VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Almost every papal trip abroad is a complex mix of the religious and political, and that will be especially true of Pope Francis’ Nov. 28-30 visit to Turkey. Given the country’s crucial geographic position straddling Europe and Asia, its historic importance for both Christianity and Islam and the wars now raging […]
Pope Francis
Pope Encourages New Idealism for Europe
By Cindy Wooden STRASBOURG, France (CNS) – The project of European unity and cooperation, ensuring peace on the continent and helping others find peace as well, requires a real commitment to dialogue and respect for others, Pope Francis said. While the pope did not specifically mention the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia, both members […]
It’s Official! Pope Is Coming to US
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis said he would attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September, making it the first confirmed stop on what is expected to be a more extensive papal visit to North America, including a stop in New York. The pope made the announcement Nov. 17 in a speech […]
Irish Archbishop Knocks Reports That Criticized Francis’ Approach
By Michael Kelly DUBLIN (CNS) – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin decried comments from clerics and others who said Pope Francis caused confusion in his calls for an open discussion on how the Church should reach out to those who are marginalized, hurt and wounded in their lives during the recent Synod of Bishops on […]
Cardinal Burke Receives New Vatican Post
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis removed U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, 66, as head of the Vatican’s highest court and named him to a largely ceremonial post for a chivalric religious order. Cardinal Burke, formerly prefect of the Apostolic Signature, will now serve as cardinal patron of the Knights and Dames of Malta. The […]
The Spirit Breathes
Dear Editor: Re: the extraordinary Synod. First of all, the only conclusion that it came to was to end Oct. 18. The Holy Father will study all the recommendations and will give the official results next year before the Ordinary Synod in October. All are welcome into the Church. No one was ever rejected because […]
Terrorism of Gossip
Twice last week, Pope Francis spoke to the Church about the serious threat of terrorism. However, the terrorism of which he spoke was of a very different kind than the danger of Islamic extremism and the growing threat of the Islamic State. No, in two separate audiences, one with superiors of Religious Orders of Men […]
Pope: Terrorism Is at Unimaginable Levels
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Middle East, especially Iraq and Syria, are experiencing “terrorism of previously unimaginable proportions” in which the perpetrators seem to have absolutely no regard for the value of human life, Pope Francis said.
Threats to Pope’s Life Are Real
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) – A Philippine security analyst said the country should take “very, very seriously” the threat of Islamic State fighters on Pope Francis’ life, especially during his visit there in January.
Wanted: A Synod of Affirmation
Pope Francis has called a special session of the Synod of Bishops, which will meet from Oct. 5-19 and prepare the agenda for the ordinary session of the Synod that is scheduled for the fall of 2015; both sessions will focus on the family.