This week: Pope Francis is set to release a document on evangelization, Google uncovers the catacombs, and Cardinal Zen shares his insights into the relationship between the Holy See and China.  *** One story that didn’t make into this week’s program but merits a second look is Pope Francis and the mafia.  Pope Francis has ...read more

Tonight on Perspectives  Canadian Sculptor presents one of his works to the PopeAnd we take a look to this week’s General Audience ...read more

By Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton The theme of the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches was, “God of Life, Lead us to Justice and Peace”. This 10th Assembly, held in Busan, Korea, was remarkable in any number of ways – great guest speakers from the Jewish and Evangelical traditions, great participation by Orthodox ...read more

This is one of the 20,000 boxes that were handed out at St. Peter’s square on Sunday during the Angelus. Pope Francis held up a box just like this one and told the crowd he wasn’t a pharmacist, but he could confidently say the contents of this little box are good for spiritual health. The ...read more

I quote our guide as we stand on the Mount of Beatitudes admiring the sunset on the Sea of Galilee: “the Sea of Galilee receives and gives, but the Dead See receives and never gives. The Sea of Galilee receives water from the river Jordan, and gives water to the Dead See in the South, ...read more

The following is the full text of a talk given by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput (OFM) of Philadelphia, at a conference in Mexico City titled “Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the New Evangelization on the American Continent.”   Sixteen years ago today, November 16, I began my work as a delegate to the Special ...read more

A major meeting led by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus is discussing the role and mission of the Catholic Church in North, South and Central America. The conference is taking place at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City from Nov. 16 to 19. ...read more

In case you missed it this week, or haven’t had a chance to read the full text, here is Pope Francis’ Catechesis at this week’s General Audience, with English voice over. Once again Pope Francis asks if you know the date of your Baptism. Be prepared! The Holy Father also gives out homework as part ...read more

What an experience visiting Israel! We spent the whole day in Jerusalem visiting many very meaningful places, but in this post I want to focus on something small that struck me in a particular way. The driver dropped us off close to the Western wall and after a quick security check we entered the square ...read more

Ever since I received the invitation to participate in the Year of Faith Press Trip as guests of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, I have been wondering what to expect. This is my first time ever visiting Israel, and the opportunity to visit those sites that are so significant for the three Abrahamic religions is ...read more