The church works best when moving forward, but not all new things are good, Pope says
VATICAN – The church is like a bicycle -- it stays upright as long as it keeps moving, Pope Francis said.
Don't be 'couch potatoes,' get up and evangelize, Pope says
VATICAN – Christians must be willing to move where the Spirit leads them and not be benchwarmers on the sidelines of efforts to evangelize, Pope Francis said.
Church needs prophets, not critics, Pope says
VATICAN – The church needs true prophets who not only speak the truth fearlessly, but also empathize with the suffering of their people, Pope Francis said.
Be careful of the freedom you seek, lest you become a slave of the world, Pope says
VATICAN – Christian freedom is being free from worldly ambition, fashion and passion and being open to God's will, Pope Francis said.
Jesus does not give up on anyone, Pope tells prisoners
ROME – Before washing the feet of 12 prisoners, Pope Francis told them and hundreds of inmates to remember that Jesus constantly stands before them with love, ready to cleanse their sins and forgive them.
Pope to priests: Be a "street priest", share God's truth face to face
VATICAN – If Jesus and his truth are to become truly present in today's world, priests must do what Jesus did and be "street preachers," going out to encounter and accompany sinners with tenderness and compassion, Pope Francis told the world's priests.
Do not keep quiet, Pope says to youth on Palm Sunday
VATICAN – Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass with thousands of young people, Pope Francis urged them to continue singing and shouting "hosanna" in the world, proclaiming the lordship of Jesus and following his example of outreach to the poor and suffering.
Confession brings the joy of God's love, Pope says
VATICAN – God always loves and always remains faithful to his children, despite their sin and idolatry, Francis said.
Many admire Padre Pio, but few imitate him, Pope says
SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO, Italy – Many people admire St. Padre Pio, but too few imitate him, especially in his care for the weak, the sick and those who modern culture treats as disposable, Pope Francis said during Mass at Padre Pio's shrine.
Life should be lived fully listening to Jesus, Pope Francis says
VATICAN – On Sunday Pope Francis said Jesus never leaves his followers alone, but always prepares them for the trials they will face, just as he during his transfiguration, which helped his disciples to understand and cope with his Passion and death.