Pope Francis’ call to ‘go into the peripheries’ is real. In his brief pontificate, he has shown his concern for the poor by calling the Church ‘of the poor and for the poor.’ He has drawn the attention of the world leaders and all concerned by declaring Nov. 19 as a day of the world poor.
Every now and then, I find in the offices of pastoral leaders and theologians, as well as in the homes of some families I know, a picture of them shaking hands with one of the recent popes.
Following the latest incident of gun violence in America, Pope Francis has sent his condolences to the victims of the Sutherland Springs mass shooting in Texas, saying he is “deeply grieved” by the “senseless violence.” On Sunday, a 26-year old gunman entered into a Baptist Church and killed 26 people during the service. The tragedy has prompted Catholic bishops from around the United States to speak out against gun violence.
One perk that comes with floating aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is NASA arranges for occasional calls with celebrities to keep the astronauts’ spirits high during their monthslong flights.
As Bishop Gerald Kicanas prepares to hand over the reigns of the diocese of Tucson, Arizona next month, he looks back on his 51 years as a priest and a Church that has dramatically changed since he was first ordained. In an interview with The Tablet, Kicanas laments the current polarization in the Church and says he hopes to see more “Francis-like actions” by the U.S. bishops.
On Friday, Pope Francis sent a telegram expressing his solidarity with the victims of the California wildfires which have killed over 30 individuals. In his telegram sent via Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis offered prayers for the “tragic loss of life and the destruction of property.”
In a lecture at Notre Dame this week, papal ally, Father Antonio Spadaro argued that the theme of mercy is critical to understanding Pope Francis’ political engagement.
Following the shooting in Las Vegas last night, the deadliest in American history, Pope Francis has sent a telegram assuring the victims and their families of his prayers, and entrusting the dead “to the merciful love of almighty God.” The pontiff also commended the efforts of those police and emergency services personnel who were the first responders.
Two years after his visit to the United States in September 2015, Pope Francis is still enjoying widespread approval in the country.
Dear Editor: I do not understand how you could print the ridiculous diatribe (Readers’ Forum, Sept. 9) of Father Marik Kaczmarski of Clearwater, Fla.
