Name given at baptism gives sense of identity, belonging, Pope says
VATICAN – Naming a child is an important task for parents, because it gives children a sense of identity and belonging to their family and to God, Pope Francis said.
Respect life of severely ill patients like Alfie Evans, Pope says
VATICAN – Highlighting the plight of a seriously ill toddler in Great Britain and a severely brain-damaged man in France, Pope Francis called for greater respect for every patient's life and dignity.
Pope urges Catholics to be moved by the joy of the Resurrection
ROME – On Sunday Pope Francis visited a Roman parish, telling Mass-goers to allow themselves to be moved by the immense joy of the resurrection, which overcomes sin and renews believers, allowing them to have a youthful heart.
Pope issues holiness challenge, expands 'pro-life' meaning
Pope Francis has once again expanded the Catholic definition of being pro-life.
Trust in the Holy Spirit, baptize your children, Pope says
VATICAN – Parents who prefer not to baptize their children in the hopes that they will "understand and ask for baptism" as adults lack faith that the Holy Spirit will act in their child's life, Pope Francis said.
Repentant sinners need merciful confessors, not inquisitors, Pope says
VATICAN – Priests must give hope to men and women seeking forgiveness, encouraging them in their struggle away from the slippery slope of sin, Pope Francis said.
As young people speak to church, they must listen to Jesus, Pope says
VATICAN – The Catholic Church wants to listen to young people and know where they are coming from, but young Catholics must be ready to listen to Jesus and discover where he wants to lead them, Pope Francis said.
Holiness means bearing witness in everything we do, being 'saints next door', Pope says
VATICAN – God calls all Christians to be saints – not plastic statues of saints, but real people who make time for prayer and who show loving care for others in the simplest gestures, Pope Francis said in his new document on holiness.
Don't be afraid of shame, open hearts to God's mercy, Pope says
VATICAN – Feeling ashamed of one's sins does not mean wallowing in guilt, rather it is the gateway all men and women can use to experience firsthand God's tender mercy and forgiveness, Pope Francis said.
Leave Mass committed to Christian witness, not with a 'loose tongue', Pope says
VATICAN – The final words at Mass – "Go in peace" – are an invitation to Christians to proclaim God's blessings through their lives, not an opportunity to go outside and speak ill of others, Pope Francis said.
Christ is victorious over all that divides people, Pope says
VATICAN – Easter is a feast that calls Christians to gather together, make a commitment to dialogue and to work for the common good, Pope Francis said.