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.
Pope Francis
San Diego Bishop Sees Local Antidotes to ‘Poison of Partisanship’
In an interview with The Tablet, Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego spoke of how he believes local solutions are necessary to combat the poison of partisanship which has contributed to a “cancer in our Church.” One such measure to combat this is the initiation of a local synod within his diocese to focus on hearing the real life needs of Catholics and providing concrete responses.
Vintage ‘Bernardin Bishop’ Says Pope Francis is Vindicating His Legacy
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.
Hong Kong Bishop Emphasizes Pastoral Over Political Concerns
In an exclusive interview with The Tablet, Hong Kong’s new bishop spoke of how he is focusing on pastoral matters over political concerns. Bishop Yeung says he devoting attention to young people, the elderly, and building social solidarity, rather than emphasizing political disagreement with the government.
@Pontifex Twitter Hits 40 Million
Pope Francis’ @Pontifex Twitter accounts reached more than 40 million followers just a few months before the fifth anniversary of when Pope Benedict XVI launched the initiative.
Death Penalty Contrary to The Gospel
The death penalty, no matter how it is carried out, “is, in itself, contrary to the Gospel,” Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis Expresses His Solidarity With California Wildfire Victims
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.”
Vatican Issues Itinerary for Papal Trip to Myanmar, Bangladesh
Pope Francis’ trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh will offer moments to recognize each nation’s struggle for independence, underline interreligious respect and encourage the local minority Catholic communities.
Nine Men and Women Declared Blessed
Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of nine men and women, including a Franciscan priest who championed the land rights of farmers in Guatemala.
Spadaro at Notre Dame: “Mercy Essential To Understanding Pope’s Political Engagement”
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.