Pope Benedict XVI approved the miracles of seven people who are considered “blessed” by the Church. With the approval of these miracles the seven blesseds can now be canonized. Among them are four lay people, two North Americans and one Filipino youth. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha was born in what is today Auriesville, New York and ...read more

Last night, Salt + Light Television inaugurated a special annual tribute that will honour a person who has played an important role in protecting and promoting the dignity and sacredness of human life in Canada. The award, called “Lover of Life”, was presented last night to Mrs. Joanne Verduci of Brampton, Ontario. Mrs. Verduci is ...read more

The phrase “Communion of Saints” was often confusing to me as a child. I would picture the various saints I had read about lining up for communion, somewhere in Heaven. Later on someone explained the idea of the Communion of Saints being like a family — our Catholic family. What joins us together is not ...read more

A reflection on the importance and history of Saint Nicholas, otherwise known as the Spiritual Father of Christmas. St. Nicholas, pray for us. ...read more

There are no words to describe how incredibly uplifting these past few days have been. Not only has it been uplifting for the people of Benin but for Africa and the universal Church, as a whole. Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Blessed John Paul II, Pope Benedict set out on a mission. It ...read more

The following is Pope Benedict XVI’s farewell address, as delivered at the Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport. Mr President, Your Eminences, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Authorities and Dear Friends, My Apostolic Journey to Africa has now come to an end.  I thank God for these days spent among you in joy and friendship.  I thank you, ...read more

Here is Pope Benedict’s homily from Holy Mass in Friendship Stadium in Cotonou, Benin. Dear Brother Bishops and Priests, Dear Brothers and Sisters, Following in the footsteps of my blessed predecessor Pope John Paul II, it is a great joy for me to visit for the second time this dear continent of Africa, coming among ...read more

S+L’s Alicia Ambrosio had the opportunity to speak with Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ yesterday. Despite his busy schedule, Fr. Lombardi took the time to share some experiences about his time in Benin. He also shared a remarkable story about a little girl the Pope met. You can watch their full interview, via phone, ...read more

Smiles, cheers, waves and speeches! That’s the kind of day it’s been for Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican officials as day 2 of his apostolic voyage to Benin comes to a close. The Holy Father made his first address of the day to members of the Benin government, diplomatics corps and representatives of Benin’s major ...read more

In another key event today in Benin, Pope Benedict formally signed the Apostolic Exhortation for Africa. The exhortation is titled “Africae Munus”, which means “The Commitment of Africa”. This text is the result of the 2009 Synod of Bishops for Africa. The document touches upon issues such as sacraments, dialogue between various religions and social ...read more