The papal General Audiences on Wednesdays follow pretty much the same formula. There are some variables: the special guests on the “sagrario” and the choirs who are introduced and sing for the pope. Recently the St. Michael’s Choir School from Toronto did just that. This brought a wave of questions about just how a choir ...read more

To say that the election of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as pope was a surprise is an understatement. Since his name was announced on the balcony of St. Peter’s square March 13, there has been great interest in what he has to say and teach on matters of the faith. There are several sources of information ...read more

Pope Francis chose a fitting day to preside at the first priestly ordinations of his pontificate. Tomorrow, April 21, is the 50th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, an occasion instituted by Servant of God Paul VI in the midst of the Second Vatican Council. The fourth Sunday of Easter also represents Good Shepherd Sunday, ...read more

  The pope creates and advisory panel Eight Cardinals from around the world have been asked by Pope Francis to advise him on reforms to the Roman Curia. The Vatican announced April 13 that Pope Francis had appointed eight cardinals to be part of an advisory panel to help him make changes to “Pastor Bonus,” ...read more

This afternoon, Pope Francis celebrated mass at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls in Rome. Published below is the unofficial translation of his homily. For repeat broadcast times of the full liturgy, visit S+L’s Easter page. Dear Brothers and Sisters! It is a joy for me to celebrate Mass with you in this Basilica. I ...read more

One month in office and Pope Francis has begun to make episcopal and curial appointments. One of those appointments is the new secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic  Life. Pope Francis named Father Jose Rodriguez Carballo, current Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor. Catholic News Service ...read more

Pope Francis has been a surprise in many ways. Alot of things he does are things we are not use to seeing in a pope. One of the things that makes this pope different from other popes: he is a Soccer fan.  He is even a card carrying member of the athletic association where he ...read more

Tonight on Perspectives Pope Francis met with the General Secretary of the United Nations and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops releases a document on the environment. ...read more

Pope Francis and Cardinal Agostino Vallini look on as a plaque is unveiled, dedicating the plaza in front of the Basilica of St. John Lateran to the last Pope John Paul II. The dedication ceremony took place just before the Mass during which Pope Francis officially took possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, ...read more

Earlier today, Pope Francis took possession of his Cathedral, the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran. In fact, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. The local Church or diocese established in Rome was founded by the two Apostles Peter and Paul and sanctified by the lives of many ...read more