Last week we learned that the Church loves the poor. We have what we call a “preferential option for the poor.” The Church has been very good at caring for the poor and the needy worldwide. So why did Cardinal Hummes of Brazil tell Cardinal Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, to “remember the poor”? Perhaps because ...read more

I would love you to meet Sherry. I’m not sure how she spells her name, but she told me her name was Sherry. I see her often, sitting outside the Royal Bank at the corner of King and Jarvis in Toronto. She sits there listening to her small red radio. Sometimes I give her change. ...read more

Pope Francis is scheduled to make his first Apostolic Visit to Africa this month. His itinerary includes a stop in the Central African Republic where he will visit the capital, Bangui. For the first time the pope and Vatican officials have acknowledged that the visit to the war torn nation is less than certain. Tumultuous ...read more

Deacon-structing: All Saints with Deacon Pedro, in honour of All Saints day. ...read more

The Synod of Bishops on the Family started this week. For a run down of what has been discussed so far, watch this week’s edition of Vatican Connections, or Salt and Light’s special synod coverage, Inside the Synod. There were a few non-synod items of interest over the past week. The pope’s message for World ...read more

(Photo: courtesy of CNS) How are we to evaluate Pope Francis’ historic six-day visit to the United States? Should it be considered a success? Did the Pope accomplish what he set out to do? Were there questions left unanswered? How should we gage the response of the American Church? Of the American people? What lasting ...read more

On Sunday evening, September 27, 2015, Pope Francis concluded his Apostolic Visit to the United States with a meeting with the organizers and volunteers of the World Meeting of Families at Philadelphia International Airport. Below you will find the full text of his prepared remarks. My days with you have been brief. But they have ...read more

 On Sunday, September 28, 2015, Pope Francis celebrated his last Mass during his Apostolic Visit to the United States, Below you will find the full text of the Holy Father’s remarks. Today the word of God surprises us with powerful and thought-provoking images. Images which challenge us, but also stir our enthusiasm. In the first ...read more

On Sunday morning, September 27, 2015 Pope Francis arrived at the Curan-Fromhold Prison in Philadelphia to meet with men and women prisoners. Below you will find the full text of Pope Francis’ address: Address of Pope Francis to Prisoners Curan-Fromhold Prison, Philadelphia Sunday September 27, 2015 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Thank you for receiving me ...read more

On Sunday morning, September 27, 2015 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, the Holy Father received some victims of sexual abuse by the clergy or by members of their families or their teachers. The group consisted of five adults – three women, two men – who have suffered abuse when they were minors. Each person was accompanied ...read more