Faith

'Every man for himself' is not a solution to pandemic, Pope Francis says

March 23, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- As more and more countries start to feel the economic pinch due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis urged business leaders to seek solutions that will not hurt employees and their families.

Pope Francis announces extraordinary 'urbi et orbi' blessing March 27

March 23, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time March 27.

Pope Francis prays for coronavirus victims, workers who died serving others

March 19, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis asked people to pray for all victims of COVID-19, including the health care workers who sacrificed their lives caring for others.

Christianity without mercy is impossible, Pope Francis says at audience

March 18, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Mercy, which is at the heart of the Christian life, is not a one-dimensional virtue but instead is the acceptance of God's love and the giving of that love to others, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis makes mini-pilgrimage outside Vatican to pray for end of pandemic

March 16, 2020

ROME -- With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people.

Pope Francis prays for clergy, public service employees working during lockdown

March 16, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Standing in the window of the library of the Apostolic Palace overlooking an empty St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis blessed the city of Rome still under lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Big graduating class brings big numbers

March 13, 2020

The Serra Club’s 2020 Ordinandi Dinner on March 3 was the biggest ever, celebrating the biggest St. Augustine’s Seminary graduating class in recent memory.

Pope Francis prays for Syrian refugees at general audience

March 11, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Amid a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus epidemic, Pope Francis soldiered on with his weekly general audience and called on people to not forget those who suffer from war and violence.

Live life, don't squander it, Pope Francis says in WYD 2020 message

March 5, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- The fast-paced nature of the digital age can cause young men and women to focus more on capturing moments for their social media rather than experiencing them, Pope Francis told Catholic young people.

Pope Francis establishes 'climate action' week

March 3, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Saying he wanted to renew his "urgent call to respond to the ecological crisis," Pope Francis asked Catholics around the globe to participate in the international observance of "Laudato Si' Week" May 16-24.