Public criticism by cardinals and bishops is annoying — “like a rash that bothers you a bit,” Pope Francis said — but differences need to be aired and criticism can be helpful, he told the Associated Press.
Pope Francis
Mass Media Needs More Kindness, Truth Spoken with Charity, Pope Says
The media and the field of communications need to exercise more kindness and share the truth with charity, Pope Francis said.
Pope Prays God Will Strengthen Commitment to Defending All Human Life
As the Biden administration and state governments look at ways to expand or restrict access to abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling, Pope Francis prayed that God would strengthen people’s commitment to protecting human life at every stage.
Pope Recalls John Paul II’s Message to Cubans: ‘Return to Your Roots’
Pope Francis asked Cubans “to make present in their hearts” the actions and words of St. John Paul II during his visit to their nation 25 years ago to “give a new push to building the country’s future with hope and determination.”
Pope Baptizes Babies, Urges Parents to Teach Them to Pray
Telling parents and godparents to teach their little ones to pray from the time they are small, Pope Francis baptized 13 babies in the Sistine Chapel as their older brothers and sisters looked on — or got away and ran around.
Vatican Says Pope Emeritus Benedict is in Serious, But Stable Condition
The day after Pope Francis told people retired Pope Benedict was “very sick” and in need of prayers, the Vatican said he had had a restful night and described him as being in serious, but stable condition.
Saying Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is ‘Very Sick,’ Pope Francis Calls for Prayers for Predecessor
Saying that retired Pope Benedict XVI was “very sick,” Pope Francis asked people to offer special prayers for him. “I would like to ask all of you for a special prayer for emeritus Pope Benedict,” Pope Francis said at the end of his weekly general audience on Dec. 28.
Listen to the Cries of the Newborn Prince of Peace, Pope Francis Says on Christmas
With the birth of Jesus, God became flesh to share the joys and sorrows, hopes and fears of all people, especially the poor and those living daily amid danger, Pope Francis said in his Christmas message.
Pope Advances Sainthood Causes, Including First ‘Martyr’ of Charity
Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of members of a Polish family who were sheltering a Jewish family during World War II, and, for the first time, advanced the sainthood cause of a candidate under the category of heroically offering his life out of loving service to others.
Celebrate Christmas ‘With Ukraine In Your Hearts,’ Pope Says, Urging Aid
Celebrating Christmas is important and beautiful, Pope Francis said, but he asked people to spend less on their celebrations this year and donate the savings to help the people of Ukraine.