On Palm Sunday, Pope Francis prays people open hearts to God, quell all hatred
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceOnly Jesus can deliver humanity from hatred and violence, Pope Francis said on Palm Sunday."Jesus entered Jerusalem as a humble and peaceful king," he said in brief remarks after celebrating Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square. He prayed that the faithful would open their hearts to the Lord because he alone "can deliver us from animosity, hatred, violence, because he is mercy and the forgiveness of sins."
CCCB offers Lenten video reflections
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterThe Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (CCCB) Journey Through Lent video series is back for the second straight year, its third iteration since 2021.
Taking time to reflect on Lent
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterLent is greeted by many as a time to curb the unnecessary busyness preventing them from experiencing a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis says document on blessings makes clear that the Gospel is for all
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceMaking a list of which sinners are welcome in the church and which sinners are not goes against the teaching of the Gospel, Pope Francis told an Italian newspaper.
Pope Francis clears the way for the canonization of Canadian blessed
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServicePope Francis signed a decree clearing the way for the canonization of Canada-born Blessed Marie-Léonie Paradis, founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family.
Pope Francis' Christmas message: Say 'yes' to the Prince of Peace, 'no' to war
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceCelebrating the birth of Jesus, the prince of peace, should mean making a commitment to opposing all war, to cherishing human life, feeding the hungry and speaking up for those who have no voice, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis plans to be buried outside the Vatican, is simplifying papal funeral rites
By Justin McLellan, Catholic News ServicePope Francis said he has decided to be buried in Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major instead of in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican and that he has simplified the rites for a papal funeral.
Vatican offers further guidance on handling cremains
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceThe Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has upheld a rule mandating that the ashes of the deceased be preserved in a consecrated place, but it also said family members could request "a minimal part of the ashes" be kept in a sacred place "of significance for the history of the deceased person."
Pope Francis, Council of Cardinals discussed the role of women in the church
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceWith the input of two women and a priest, Pope Francis and members of his international Council of Cardinals discussed the role of women in the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis returns Mater Ecclesiae Monastery to use by contemplative nuns
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServicePope Francis has invited a community of Benedictine nuns from Argentina to move into the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens, renewing the building's purpose as home to a cloistered community of women dedicated to supporting the pope's ministry with their prayer.
No war is worth the loss of even one life, Pope Francis tells peace forum
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceWhile nations have a right to defend themselves and a responsibility to protect their citizens, "no war is worth the loss of the life of even one human person, a sacred being created in the image and likeness of the Creator," said a papal message to the Paris Peace Forum.