FAITH/STORIES
It was a sunny day in Rome Jan. 13 when a truck was fully loaded with supplies. Thermal clothing, power generators and food were put inside with the help of a papal official: Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Pope Francis’ almoner.
To be pastoral, look to the Good Shepherd, Pope Francis says
Christians must develop a pastoral heart to care for those who have not heard the Gospel or who have left the fold, Pope Francis said.
Evangelization is the 'oxygen' of Christian life, Pope Francis says
Sharing the faith is the "oxygen" that "invigorates and purifies" Christian life, Pope Francis said.
Vatican prosecutor opens investigation into Orlandi disappearance
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceThe disappearance 40 years ago of Emanuela Orlandi has haunted her family, fueled conspiracy theories and provided grist for a recent Netflix series.
Pope Francis baptizes babies, urges parents to teach them to pray
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceTelling parents and godparents to teach their little ones to pray from the time they are small, Pope Francis baptized 13 babies in the Sistine Chapel as their older brothers and sisters looked on -- or got away and ran around.
Pope Francis remembers predecessor as a 'great teacher of catechesis'
Pope Benedict XVI was a "great teacher of catechesis" whose "sharp and gentle thinking" led others to encounter Jesus, Pope Francis said.
On New Year's, Pope Francis calls for taking the risk of changing the world
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceThe best way to usher in a truly "new" year is to stop waiting for things to get better on their own, and instead recognize what is essential and reach out now to help others, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis pays tribute to the late Pope Benedict, highlighting his gentleness
By Cindy Wooden, OSV NewsKeeping his appointment to celebrate vespers as 2022 was ending, Pope Francis also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who died early Dec. 31.
Vatican agency pays tribute to 18 missionaries killed in 2022
By Catholic News ServiceMost of the 18 Catholic missionaries murdered in 2022 were not carrying out high-risk missions when they were assassinated but were simply "immersed and submerged in the ordinariness of their lives and their apostolic work," said the editor of Fides, the Vatican's missionary news service.
Pope Francis' Christmas message: Listen to the cries of the newborn Prince of Peace
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceWith 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 daily amid danger, Pope Francis said in his Christmas message.
Bring hope to others, justice for the poor, Pope Francis says at Christmas Mass
Christ was born to touch people's hearts and show that love is the power that changes the course of history, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis advances sainthood causes, including first 'martyr' of charity
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServicePope Francis recognized the martyrdom of members of a Polish family who were sheltering a Jewish family during World War II, and, for the first time, advanced the sainthood cause of a candidate under the category of heroically offering his life out of loving service to others.
Pope Francis prepared resignation letter in case of impairment
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServicePope Francis said he wrote a resignation letter in 2013, his first year in office, to be used in case he became physically or mentally impaired and unable to fulfill the duties of the papacy.