Today is the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. Last week on the blog, we looked at why we honour the Cross: Because it reminds us that Jesus died to save us. And this is where I have a problem. Why do we need to be saved by Jesus’ death? I remember growing up learning ...read more

“Lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim…” That’s a song we all know, but what does it mean? Why do we lift high the Cross? This coming Sunday is the feast of the Triumph of the Cross, also called the Exaltation of the Cross. Did you know that we celebrate this feast? Have ...read more

So far we’ve looked at what the Scriptures and tradition tell us about the “prince of darkness”. But is this whole “devil” thing something of the past? I remember watching the film The Exorcist and thinking that the whole scenario didn’t seem real to me. I don’t think demons sit around behind a tree waiting ...read more

Below you will find the complete transcript of Pope Francis’ hour-long Press Conference with journalists aboard the return flight from Korea to Rome earlier today. This text is published here with the permission and encouragement of Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Conference.  The text was meticulously prepared by senior Vatican ...read more

Address by His Eminence Cardinal Andrea Yeum Soo-jung Mass for Peace and Reconciliation Myeong-dong Cathedral in Seoul August 18, 2014 Holy Father, I wanted to thank you very much for visiting our country split in two, north and south and for praying for his peace by celebrating the Eucharist. Today is the last day of ...read more

Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis Mass For Peace And Reconciliation Seoul, Myeong-dong Cathedral 18 August 2014 Dear Brothers and Sisters, As my stay in Korea draws to a close, I thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon this beloved country, and in a special way, upon the Church in Korea.  Among ...read more

  Last week we looked at the figure of the devil and why the Church teaches that Lucifer was an archangel created by God, who rebelled. There are many names for the devil. You may have heard Satan, Lucifer, Beelzebub and Diabolos. He is also referred to as Belial, Prince of Darkness, Prince of demons, ...read more

Expression of thanks to Pope Francis Bishop Peter Kang U-il Messa After Communion at concluding Mass of Asian Youth Day Sunday August 17, 2014 I thank His Holiness Pope Francis with all your heart, on behalf of the bishops of Asia for coming to stay close to young Asians. At the World Youth Days, the ...read more

Closing Holy Mass homily 6th Asian Youth Day Haemi Castle August 17, 2014 Dear Young Friends, The glory of the martyrs shines upon you!   These words – a part of the theme of the Sixth Asian Youth Day – console and strengthen us all.  Young people of Asia: you are the heirs of a great testimony, ...read more

 This morning (August 17) at 7:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Apostolic Nunciature, Mr. Lee Ho Jin received the sacrament of baptism. He is the father of a young boy, one of many young persons who died in the Sewol ferry tragedy earlier this year. Mr. Lee Ho Jim had asked the Pope for ...read more