Joined by Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant church leaders and faithful from around the world, Pope Francis led the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, imploring God’s mercy on humanity amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis
Catholic Leaders Praise Abolition of Death Penalty in Colorado
Catholic leaders are cheering Colorado’s abolition of the death penalty – a move they say is fueled by new momentum following the revision to the Catholic Catechism to officially ban the practice and one that signals a westward expansion in the U.S. of the death penalty’s repeal.
Pope Calls for Universal Prayer as Virus Death Toll Skyrockets
Following a particularly deadly week for Italians inflicted with the COVID-19 coronavirus, Pope Francis Sunday urged Christians everywhere from different confessions to unite in shared moments of prayer, including several he will be leading at the Vatican.
Pope Joins Nationwide Rosary as Italy Takes Lead for Coronavirus Deaths
On the same day Italy surpassed China in the number of fatalities related to the COVID-19 coronavirus, Pope Francis joined the Italian bishops in calling for a nationwide rosary to pray for an end to the outbreak set for 9:00 p.m. Rome time, 4:00 p.m. on the East Coast of the U.S., offering special prayers for families and the elderly.
New Poll Shows Catholics Have More Favorable Opinion of Church Than Last Year
While Catholics in the U.S. continue to grapple with fallout stemming from the clergy abuse scandals, new polling suggests that Catholics have a higher opinion of the Church than they did this time last year.
As Coronavirus Spreads, So Does Pope’s ‘Virtual Parish’
As many of the restrictions imposed early on by Italy to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus begin to be adopted elsewhere, the number of Catholics unable to get to Mass, or at least strongly discouraged from leaving the house to do so, is growing.
After Italian Prison Riots Due to Coronavirus Clampdown, Pope Prays for Prisoners
As the number climbs of inmates who’ve died in Italian prisons amid riots related to the country’s coronavirus restrictions, and as the Vatican tightens its own controls, Pope Francis March 11 offered a prayer for prisoners suffering as the disease spreads.
Nine Priests From the Diocese of Brooklyn Are Named Monsignors
Nine priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn have been named monsignor, a title that is typically bestowed upon priests who have distinguished themselves.
Analysis: Despite Staying Home, Pope’s Vibe Still Will Be Felt During Lenten Retreat
Pope Francis was supposed to depart March 1 for his annual weeklong Lenten retreat with senior members of the Roman Curia. As has been custom since 2015, the get-away is being staged at a retreat center in the nearby hill town of Ariccia, about 45 minutes by car outside Rome.
Pope Skips Penance Service With Rome Clergy Due to Mild Cold
Pope Francis did not attend a traditional penitential service with priests of the Diocese of Rome due to a mild cold, the Vatican said.