Saying “superficial” marriage preparation programs leave many couples at risk of having invalid marriages or unprepared to cope with the struggles that arise in every marriage, Pope Francis endorsed suggestions for a yearlong “marriage catechumenate” drafted by the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.
A prominent Ukrainian academic, who recently met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, said the pontiff has tasked a handful of cardinals to study the topic of “just war” in light of the current conflict with Russia.
According to a statement from the Vatican, the Pope will not be able to celebrate Mass on Thursday, June 16, the feast of Corpus Christi.
Pornography is a danger to public health, and it threatens the dignity of all men and women, Pope Francis said.
Because of continuing problems with his knee, Pope Francis has postponed his planned trip to Congo and South Sudan July 2-7, said the Vatican press office.
Here are brief biographies of each of the 21 churchmen Pope Francis will induct into the College of Cardinals Aug. 27.
Catholic environmental activists participating in the Laudato Si’ Movement in Africa matched their words with actions, mounting cleanup efforts and educational programs as part of the observance of World Environment Day.
Why are the elderly unappreciated and seen as useless when they carry so much wisdom about life and can open the door to God’s tenderness, Pope Francis asked.
In 1972, Phan Thị Kim Phúc, then age 9, was horribly disfigured by a napalm strike on her village in South Vietnam. A famous photo of her fleeing the carnage, naked, left her feeling ashamed and isolated. She contemplated suicide. But now, 50 years later, she rejoices in the truth that “God had a plan.”
Sitting in a wheelchair in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis allowed himself to be grilled by a group of youngsters, including one who asked when he would go to Ukraine “to save all the children who are suffering there.”
