Francis became the first pope to celebrate Mass on the French island of Corsica Dec. 15, the usual excitement of an open-air Mass with the pope was combined with the flair and pageantry of a Renaissance fair.
Mexican Bishops Urge Truce as Country Celebrates Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Mexico’s Catholic clergy have called for a truce on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and on Christmas Day as criminal violence wracks swaths of the country and clergy working in conflictive regions come under threat.
With Assad’s Fall, Syria’s Papal Nuncio Prays for Nation’s Reconciliation, New Prosperity
The apostolic nuncio to Syria says he hopes the war-torn nation will “move toward reconciliation” and at least “some prosperity” under democratic rule, following former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s ouster in a lightning offensive by rebel groups.
With Inaugural Mass, Notre Dame Reveals ‘The Lord Does Not Abandon His Own’
Chilling rain and the “City of Lights” completely locked down due to high profile guests did not stop the crowds from arriving as close to Notre Dame Cathedral as possible for its inaugural Mass celebrated Dec. 8. The beloved Paris icon also opened its doors to the public for the first time after the devastating fire in 2019, with the second Mass that Sunday for Parisians and tourists.
‘Long Live Notre Dame de Paris!’ Jubilation As Iconic Catholic Cathedral Reopens
By Caroline de Sury PARIS (OSV) — The solemn reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral put Paris in the center of the Catholic world on the evening of Dec. 7 as the archbishop of France’s capital struck the magnificent door with his pastoral staff, marking the moment of the iconic Catholic church’s rebirth. The Gothic masterpiece […]
Parisian Patrons: Here Are 9 Saints to Accompany Catholics for the Reopening of Notre Dame
The 16th century French King Francois I once said that “Paris isn’t a city, it’s a world,” and so is the rich Catholic culture visible in its people and places. With the reopening of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral on Dec. 7-8, here are the names of Parisian saints to accompany Catholics both at home and during any travels they may take to the City of Light
France Prepares for Event of the Century Without Star Guest
After hosting the summer Olympics earlier this year, France this weekend will mark one of the most significant events of the century with the reopening of its famed Cathedral of Notre Dame, five years after vast portions were destroyed in a fire.
Reopening of Notre Dame is Victory Day for Firefighters Who Saved It From the Inferno
As the whole world awaits the reopening of Notre Dame, for those present inside the cathedral for the “grand réouverture,” it will be even more of a special moment.
Vatican Norms for Jubilee Indulgence Include Pilgrimage, Penance, Service
Pilgrims passing through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica during the Holy Year 2025, going to confession, receiving Communion and praying for the intentions of the pope can receive an indulgence, but so can inmates in prison and those who work to defend human life or assist migrants and refugees.