Papal calendar: 2023 holds important events for Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will soon pack his bags for his first foreign trip of 2023, a year that promises to be as busy as ever. The pope,… Read More

Love comes first, pope says in letter on teaching of St. Francis de Sales

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The most important question a Christian can ask when making any decision in life is “where the greatest love is to be found,” Pope Francis wrote… Read More

UPDATE: Pope Francis asks prayers for ailing Pope Benedict

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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… Read More

Pope Francis says retired Pope Benedict is ‘very sick’

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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… Read More

Listen to the cries of the newborn Prince of Peace, pope says on Christmas

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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… Read More

Bring hope to others, justice for the poor, pope says at Christmas Mass

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christ was born to touch people’s hearts and show that love is the power that changes the course of history, Pope Francis said. However, the faithful… Read More

Gospel call to conversion lasts a lifetime, pope tells Curia officials

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Every Christian and every Christian community is called to conversion, a process that lasts a lifetime and is needed even more by people who think they… Read More

Papal message for World Peace Day: War, hunger, turmoil are connected

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The interconnected “moral, social, political and economic crises” facing the world cannot be solved if individuals and nations continue to focus only on their own, immediate… Read More

God offers many ways to face life’s challenges, choices, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Believers do not need to be afraid of obstacles, struggles and choices in life because God is always near, offering his love and guidance, Pope Francis… Read More

Kids help pope celebrate 86th birthday with cake, circus performers

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The day after he turned 86, Pope Francis met with volunteers, family members and children receiving care from a Vatican pediatric clinic. The group of children… Read More

Sadness can serve as ‘alarm bell’ for life, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Feelings of desolation and sadness are not signs of trials that may discourage Christians, they can be indispensable signs that point to dangers along the path… Read More

Cries for peace can’t be ignored, pope says at interreligious meeting

ROME (CNS) — Standing in front of an ancient symbol of violent battles, Pope Francis and religious leaders from around the world echoed “the cry for peace” of people suffering… Read More

Thinking you are holier than others is form of self-worship, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “Spiritual arrogance” — thinking one is holier or better than others — is a temptation everyone faces and is a form of self-worship, Pope Francis said.… Read More

Vatican, China renew agreement on appointing bishops

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Saying it is committed to “respectful dialogue” with China’s communist government and to “fostering the mission of the Catholic Church and the good of the Chinese… Read More

Vatican II was ‘necessary,’ retired pope writes to U.S. conference

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Second Vatican Council was “not only meaningful, but necessary,” retired Pope Benedict XVI said in a letter to a conference about his theological work at… Read More

Catholic media must be in communion with pope, cardinal tells EWTN

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Media outlets that identify as Catholic must live “in a spirit of communion” with the pope, especially at a time of “overly dramatic debates, also within… Read More

Academy for Life president defends appointment of economist

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Convinced that poverty, inequality and economic systems are killing millions of people each year and threatening the dignity of many more people, Pope Francis appointed an… Read More

Pope: Seeing God at work in small things helps one recognize God’s call

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Reviewing one’s life is an essential step in discerning God’s call because it helps one see places where God was at work, even in small things,… Read More

Pope announces a second session for Synod of Bishops assembly

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Saying he did not want to rush the process of discerning how the Holy Spirit is calling the church to grow in “synodality,” Pope Francis announced… Read More

Love, solidarity must be part of plan to end hunger, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Success in eradicating hunger will require acts of love and solidarity, not just carefully planned and executed international programs, Pope Francis said. “This requires, first of… Read More