Huge crowds gathered to join the Holy Father as he celebrated Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Below find his words to the thousands of German faithful gathered at Etzelsbach: Dear Brothers and Sisters, Now I am able to fulfill my wish to visit Eichsfeld, and here in Etzelsbach to thank Mary in company with ...read more

This morning the Holy Father met with the Council of the Evangelical Germany Church in Erfurt, in a former Augustinian Convent. A historic moment as this place is where Martin Luther was ordained a Catholic priest in 1507. Ladies and Gentlemen, As I begin to speak, I would like first of all to thank you ...read more

Do you have to attend World Youth Day in order to have a ‘World Youth Day experience’? That’s the question Pedro Guevara-Mann is asking on Perspectives Weekly. Joining him for this discussion are Father Chris Valka, CSB and S+L Associate Producers Andrew Santos and Cheridan Eygelaar. Having recently returned from Madrid — the site of ...read more

The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement regarding the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. Below find their statement: Meeting in Ottawa this 15-16 June, the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) reaffirmed their confidence in the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace ...read more

Come, Holy Spirit, send forth the heavenly radiance of your light…. How should the Church be involved in nation-building? On July 9th, South Sudan will celebrate its Independence day. Many things hang in the balance for this country. Most of the tension hedging on who gets access to the rich mineral deposits that lie on ...read more

Below we’ve posted the President of Croatia Ivo Josipovic’s farewell address to Pope Benedict. Unfortunately, the departure ceremony was canceled due to poor weather. The farewell address was originally published on the official Croatian Papal Visit website. Your Holiness, During the past two days you have brought joy to Croatia. In the faithful throughout the ...read more

Due to inclement weather in Zagreb, the closing ceremony was canceled; but, the official Croatian Papal visit website has posted Pope Benedict’s final address and apostolic blessing for Croatia. Pope Benedict XVI praised the piety of Croatian youth and encouraged Croatians to continue to bear a fearless witness of the Risen Lord. My visit to your ...read more

During Vespers Pope Benedict XVI prayed with bishops, priests, religious and seminarians at the Cathedral, Zagreb.  The Pope also prayed at the tomb of Blessed Alojzije Viktor Stepinac, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to St. Stephen. During his address, the Holy Father spoke of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac as a  fearless ...read more

The Regina Coeli address from the Zagreb Hippodrome, Croatia.  The Holy Father entrusts Croatian families to Mary, Mother of Christ and our Mother. Dear Brothers and Sisters! Before concluding this solemn celebration, I wish to thank you for your fervent and devout participation, through which you express your love and your commitment to the family, ...read more

Thousands of Croatian faithful gathered as the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, celebrated mass at the Zagreb Hippodrome, Croatia. The mass was celebrated under sunny skies in the open-air stadium. The sung parts of the mass were exceptionally glorifying to God! Following is the Holy Father’s homily on the occasion of the National Day of ...read more