WASHINGTON – As Ash Wednesday kicks off the Lenten season, Catholics enter into 40 days of abstaining from sweets, technology, alcohol and other luxuries.
Pope paints picture of Sweden that's at odds with Trump’s
By Josephine McKenna, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY – In an interview with a magazine that supports the homeless, Pope Francis suggested wealthy nations are partly to blame for the migrant crisis and urged Europeans and others to stand “in the shoes” of those arriving at their borders.
Don't worry how it's spent, always give to homeless, Pope says
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – People who don't give money to the homeless because they think it will be spent on alcohol and not food should ask themselves what guilty pleasures they are secretly spending money on, Pope Francis said.
Priest: We need to praise what is good, true in the Muslim faith
By Hannah Brockhaus, CNA/EWTN NewsVATICAN CITY – Not only is there a good deal in common between Muslims and Christians, but Catholics are called to respect and work together with those who practice the Muslim faith in recognition of truth and goodness they do possess, said Islam scholar Fr. Thomas Michel.
Pope furthers sainthood causes of eight men, women
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Pope Francis advanced the sainthood cause of two medical doctors and six religious – many of whom died just a generation ago.
Pope to priests: Defend marriage ministering to those in irregular unions
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Reaching out to and guiding couples in cohabitation with tenderness and compassion is essential to promoting and defending the sanctity of marriage, Pope Francis said.
Ash Wednesday: Ancient tradition still thrives in modern times
By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON – In more ways than one, Ash Wednesday – celebrated March 1 this year – leaves a mark.
#Ashtags: When posting Ash Wednesday photos, use your head
By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON – Ash Wednesday seems to offer contradictory messages. The Gospel reading for the day is about not doing public acts of piety but the very act of getting ashes – and walking around with them – is pretty public.
Christians get social media, other online tools to observe Lent
By Catherine Guiles, Religion News ServiceFor centuries during Lent, Christians have sought to grow closer to God through praying, fasting and giving to the poor.
Promote life by protecting, sharing clean water, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right and a key component in protecting human life, Pope Francis said.
Toronto family tells their story of migration directly to Pope Francis
By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic RegisterA Toronto family had the chance to take centre stage during an audience with Pope Francis at the VI International Forum on Migration and Peace in the Vatican Feb. 21.