Earlier this morning at the Vatican, the College of Cardinals gathered inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass. This Mass was the final step before the opening of today’s conclave. Published below is an official translation of the homily, as delivered by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, main celebrant and Dean of the ...read more

If you’ve visited Jerusalem, you never forget your first glimpse of the Western Wall. (Even if you haven’t, you can virtually travel there via Google street view.) The holy site is bustling with noise and activity, quite unlike the hushed reverence one might expect. Bowing fervently as they chant their prayers, pious Jews are dwarfed ...read more

St. Peter’s Square – October 11, 2012 Below is Pope Benedict’s Homily from the inaugral mass for the Year of Faith and celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. Dear Brother Bishops, Dear brothers and sisters! Today, fifty years from the opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, we begin with great ...read more

Father Raniero Cantalamessa, a Franciscan Capuchin priest, delivered the homily during the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. His message incorporated some of the great intellectual and spiritual figures in the history of the Church, and urged the faithful to repentance with the sure knowledge that abounding mercy and forgiveness ...read more

In his homily during the Chrism Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica this morning – at which sacramental oils are blessed and priestly ordination promises are renewed – Pope Benedict XVI encouraged and challenged the Catholic priests of the world: “Does our consecration extend to the daily reality of our lives – do we operate as ...read more