Give Your Lives for Your Flocks, Pope Tells Archbishops

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Blessing bands of wool that archbishops will wear around their shoulders, Pope Francis said, “It is a sign that the shepherds do not live for themselves but for the sheep.” “It is a sign that, in order to possess life, we have to lose it, give it away,” […]

Secrecy of Confession Must Never Be Violated, Vatican Says

In the light of “a worrying negative prejudice” against the Catholic Church, Pope Francis ordered the publication of a document affirming the absolute secrecy of everything said in confession and calling on priests to defend it at all costs, even at the cost of their lives.

Pope Announces Themes for Upcoming WYD Celebrations

Announcing the themes for the next three World Youth Day celebrations, Pope Francis called on young men and women to meditate on the path of Christian life that God has called them to walk.