This is from the cover of "From the Depths of Our Hearts," by retired Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. In the book they defend priestly celibacy, an issue that was discussed at last year's Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.

Publisher won’t remove Benedict XVI as co-author of book on priestly celibacy

VATICAN CITY -- Retired Pope Benedict XVI wants his name removed as co-author of a book defending priestly celibacy but the publisher insists Benedict wrote the book with Cardinal Robert Sarah.

God's Word on Sunday: Everyone is called to be a light to nations

God's Word on Sunday: Everyone is called to be a light to nations

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 19 (Year A) Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34

One of the most unsettling questions that we can ask of ourselves is: “Who am I, and why am I here?”

Pope Francis holds the Book of the Gospels as he celebrates Mass on the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 1, 2020. The pope has established the third Sunday in Ordinary Time as "Sunday of the Word of God." It will be celebrated for the first time Jan. 26.

Pope Francis establishes date dedicated to Bible focus

VATICAN CITY -- The newly established "Sunday of the Word of God" is an invitation to Catholics across the world to deepen their appreciation, love and faithful witness to God and his word, Pope Francis said.

A statue of St. Paul stands on Malta’s St. Paul Island, where it is believed the apostle was shipwrecked and shown “great kindness” by the local people.

Malta’s Christians set welcoming tone

An island nation that is more than 90 per cent Catholic is using the story of a shipwreck to remind Christians what ecumenism is really about — kindness, welcome and the bonds of our common humanity.

Pope Francis speaks with Iran's ambassador to the Holy See, Seyed Taha Hashemi, during an audience for the traditional exchange of new year's greetings in the Sala Regia at the Vatican Jan. 9, 2020.

Amid threats of war, world must stay hopeful, Pope Francis tells diplomats

VATICAN CITY -- Hope is the virtue needed to approach the coming year, especially when the looming threat of war surrounds a humanity scarred by violence, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis leads the Angelus on the feast of the Epiphany from the window of his apartment overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Jan. 6, 2020.

Pope Francis prays for dialogue as tensions mount between U.S., Iran

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis led pilgrims in prayers for peace as tensions between the United States and Iran escalated following the assassination of a top Iranian general.

God's Word on Sunday: Healing the world is a mission for all

God's Word on Sunday: Healing the world is a mission for all

Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 12 (Year A) Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17

The servant of God described in Isaiah is truly a wondrous and powerful individual. He will establish justice in the land and on the Earth.

Pope Francis blesses a sick child in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 15, 2016, during a meeting with patients and workers of Rome's Bambino Gesu children's hospital. World Day of the Sick iis marked Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Pope Francis tells health workers to 'uphold truest human right, the right to life'

VATICAN CITY -- Health care professionals always must "promote the dignity and life of each person and reject any compromise in the direction of euthanasia, assisted suicide or suppression of life, even in the case of terminal illness," Pope Francis said.

A woman pulls Pope Francis' hand as he greets people while walking to visit the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 31, 2019. At his Jan. 1 Angelus the pope apologized for the "bad example" he gave when he slapped this woman's hand.

Pope Francis apologizes for 'incident' with woman in St. Peter's Square

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis began the New Year with an apology for losing his patience the night before with a woman who grabbed his hand and yanked him closer to her while he was greeting people in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis speaks as he leads a prayer service on New Year's Eve in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31, 2019.

God is at work in the world, Pope Francis says at prayer service closing 2019

VATICAN CITY -- God sent his only begotten son into the world, where he continues to dwell in the hearts of men and women, "urging them to believe, to hope despite everything, and to love by working for the good of all," Pope Francis said.

God's Word on Sunday: The light of God is waiting in the wings

God's Word on Sunday: The light of God is waiting in the wings

Epiphany of the Lord, Jan. 5 (Year A) Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 32-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

Without hope people cannot survive. When we lose the will to live or fail to find any kind of beauty, purpose or blessing in life or the world around us, decline and disintegration will surely follow.

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