In the Benediction Hall on 22 December, 2022, Pope Francis exhorted the Roman Curia to practice “vigilance…in the service of the Holy See, at the heart of the Church.” Reflecting on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, he told them that “kindliness, mercy and forgiveness are our medicine for building peace.”   Address of His Holiness Pope Francis ...read more

  Pope Francis concludes his series on discernment by looking at various aids to help us “read” our lives: “evaluating with the Word of God and the doctrine of the Church,” experiencing an “affective relationship with the Lord Jesus,” and remembering “the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning, and ...read more

In today’s catechesis on discernment, Pope Francis reflects on the importance of vigilance and “keeping watch to safeguard our heart.” Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! We are now entering the final phase of this journey of catechesis on discernment. We started out from the example of Saint Ignatius of Loyola; ...read more

On Monday, December 12, Pope Francis celebrated Mass and gave a homily on the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. Pope Francis spoke about celebrating Guadalupe at a difficult time for humanity. Read the full text of his homily below:   Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis Holy Mass Blessed Virgin Mary of ...read more

Pope Francis continues his catechesis on discernment and decision-making by discussing “some important aspects that help us read the time after the decision as a possible confirmation of its goodness.” He says that a decision is good if it “is seen as a possible sign of response to the Lord’s love and generosity,” it gives ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For December 2022, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Volunteer not-for-profit organizations We pray that volunteer non-profit organizations committed to human development find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths to international cooperation. Click the ...read more

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A daily examination of conscience is an important tool for recognising where God is at work in one’s life and where “the evil spirit” tries to lead one astray, Pope Francis said. “Learn to read in the book of our hearts what has happened during the day. Do it. Just two ...read more

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