Pope Francis wants annual audit of church's safeguarding measures worldwide
Pope Francis asked his safeguarding commission to provide an annual audit of what the church is doing to protect minors and what needs to change, as well as to urge bishops' conferences to set up special "centers" where victims can be heard and find accompaniment toward "healing and justice."
There is mercy and it’s the Resurrection
Alleluia! He is risen! The only real sin, says St. Isaac of Nineveh, is not paying attention to the Resurrection.
In message to Russian patriarch, Pope Francis prays for end of war in Ukraine
In an Easter message to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, Pope Francis prayed that the Holy Spirit would "transform our hearts and make us true peacemakers, especially for war-torn Ukraine."
God's Word on Sunday: Discipleship takes us where we’d rather not go
Third Sunday of Easter (Year C) May 1 (Acts 5:28-32, 40b-41; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19)
There are some words that just cannot remain unspoken. They burn within and demand to be shouted from the rooftops. Jeremiah the prophet discovered that when he tried to resign as prophet and not speak the name of the Lord anymore. He could not contain himself.
Vatican clears Polish Cardinal Dziwisz of abuse cover-up allegations
The Vatican has wrapped up its own investigation and dismissed allegations that Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz had covered up cases of the sexual abuse of minors by clergy in his archdiocese.
God's Word on Sunday: There is a divine presence within all of us
Second Sunday of Easter (Year C) April 24 (Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118; Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31)
The people of Jerusalem must have sensed and felt the power emanating from the group of Jesus believers gathered in Solomon’s Portico. Many wanted to join them but were hesitant or afraid — it all seemed so strange and new. And yet many did join them, and their numbers continued to grow.
Papal preacher on Good Friday: Jesus calls everyone to repent, turn swords into plowshares
Jesus invites everyone to repent and to turn swords into plowshares and missiles into factories and homes, the papal preacher said.
Before washing prisoners' feet, Pope Francis tells them God always forgives
Before washing the feet of 12 inmates, Pope Francis told them and other prisoners that God never tires of forgiving anyone who asks.
Way of the Cross finds hope in family
People following the Stations of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum this year will find along the Via Dolorosa a message of hope, including with a Russian and Ukrainian family both carrying a cross together at the nighttime ceremony.
Pontifical Academy of Sciences raises alarm about nuclear weapons
Russia's war on Ukraine frighteningly raises the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons, the unleashing of radioactive material from nuclear power plants and a new push to develop or acquire nuclear weapons, including by terrorists, said members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
God's Word on Sunday: Jesus’ message is more vital than ever
Resurrection of the Lord (Year C) April 17 (Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18)
The message that the apostle Peter preached after the Resurrection was short but powerful. He stuck to the facts, relating the many good things that Jesus had done and the souls He had helped. More importantly, Jesus was empowered by the Spirit and God was with Him.