by Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis’ style of breaking away from his security detail and diving toward the crowds means his protectors have had to do a quick rewrite of strategy, sometimes on the spot. Concern and urgency were visibly etched on the face of the head of the Vatican police, Domenico […]
Pope Francis
Pope Skipped Events To Minister in Slums
by Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Even though Pope Francis is very close to his family, he would often skip their barbecues to spend Sundays or holidays in Buenos Aires’ slums, the pope’s sister said. “That’s the way he is: totally devoted to the mission of a priest; he is the pastor of […]
Pope: Religion Reminds People There Is a God
by Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) – For the good of all people, the care of the poor and the future of the Earth, religions must cooperate in reminding modern men and women that God exists and has a plan for their lives and their behavior, Pope Francis said. “The Catholic Church knows the importance […]
‘We Are Brothers,’ Francis Tells Benedict
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) – With a warm embrace, a helping hand, shared prayer, a long discussion and lunch together, Pope Francis spent several hours with retired Pope Benedict XVI March 23 at the papal summer villa. Pope Francis gave Pope Benedict an icon of Mary and Jesus that the Russian Orthodox delegation to his […]
Easter Is Perfect Time For Changes in Church
What is happening in Rome amounts to nothing more than a seismic shift in how we view the papacy. Pope Francis wades into the crowds to shake hands with people. Pope Francis calls his dentist and his newspaper stand in Argentina to tell them that he will not be keeping appointments. Pope Francis phones the […]
Pope Francis – During Inaugural Mass, New Pontiff Asks For Protection of All Creation
by Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis formally began his ministry as bishop of Rome and as pope by pledging to protect the Catholic Church, the dignity of each person and the beauty of creation, just like St. Joseph protected Mary and Jesus. “To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, […]
Local Argentinian Priest, Sisters Rejoice Over Pope
While the world’s Catholics are rejoicing over the new Holy Father, Pope Francis, his election is even more momentous for Latin Americans, particularly those of Argentinian heritage.Among those bursting with pride is Father Francisco Walker, pastor of St. Agatha’s Church, Sunset Park, who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, just like the new pope.
Argentinian Students Proud Their Heritage Is Recognized
by Antonina Zielinska As the world waited in anticipation for Rome to announce the name of the cardinal who would become supreme pontiff, three seniors of Argentinian heritage were finishing their school day at St. John’s Prep, Astoria. Merlina Rodas was at track practice when she stopped to watch the news following white smoke in […]
Already, Changes in Papal Style
by Francis X. Rocca VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis had been pope for less than six days when he was formally installed March 19, but he had already made a distinctive and overwhelmingly favorable impression on the world. That is an especially remarkable accomplishment given that, until his election, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario […]