Pope Benedict delivered his Urbi et Orbi — to the City (of Rome) and to the World — today at noon, Rome time.  The traditional message and blessing is given Christmas and Easter.  The theme of the message is The Word became flesh, and throughout his greeting the Holy Father stressed that God is with ...read more

The coming of the Lord can have no objective other than to teach us to see and love events, the world, and everything that surrounds us with the very eyes of God. The Word-become-a-child helps us to understand God’s way of acting, so that we will be capable of allowing ourselves to be transformed increasingly ...read more

Pope Benedict has celebrated Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican.  You can see an encore presentation on Salt + Light at 11pm ET /8pm PT.  See the unofficial translation of the Holy Father’s homily below: Dear Brothers and Sisters! “You are my son, this day I have begotten you” – with this passage from Psalm ...read more

There’s a 93-year old, 100-foot-tall Norway Spruce in St. Peter’s Square these days. It’s the Vatican’s Christmas tree for this year. The spruce, along with 50 other trees, have been donated by the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone. Speaking to a delegation from the diocese, the Pope says the tree is a significant symbol of the light ...read more

There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with him. Those words are from Pope Benedict XVI’s homily at the Mass inaugurating his Pontificate It’s also the inspiration for ...read more

As you know, in this time of Advent, the weeks leading up to Christmas, we prepare to welcome our Lord into our hearts.  It is a time of reflection, of penance, but also of subdued joy.  For some though, it can be a difficult time, particularly when December 25th arrives.  The joy of Christmas may ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI’s travel schedule for 2011 is quickly getting booked up after two Apostolic Journeys were announced within seven days. The Holy Father’s participation in World Youth Day Madrid, in August, had been expected for sometime.  In fact back in July he became the first pilgrim to register. It was also announced some weeks ...read more

At 9pm ET / 6pm PT this evening, S+L will premiere the full-length version of Within Your Gates: A Pilgrim Guide to the Holy Land. The film originally aired in May to coincide with the first anniversary of Pope Benedict’s trip to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Tonight’s broadcast includes scenes from the city ...read more

A gathering of the College of Cardinals and a new interview book with Pope Benedict highlight this week in Rome. Catholic News Service’s Carol Glatz and John Thavis have more. To download Flash Player please click here ...read more

The tone of S+L’s latest documentary is set by a lone organ. Playing the instrument is Joe Zambon, a folk singer-songwriter originally from the rural town of Iroquois, Ontario, but now residing in Toronto. A guitar joins the organ moments later, and then the hushed lyrics, “In the darkest night of my soul, God Himself ...read more