Faith

Pope reaffirms new annulment reforms as they come into effect

December 11, 2015

VATICAN CITY - As reformed rules for marriage annulment cases came into effect, Pope Francis said the new norms are to be adhered to in order to help bring healing to failed marriages.

Catholics shouldn’t try to convert Jews, says new Vatican document

December 10, 2015

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has said that Catholics should witness to their faith but not undertake organized efforts to convert Jews, a significant step forward in the once tense relations between the two faiths.

New Vatican document reflects on relations between Catholics, Jews

December 10, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Catholics are called to witness to their faith in Jesus before all people, including Jews, but the Catholic Church "neither conducts nor supports" any institutional missionary initiative directed toward Jews, says a new document from a Vatican commission.

Pope Francis: The church needs this Holy Year of Mercy

December 9, 2015

VATICAN CITY - The Catholic Church needs the extraordinary Holy Year to become an effective witness of God's divine mercy, Pope Francis said.

Homily for Inauguration of the Jubilee

December 8, 2015

On Tuesday, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis solemnly inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Mercy with the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. “This Extraordinary Holy Year is itself a gift of grace,” the Pope said in his homily To pass through the Holy Door means to rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them.” The full text of Pope Francis’ prepared homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the Inauguration of the Jubilee of Mercy can be found below:

Holy Year is a reminder to put mercy before judgment, Pope says

December 8, 2015

VATICAN CITY - On a cloudy, damp morning, Pope Francis' voice echoed in the atrium of St. Peter's Basilica: "Open the gates of justice." With five strong thrusts, the pope pushed open the Holy Door, a symbol of God's justice, which he said will always be exercised "in the light of his mercy."

Pope Francis to inaugurate Holy Year of Mercy amid security concerns

December 7, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis will open the Catholic Church’s jubilee on mercy on Tuesday, a nearly year-long event that is expected to bring millions of pilgrims to Rome despite security concerns and logistical challenges.

Stopping climate change, poverty go hand-in-hand, says Pope

December 7, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Heads of states at the U.N. climate change conference in Paris must do everything possible to mitigate the effects of both climate change and poverty "for the good of our common home," Pope Francis said.

In Rome or at home, Catholics urged to take part in Year of Mercy

December 4, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Whether in Rome or at home, Catholics will have a variety of ways to take part in the Year of Mercy.

Pope Francis reflects on his trip to Africa and the importance of missionary work

December 2, 2015

In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis told those present about his recent trip to Africa and spoke about the importance of missionary work. Speaking in St Peter's Square on Wednesday morning, he emphasized the value of living one’s life in the way of Christ by helping others.