FAITH/STORIES
Cardinal Parolin hopeful Vatican-China agreement will be extended
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- As the expiration of a provisional agreement signed between the Vatican and China approached, the Vatican secretary of state said he hopes it will be extended.
Pope Francis: Swat the fly of resentment; use the ointment of forgiveness
VATICAN CITY -- If people took seriously the Gospel call to forgive one another, the world would be a much better place, Pope Francis said.
VATICAN CITY -- While the COVID-19 pandemic has put the brakes on most foreign travel and many in-person meetings, Pope Francis still has some major events on his fall 2020 agenda.
Common good, not greed, must motivate search for vaccine, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- The common good -- and not political or economic gain -- should be at the heart of the race to find a vaccine for COVID-19, Pope Francis said.
Gossip worse than COVID, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- Gossip is "a plague worse than COVID," Pope Francis said, asserting that while speaking ill of others comes almost naturally, it is a tool of the devil to divide the church.
Pope Francis calls for day of prayer, fasting for Lebanon
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has asked Catholics and all people of goodwill to observe Sept. 4 as a day of prayer and fasting for Lebanon.
Pope Francis: Jubilee for the Earth a time for restoring bond with God, creation
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The exploitation and plundering of the Earth's resources at the expense of the poor and vulnerable cry out for justice and the forgiveness of debts, Pope Francis said.
Cross is sign of God's love, not superstitious ornament, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- Christ's cross is a powerful symbol of God's love for humanity and not just a decoration or trinket, Pope Francis said.
Care of the earth, concern for migrants are connected, Canadian cardinal says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Catholics will mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees during the ecumenical celebration of the Season of Creation, highlighting the obligation, as Pope Francis says, to listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, said Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny.
Public invited to attend pope's weekly general audiences starting Sept. 2
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Twenty-six weeks after his last weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis will resume his audiences with the public present, but in a Vatican courtyard.
With millions deprived of basic needs, Christians must act, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- Christians cannot stand idly by and watch as millions of people are deprived of their basic needs because of others' greed, Pope Francis said.
Charity is path to perfection when done for Jesus, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- The central focus of a Christian's life and all he or she does to help others must be Jesus Christ, Pope Francis said.
Thanking God for his gifts brings joy, Pope Francis says on Assumption feast day
VATICAN CITY -- Taking time out each day to be thankful for God and his gifts will lead to greater joy and mark a great step forward for humanity, Pope Francis said.