For history’s first pope named for Francis of Assisi, the saint’s Oct. 4 feast is bound to be a big deal, and this year is no exception, as several major Vatican events are already on the calendar.
Pope Francis
Argentine ‘Slum Priest’ and COVID Victim Hailed as ‘Martyr for the Poor’
A “slum priest” in Argentina admired by Pope Francis died Saturday after a three-month battle with the coronavirus, hailed by the movement of which he was a part as a “martyr for the poor.”
Pope Praises Priest Who Pioneered Argentine Form of Liberation Theology
By Inés San Martín ROSARIO, Argentina (Crux) – When a pope has no global leaders visiting him on a regular basis, and no appointments with bishops from around the world doing their regular trek to the Eternal City, what does he do? Well, if you’re Pope Francis, you use the time to dispatch personal notes […]
Pope-Less Economy: Castel Gandolfo Forced to Change Course
Milvia Monachesi, who was elected mayor of Castel Gandolfo in 2012, said “for a moment” in 2013, “I thought I was the luckiest mayor in the world: I would have two popes.”
Pope Francis Calls for ‘Freeing’ the Virgin Mary From the Devotion of the Mafia
The Pontifical Academy has promoted a conference to officially launch the Department of Analysis and Study of Criminal and Mafia Phenomena. The scope of the interdisciplinary body is to stop the influence of the underworld on religious events and places dedicated to the Virgin, including the “detours” taken by some Marian processions in southern Italy to salute mafia bosses under house arrest.
Foundation Gives $9 Million in Grants to Meet Catholics’ Needs in 59 Countries
The Diocese of Moroto in Uganda and the Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Rosary ministering in Lubango, Angola, are among the recipients of grants from The Papal Foundation.
Making the Poor a Priority Isn’t Political, It’s the Gospel, Pope Says
Church teaching on giving priority to the well-being of the poor and marginalized is not a political or ideological choice; it lies at the very heart of the Gospel, Pope Francis said.
Bishops Press for Death Penalty Protests Amid New Federal Executions
While many Catholic bishops insist that the Church must vigorously oppose the death penalty, not all Catholics agree, with almost half not sharing the sentiment.
Pope Francis Sends Aid to Lebanon
Pope Francis has sent 250,000 euros ($295,000) to Lebanon to help the Catholic Church and Catholic charitable organizations assist people impacted by the massive explosion Aug. 4 in Beirut.
Pope Calls for Prayers for Lebanon After Deadly Explosion in Beirut
After a massive fire triggered a deadly explosion in Beirut, Pope Francis called for prayers and a united effort to help Lebanon overcome “this serious crisis.”