“Jesus’ love goes before us, his look anticipates our needs.” Here is the official translation of Pope Francis’ homily at the Plaza de la Revolución “Calixto García Iñíguez” in Holguín, Cuba. * * * We are celebrating the feast of the apostle and evangelist Saint Matthew. We are celebrating the story of a conversion. Matthew ...read more

Below you will find the final address of Pope Francis during the celebration of Vespers at the Cathedral of Havana on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Celebration of Vespers with Priests, Men and Women Religious and Seminarians at the Cathedral of Havana Homily of Pope Francis – FINAL VERSION Cardinal Jaime [Ortega] spoke to us about ...read more

Below you will find the final unscripted address of Pope Francis during his meeting with the youth in Havana on Sunday, September 20, 2015. “Hope endures suffering, it’s hardworking, it’s fruitful, it gives us work and it saves us from the throwaway culture” You are standing up and I am sitting. How unmannerly. But you ...read more

Following the celebration of Vespers, Pope Francis met with the youth of Cuba. Below you will find the full text of his prepared remarks, which he set aside prior to speaking. The full translation of his delivered speech will be published shortly. Meeting with Youth Fr. Félix Varela Cultural Center, Havana Sunday, 20 September 2015 Dear ...read more

On Sunday, September 20, 2015, Pope Francis arrived at the Havana Cathedral to celebrate Vespers with priests, religious and seminarians. Please see below for the Holy Father’s full prepared remarks, which were set aside prior to speaking. The full translation of his actual talk will be published shortly. Vespers with Priests, Religious and Seminarians Havana ...read more

  Following the conclusion of Mass in Havana, Cuba, Pope Francis gave the following Angelus address: Angelus Message of Pope Francis Havana, Plaza de la Revolución Sunday, 20 September 2015 I thank Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino, Archbishop of Havana, for his fraternal words, and I greet all my brother bishops, priests, religious and lay ...read more

On Sunday, September 20, 2015, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Plaza de la Revolución in Havana. Below, find the full text of his Homily. Homily of Pope Francis Holy Mass, Havana, Plaza de la Revolución Sunday, 20 September 2015 Jesus asks his disciples an apparently indiscreet question: “What were you discussing along the way?” ...read more

On Saturday, September 19, 2015, Pope Francis arrived at the “José Martí” International Airport of Havana to begin his four-day journey in Cuba. He was greeted by President Raul Castro, along with many distinguished authorities and members of the clergy. Below you will find the full text of his address during the welcoming ceremony: Mr. President, ...read more

Say the name Junípero Serra in American church circles and you are likely to get a mixed set of reactions. Some will tell you he is the saintly Franciscan who evangelized what is today the U.S. Others will tell you this is the man who forced the natives to convert by confining them to the ...read more

In his fifth apostolic journey outside of the European continent, Pope Francis will visit Cuba and the United States of America, marking his longest trip thus far. He will spend 3 days on the largest and westernmost island of the West Indies, followed by a 5-day visit to the American East. In a series of articles, I will introduce the places that will be visited by the Pope from the perspectives of a Catholic pilgrim. Today, let us travel to Cuba first. ...read more