Faith

Culture alone cannot be blamed for drop in vocations, Pope says

January 30, 2017

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – While there is a need to evangelize a culture that tells young people money equals success and commitments aren't forever, stopping the "hemorrhage" of people leaving religious orders also requires changes from the orders themselves, Pope Francis said.

Pope's homily: God frees us from fear of everything, the sin that paralyzes Christians

January 27, 2017

God frees us from the sin that paralyzes us as Christians: faintheartedness, being afraid of everything, which keep us from having memory, hope, courage, and patience. That was the message of Pope Francis during the morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta on Friday.

Pope Francis: Christian unity can't happen if we linger on problems of the past

January 25, 2017

ROME, Italy – During an ecumenical Vespers service on Wednesday, Pope Francis told both Catholics and members of other Christian communities that unity can only happen when past grievances are forgiven and all sides walk forward with their gaze on Christ.

The new head of Opus Dei has a simple plan for the prelature

January 25, 2017

VATICAN CITY – The new head of Opus Dei has been confirmed by Pope Francis, and his plan for the prelature is simple.

Pope's homily: God wants us to be true with Him

January 24, 2017

Pope Francis on Tuesday explained that doing God’s will doesn’t necessarily mean never getting angry with the Lord.

Pope tells media: reject prejudice, leave space for hope

January 24, 2017

VATICAN CITY – At a time when the media seem to feed a "vicious cycle of anxiety" and a "spiral of fear," Christians should respond with honest stories that identify problems and evil, but also inspire real solutions, Pope Francis said.

Mafia crime is 'radically opposed' to the Gospel, Pope says

January 23, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Frequently an outspoken critic against organized crime, Pope Francis again came out with harsh words for those involved in the mafia and other criminal activities, which he said are “stained with blood” and go directly against the faith.

Pope's homily: the wonders of the priesthood of Christ

January 23, 2017

The great wonders of the priesthood of Christ, who offered Himself, once for all, for the forgiveness of sins; and who now intercedes for us before the Father; and who will return to bring us with Him: those are the three stages of the priesthood of Christ highlighted by Pope Francis during his homily at the morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta. The Pope also warned of the “unforgivable blasphemy”: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

Church must accompany couples before, after marriage, Pope says

January 23, 2017

VATICAN CITY – To ensure engaged couples are entering into a fully Catholic marriage and remain committed to their vows for life, they must be prepared properly beforehand and supported afterward, Pope Francis said.

The ecology of burial: Choices reflect beliefs about life after death

January 22, 2017

VATICAN CITY – In a craftsman's workshop on the edge of Rome's Campo Verano cemetery, two designers are working to revive what they see as a dying art: burial.