Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am happy to be meeting with you. I like the way that Cardinal Ezzati presented you: Here they are… consecrated women, consecrated men, priests, permanent deacons and seminarians. It made me think of the day of our ordination or consecration, when after being presented, each of us said: “Here I ...read more

Dear Sisters and Brothers: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to visit you. For me it is important to share this time with you and draw closer to our many brothers and sisters presently deprived of their freedom. Thank you, Sister Nelly, for your kind words and especially for testifying that life always triumphs ...read more

S+L’s Matteo Ciofi interviews the Ambassador of Chile to the Holy See, Mr. Francisco Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, about Pope Francis’ upcoming visit. He talks about the expectations, preparations, and important events that will take place during Pope Francis’ stay in Chile. The Pope’s Apostolic Journey to Peru and Chile will begin on January 15, and end ...read more

  Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Lk 2:7). In these plain and clear words, Luke brings us to the heart of that holy night: Mary gave birth; she gave us ...read more

? Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For December 2017, we join the Holy Father in praying for: The Elderly – That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations. Daily Offering Prayer God, ...read more

Pope Francis addressed participants in an Interreligious and Ecumenical Meeting for Peace on Friday, which took place in the Archbishop of Dhaka’s residence on the second day of the Pope’s Apostolic Journey to Bangladesh. Please find below the official English translation of the Pope’s speech: Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Our meeting, which brings together representatives ...read more

Pope Francis spoke to several bishops of Bangladesh on Friday at the Archbishop of Dhaka’s residence during his Apostolic Journey to Bangladesh. Please find below the official English translation of the Pope’s speech: Dhaka, Home for Retired Priests Friday, 1 December 2017 Your Eminence, Dear Brother Bishops, How good it is for us to be ...read more

Pope Francis traveled to the Suhrawardy Udyan Park in Dhaka on Friday, December 1, 2017. Upon his arrival, and after greeting the faithful from the Popemobile, at 10.00 local time (5.00 am, Rome time) the Pope celebrated Mass during which he orders 16 priests. Here below is Pope Francis’ homily preached at the Ordination mass for ...read more

Upon arrival in Bangladesh, Pope Francis paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Abdul Hamid at 5.30 pm local time. Upon arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the Military Secretary who accompanied him at the entrance of honor where the President awaited him. In the Credentials Hall there was ...read more

On Thursday morning, after having leaving the Archbishop’s Residence, Pope Francis travelled to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon for Mass with young people. Before entering the Cathedral, the Pope greeted the faithful gathered outside from the Popemobile. At 10:45 am local time (4:45 pm Rome time), Pope Francis presided at the Eucharist on the liturgical ...read more