by Francis X. Rocca VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Visiting an ordinary Rome parish for the first time as the city’s bishop, Pope Francis gave a group of children their first Communion and a catechism lesson on the meaning of the Trinity. The pope celebrated Mass May 26, the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, outside […]
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Pope Francis Will Complete Benedict XVI’s Encyclical
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Continuing a papal tradition of finishing a predecessor’s work in progress, Pope Francis intends to complete an encyclical – on the virtue of faith – begun during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. “I can confirm that the plan for an encyclical on faith, begun by Benedict XVI, has been taken […]
Pope Francis to Visit Assisi
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis will visit the birthplace of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, on the saint’s feast day, Oct. 4. The Vatican confirmed the trip May 23. Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi said he was thrilled about the visit and that it was “a great sign” of the pope’s benevolence and […]
Pope Offers Special Prayers For the Church in China
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In the face of difficulty, it’s natural to hope just to get by, but being Christian means patiently enduring trials and overcoming oppression with love, Pope Francis said at a Mass that included special prayers for China. During the Mass, Pope Francis concluded the prayers of the faithful with an invocation […]
On Pentecost, Pope Fans Fires of Laity
by Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – With humor and passion, Pope Francis shared highlights of his personal faith journey and explained some key points of his teaching to an enthusiastic crowd of representatives from Catholic lay movements. Celebrating a vigil on the eve of Pentecost with an estimated 200,000 people singing, chanting and waving […]
Are People Returning to Confession Because of Pope?
by Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The head of the Vatican office promoting new evangelization said that while he does not like the terms “Francis effect” or “Francis bump,” it is true that “Pope Francis has touched the hearts and minds of many people.” Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting […]
New Saints – Pope Francis Canonizes Largest Number of Saints in One Day
by Francis X. Rocca VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis warned against “gentrification of the heart” as a consequence of comfortable living, and called on the faithful to “touch the flesh of Christ” by caring for the needy. The pope’s words came in a homily during Mass in St. Peter’s Square May 12, when he […]
At World Youth Day in Brazil, Pope Will Visit Shrine, Slum and Youth
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis will meet slum-dwellers and powerful politicians, pay homage at a Marian shrine and celebrate with participants at World Youth Day when he visits Brazil in late July. The Argentine pope’s first international trip, which will take him to his native Latin America, was planned under his predecessor, retired Pope […]
Pope Francis Welcomes Home Pope Emeritus
by Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – For the first time in history, the Vatican is home to a pope and a retired pope. Pope Francis welcomed his predecessor, retired Pope Benedict XVI, to the Vatican May 2 outside the convent remodeled for the 86-year-old retired pontiff and five aides. Pope Francis and Pope Benedict […]
Pope Francis’ First Encyclical?
by Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis may publish his first encyclical this year, the Vatican spokesman said. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said he “would not exclude” the possibility of the publication of the pope’s first encyclical “within this year,” Vatican Radio reported. The spokesman told reporters that retired Pope Benedict XVI had […]