A Christian life should be filled with amazement — astonishment at the son of God suffering and dying for humanity and awe at realizing how precious and loved people are in his eyes, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis
Critics Charge German ‘Synodal Path’ Exploits Suffering of Abuse Victims
As what’s come to be called the German “Synodal Path” begins forwarding its mid-term conclusions to Rome, many lay activists and bishops are describing the process as an historic and inspiring moment, a potential springtime of sweeping reform and renewal in Catholic life.
700 Years After His Death, Dante Still Inspires Popes
During the 2015 celebration of the 750th birthday of Dante Aligheri, Pope Francis invited Catholics from all over the world to read The Divine Comedy, one of the most important works of Western and Christian civilization.
Pope Francis Approves Pay Cuts for Cardinals, Top Management, Religious at Vatican
With the need to reduce costs and make sure employees are not laid off, Pope Francis has approved pay cuts for cardinals, clergy, religious and upper management officials who work in the Roman Curia and other Vatican entities.
Pope Francis Adds Prominent Clergy Sex Abuse Survivor to Pontifical Commission
On Wednesday, March 24, Pope Francis appointed a prominent clergy abuse survivor and advocate to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Chilean Juan Carlos Cruz joins 15 previous commission members whose terms were all renewed for one year.
Good Friday Collection for Holy Land Seeks More Support to Make up for 2020
The annual Pontifical Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land has much catching up to do this year. Twelve months ago the pandemic kept Catholics from attending Good Friday services when the donations are traditionally given.
Priests Must be Welcoming Fathers Like St. Joseph, Pope Francis Says
Like St. Joseph who had other plans for his life, but lovingly embraced his role as Jesus’ foster father, a priest assigned to a new parish cannot impose his own ways on that community, Pope Francis said.
St. Joseph Pastries Back After Tough Year for Bakers
The unique pastries sfingi and zeppole are back in bakery showcases in time for the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19. The feast this year will occur during the “Year of St. Joseph,” which began on Dec. 8 when Pope Francis called for a year-long celebration of the canonized carpenter.
Vatican Rules Out Church Blessings for Same-Sex Unions
Responding to efforts in some parts of the Catholic world to devise “blessings” of same-sex unions by the Church, the Vatican’s doctrinal watchdog released a statement Monday saying that such blessings are “not legitimate,” as homosexual unions are “not ordered to the Creator’s plan.”
After 10 Years, Syria’s War May be Over but Poverty ‘Bomb’ Has Exploded
Ten years after Syria’s bloody civil war began, most of the fighting is now over. Yet the country is now facing a massive economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in which rampant poverty is the next major battle it faces.