On the eve of sending off “missionaries of mercy” to all corners of the globe, Pope Francis told his specially appointed men that the reassuring strength of God’s love – not the “bludgeon of judgment” – will bring the “lost sheep” back to the fold.
Pope Francis
Pope’s Chiapas Visit Will Affirm Controversial Bishop
Long before Pope Francis spoke of a poor church for the poor and taking the church to the peripheries, Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia of San Cristobal de Las Casas built the church in southern Chiapas state.
Pope Will View Improved Prison System in Mexico
The Ciudad Juarez prison once symbolized the city’s problems. It suffered 12 riots and 216 murders in 2010. Last year, there were no riots registered in the prison and only one homicide, according to Chihuahua state statistics.
Vatican: Pope Will Not Make Acting Debut
Pope Francis will not be an actor in a proposed movie based on the Gospels, a Vatican spokesman said.
Papal Trip to Mexico Is Mission of Mercy
Pope Francis said his reasons for his apostolic visit to Mexico Feb. 12-17 are “easy and simple.” “I want to come as a missionary of mercy and peace,” the pope said in a video message to the Mexican people.
24 Hours of Prayer
The Diocese of Brooklyn will participate in the 24 Hours of Prayer for the Lord March 4-5, as requested by Pope Francis
Pope Will Bless Participants in Texas
The Diocese of El Paso, Texas, announced that Pope Francis will bless the attendees at the “Two Nations, One Faith” event at the Sun Bowl on Feb. 17, during the historic Mass on the border of Juarez and El Paso.
Local Mexicans Cheer Pope’s Visit to Homeland
Enthusiasm and hope are brimming among Mexican Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens over Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to their native country, Feb. 12-17. That faith and excitement will be palpable at St. Brigid Church in Bushwick this Saturday evening, Feb. 6, when Mexican Catholics in the diocese will hold a 7 p.m. Mass to pray for the Holy Father and his intentions in Mexico.
Pope: Don’t Be Confused; Marriage Is Between One Man and One Woman
Pope Francis said there can be no confusion between God’s plan for marriage as an indissoluble bond between one man and woman who are open to life, and other sorts of unions.
Philly Will Auction Papal Car to Aid Ministry
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pa., is auctioning off one low-mileage car, in mint condition, used slightly by one owner. Proceeds from the auction will benefit ministries of the archdiocese.