by Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – For the first time in history, the Vatican is home to a pope and a retired pope. Pope Francis welcomed his predecessor, retired Pope Benedict XVI, to the Vatican May 2 outside the convent remodeled for the 86-year-old retired pontiff and five aides. Pope Francis and Pope Benedict […]
Pope Francis
Pope Confirms 44 People, Including Two U.S. Teens
by Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Administering the sacrament of Confirmation to 44 people, including two teenagers from the U.S. and two from Ireland, Pope Francis encouraged them to “swim against the tide; it’s good for the heart.” In a partially improvised homily at Mass April 28 in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis encouraged […]
Is the Pope Tone Deaf?
by Carol Glatz After a musically proficient and polyglot Pope Benedict XVI, it came as a surprise to many that Pope Francis doesn’t sing or chant at Mass or speak foreign languages in public. From his first Mass as pope – his liturgy with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel March 14 – […]
Pope’s Role Is Key to Christian Ecumenism
by Marie Elena Giossi By putting himself at the service of God’s Word, the Eucharist and love, Pope Francis may be able to promote greater communion and unity among the world’s Christian churches, according to one local theologian. Msgr. John J. Strynkowski, rector of St. James Cathedral-Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn, and former theological adviser for the […]
Security Adapts to New Papal Style
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 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, […]