In today’s catechesis on the discernment of spirits, Pope Francis defines consolation, gives examples of saints who have experienced spiritual consolation, and distinguishes between “the consolation that comes from God and false consolations.” Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! We continue the catechesis on the discernment of spirits and how to discern them when they ...read more

Pope Francis continues his catechesis on discernment by returning to the theme of “desolation.” He says that “desolation is the clearest response to the objection that the experience of God is a form of wishful thinking, a simple projection of our desires,” because “the spiritual life is the relationship with God, the Living One who ...read more

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The mission of a seminary “is not to form ‘supermen’ who pretend to know and control everything,” but to help seminarians become priests who are humble servants of the communities they continue to belong to, Pope Francis said. “The Lord calls some of his disciples to be priests, that is, he ...read more

Two recent bits of news have come out recently from the Synod General Secretariat. In Part One, I explored some implications of the announcement to extend the timeline of the synod process to 2024. In Part Two, I reflect on the newly-released Working Document for the Continental Stage. On October 27, 2022 the Synod Secretariat ...read more

In today’s General Audience, Pope Francis reflects on his Apostolic Visit to Bahrain as a time of “dialogue,” “encounter” and “journey.” He says that “dialogue is ‘the oxygen of peace,'” that “encounters can form stronger relationships,” and that this “first visit of a Pope in Bahrain represents a new step on the journey between Christian ...read more

Two main bits of news came out from the Synod on Synodality the last few weeks. First, the General Secretariat announced that Pope Francis has extended the formal synodal process by an extra year, adding a second session to the Ordinary Synod of Bishops in October, 2024. This will follow on from the first session, ...read more

On Sunday, November 6, during the last day of his apostolic visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Pope Francis participated in a prayer meeting and Angelus with bishops, priests, consecrated persons, seminarians, and pastoral workers. Below is the full text of the words he addressed to them on this occasion:   Pope Francis’ address to ...read more

On Saturday, November 5, Pope Francis visited Sacred Heart School in Awali where he met with young people from the Kingdom of Bahrain. He watched performances by dancers and a choir. Below is the full text of the words he addressed to youth on this occasion:   Pope Francis’ address to youth Sacred Heart School ...read more

On Saturday, November 5, the third day of his visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Pope Francis participated in Mass at Bahrain National Stadium. Pope Francis speaks of Jesus’ invitation to love always and to put love into practice. Read the full text of his homily below:   HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS “Bahrain National Stadium” ...read more

At Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in Awali, Bahrain on November 4, Pope Francis addressed an Ecumenical meeting and prayer for peace. He reflected on the “unity in diversity and witness of life” given by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and said that “the praise of God” is the “gathering place” and “spiritual cenacle of our communion.” ...read more