April 2025

Cardinals mourn Pope Francis as Vatican meetings begin ahead of conclave

Ines San Martin · April 24, 2025

As they entered the Vatican to participate in a series of meetings leading up to the election of Pope Francis' successor, several cardinals spoke to the media, emphasizing that they are still mourning the Argentine pontiff—not yet choosing his successor.

Cardinals choose prelates to offer reflections on church, future pope

Cindy Wooden · April 24, 2025

A Benedictine abbot and a Capuchin cardinal will offer spiritual meditations on the needs of the Catholic Church to the cardinals preparing to elect a new pope, according to the Vatican press office.

B.C. hospice group to intervene in MAiD case

Delta Hospice Society battles forcing medically assisted death on it

Quinton Amundson · April 25, 2025

Delta Hospice Society (DHS) is now authorized to present key contentions and evidence in an ongoing lawsuit trying to forcibly compel faith-based health-care facilities to provide assisted suicide to palliative care patients by stripping away these organizations’ transfer authority.

The Cross alight with Heaven’s bright stars

Luke Stocking · April 25, 2025

“Truly, the way to heaven is through the Cross.” These are the best words to describe the emotion that hits me as I pray before a large and simple white Cross of wood.

Top contenders for papacy after Francis

135 cardinal electors are eligible to enter pre-conclave gatherings

Michael R. Heinlein · April 25, 2025

At the conclusion of the official days of mourning following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 135 cardinal electors are eligible to enter pre-conclave gatherings.

Seek God’s guidance to keep commandments

The Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week, Sunday, April 27 to Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Lea Karen Kivi · April 25, 2025

The Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week, Sunday, April 27 to Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Figure of Speech

Time to take a page from Jesus’ book

Gerry Turcotte · April 25, 2025

Jesus led by example, and in his early ministry delivered miracles to assure and embrace his followers. He also reminded us we needed to trust in His authenticity, and to model His goodness of heart to celebrate the dignity of our fellow citizens.

The artist and the Pope

Timothy Schmalz an 'artistic soldier' for Francis

Quinton Amundson · April 25, 2025

Timothy Schmalz an 'artistic soldier' for Francis

Carney puts faith in Canada’s abortion extremism

Andrea Mrozek · April 26, 2025

For several years, we have lived with the reality of pro-choice Catholics holding the highest levels of power. It’s something that causes many pro-lifers to see red.

Poor and powerful pray for eternal repose of a Pope 'with an open heart'

Cindy Wooden · April 26, 2025

Pope Francis was "a Pope among the people, with an open heart toward everyone," said Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, as he presided over the funeral of the Pope, who died April 21 at the age of 88.

Pilgrims to Rome pivot from canonization to papal funeral

Gina Christian and Gretchen R. Crowe · April 26, 2025

Pilgrims of all ages made what one archbishop called "an absolute pivot," as they find themselves in Rome for a papal funeral, rather than the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Carlo Acutis shows sainthood is possible

Luke Mandato · April 26, 2025

As Carlo Acutis completes his journey to canonization (postponsed from April 25-27 weekend due to the death of Pope Francis), a relic from the first millennial saint, and a display of his Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit, will be present in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Homily for the funeral Mass of Pope Francis

OSV News · April 26, 2025

The English translation of the prepared text of the homily, delivered in Italian by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 26, 2025.

Archbishop Miller calls for prayer after deadly attack claims 11 at Filipino community festival

B.C. Catholic · April 28, 2025

Archbishop J. Michael Miller reacted with sadness and called for prayers after a man drove an SUV into a crowd of people at a Vancouver Filipino street festival Saturday night, killing 11 people and injuring numerous others.

Cardinals, faithful flock to Rome's centre to pray at Pope Francis' tomb

Carol Glatz · April 28, 2025

Members of the College of Cardinals had a chance to take a quick bus tour through Rome on their way to visit the tomb of Pope Francis, who wanted to be buried in a Marian basilica three and a half miles from the Vatican.

Trump, Zelenskyy meet face-to-face in St. Peter's Basilica

Kate Scanlon · April 28, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the Vatican April 26 ahead of the funeral Mass for Pope Francis.

Conclave to start May 7

Carol Glatz · April 28, 2025

The conclave that begins May 7 is expected to be the largest in history, with a wide geographical mix of cardinal-electors.

Beyond election, Catholics must stay engaged

Quinton Amundson · April 28, 2025

Matthew Marquardt’s message to Canadian Catholics is simple yet significant: active citizenship must continue resolutely in the days, weeks, months and years following tonight’s 2025 federal election outcome.

Analysis

You had your chance Canada: you blew it!

Mickey Conlon · April 29, 2025

I write this with a heavy heart, something I never, ever, would have thought I would have to put in print.

Cardinal says he will obey late pope's sanctions, not enter conclave

Carol Glatz · April 29, 2025

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who lost the rights associated with being a cardinal after Pope Francis asked him to resign in 2020, said he would obey the late pope's wishes and not seek to enter the conclave May 7.