People from around the world, especially the poor and the homeless, had a chance to send their good wishes for Pope Francis’ 80th birthday.
Pope Francis
Gift to the Church
Last Saturday, Dec. 17, Pope Francis celebrated the occasion of his 80th birthday. We, of course, all should pray for a happy, healthy, and holy long life and ministry for our Holy Father. At a time in his life when most of his peers are well into their “golden years,” Pope Francis is keeping an intense schedule that could make strong, healthy men and women in their 20s gasp for air!
President-elect and Pope Are The Significant People of 2016
Two things – one political and the other ecclesiastical – tell the story of 2016. The election of Donald J. Trump as president of the United States and Pope Francis’ issuance of “Amoris Laetitia” were the signature moments of the year. Both point to revolutionary moments in the history of the country and the Church.
Pope Francis’ December Prayer Intentions
Each month, Pope Francis entrusts two special intentions to his worldwide prayer network, known as the Apostleship of Prayer. For December, he asks that we pray for an end to child-soldiers and for the evangelization of the peoples of Europe.
Civil Service Workers Welcome Pope
Pope Francis greets the crowd during an audience with young volunteers, government officials and organizations involved in Italy’s national civil service programs, in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican Nov. 26.
Pope Meets Social Scientists
Pope Francis greets British theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking, during an audience with participants attending a plenary session of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican Nov. 28.
Pope Plans to Visit Ireland in 2018
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – After meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said the pope confirmed he will visit Ireland in 2018 and that trip organizers would look at the possibility of a stop in Northern Ireland.
Defending Pope Francis By Slandering Church
IF THE CIVIL NEW YEAR is an occasion to resolve to “do better” in the future, the liturgical new year, the real new year that begins at First Vespers on the First Sunday of Advent, is an even better moment for such resolutions. So permit me to suggest a Real New Year’s resolution to those who think it necessary to support Pope Francis by rewriting recent Church history: Stop it.
Church Reactions to Castro’s Death
In a brief, two-paragraph telegram in Spanish, Pope Francis extended his condolences to Cuban President Raul Castro on the “sad news” of “the death of your dear brother.”
Pope, Bishops Ask Trump To Care for Immigrants
The day before Donald Trump was elected president of the United States, Pope Francis said he would make no judgments about the candidate and was interested only in the impact his policies would have on the poor.