Pope Francis delivered his Urbi et Orbi message — to the city (of Rome) and to the world — today at noon, Rome time.  The traditional message and blessing is given at Christmas and Easter.  The underlying theme of his address was peace throughout the world. The Holy Father called on the faithful to ask ...read more

Preaching at the first Easter Vigil of his pontificate, Pope Francis urged us not to be closed to the newness that God wants to bring into our lives. The Holy Father said that nothing remains as it was before, not only in the lives of the women at the tomb, but also in our own ...read more

In a solemn liturgy that began with Pope Francis prostrating himself before the Cross, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion was held today in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica. Following tradition, the Good Friday homily was given by the Preacher to the Papal Household, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap. The Capuchin father’s message is titled, ...read more

Below find the full text of Pope Francis’ homily given today at the Casal del Marmo juvenile prison in Rome. This is moving, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. Peter understands nothing. He refuses but Jesus explains to him. Jesus, God did this, and He Himself explains it to the disciples… ‘Do you realize ...read more

Below please find the official text of Pope Francis’ homily for Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday 2013. Dear Brothers and Sisters, This morning I have the joy of celebrating my first Chrism Mass as the Bishop of Rome. I greet all of you with affection, especially you, dear priests, who, like myself, today recall the ...read more

In one of the most moving liturgies of the year, the Church marks the start of Holy Week with Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Published below is the full text of Pope Francis’ homily. 1. Jesus enters Jerusalem. The crowd of disciples accompanies him in festive mood, their garments are stretched out before ...read more

Source: New York Times By: RAVI SOMAIYA Pope Francis, apparently working down his to-do list since taking his new position, made a call to his local newspaper kiosk in Buenos Aires this week to cancel his daily delivery and send his greetings, according to a report from Catholic News Agency. Around 1:30 p.m. local time on ...read more

Historic Meeting of Two Popes at Castel Gandolfo Speaking exclusively to Vatican Radio, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., reveals the details of this morning’s historic encounter between Pope Francis and Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, an encounter he has described as a moment of profound and elevated communion: “The ...read more

Thanks to our friends at AMERICA Magazine, we received from the Jesuit Curia this account of the meeting between Pope Francis and Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, which took place at the Casa Santa Marta on March 17, 2013. The account was written by Fr. Nicolás. VISIT WITH POPE FRANCIS ...read more

Below please find the full text of the Holy Father’s address to the Diplomatic Corps: Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Heartfelt thanks to your Dean, Ambassador Jean-Claude Michel, for the kind words that he has addressed to me in the name of everyone present. It gives me joy to welcome you for this exchange of ...read more