With many, but not all, COVID-19 restrictions eased in many parts of the world, the Vatican asked bishops and priests to be prudent in their planning for Holy Week and Easter liturgies but offered no firm instructions.
Rome
Everyone Needs Forgiveness, to Feel Loved by God, Pope Tells Confessors
Confession helps the penitent and also the confessor, who has the opportunity to be like the father of the prodigal son and experience the joy of seeing a child return home, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis Consecrates Ukraine, Russia to Mary
As Russia’s violent monthlong invasion continued to devastate Ukraine, Pope Francis laid the fates of both countries at the feet of Mary in the hopes that peace would finally reign.
Pope Francis Hosted Homeless People at his Residence to Interview Him
Dozens of people experiencing poverty and homelessness around the world got to ask Pope Francis any question they wanted.
Ukrainian President Speaks With Pope Francis Before Addressing Italian Leaders
Pope Francis telephoned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the president addressed the Italian parliament via video link March 22.
Pope Francis Visits Ukrainian Refugee Children in a Pediatric Hospital in Rome
Pope Francis again condemned Russia’s war on Ukraine, calling it a “senseless massacre” and “sacrilegious” attack on human life.
Pope Francis Promulgates Curia Reform, Emphasizing Church’s Missionary Nature
Nine years after taking office, Pope Francis promulgated his constitution reforming the Roman Curia, a project he began with his international College of Cardinals shortly after taking office in 2013.
Pope Asks Bishops Worldwide to Join Consecration of Ukraine, Russia
Pope Francis has asked bishops around the world to join him March 25 in consecrating Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, something bishops in every part of the globe had started announcing the minute they heard what the pope had planned.
Pope Francis’ Ash Wednesday Homily: Those Who Seek Worldly Rewards Never Find or Foster Peace
Prayer, charity and fasting have a medicinal power to purify oneself, help others and change history, Pope Francis wrote in a homily read by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Pope Francis’ Music Library Contains Nearly 2,000 CDs, Includes Elvis
Pope Francis’ music library contains nearly 2,000 CDs and 19 vinyl records, according to the Vatican cardinal who is curating the collection.