Below is the full text of Most Rev. Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin. His catechesis was presented earlier today at the Royal Dublin Society arena at the International Eucharistic Congress. Those of us who studied theology, at least here in Ireland, at the time of the Second Vatican Council were greatly influenced by the Council’s ...read more

It has long been suspected that Pope Benedict XVI is a soccer fan. Last week in Milan for the World Meeting of Families he received two soccer jerseys, one from each of the Milanese teams. Today, as the EuroCup soccer tournament kicks off in Poland, Pope Benedict sent a message to the president of the ...read more

Our intrepid reporters, Marie and Andre Brunet of Winnipeg, bring us another look at what’s going on in Milan during the VII World Meeting of Families. Milan, Italy –  We are writing this from the Piazza del Duomo (the Milan Cathedral Square), where we await with large crowds and great anticipation the arrival of the ...read more

The following is the unofficial translation of Pope Benedict XVI’s talk to the men and women religious of the Archdiocese of Milan during his visit to the city for the VII World Meeting of Families. We have gathered in prayer, answering the invitation of the Ambrosian hymn for the Third Hour: “It is the third ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Benedict XVI. For June 2012, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Christ Present in the Eucharist. That believers may recognize in the Eucharist the living presence of the Risen One who accompanies them in daily life. European Christians. That Christians in ...read more

In his Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Sarcramentum Caritatis (or Sacrament of Charity), Pope Benedict XVI writes the following on the relationship between the Eucharist and the Church: Since the Eucharist makes present Christ’s redeeming sacrifice, we must start by acknowledging that “there is a causal influence of the Eucharist at the Church’s very origins.” The Eucharist ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Benedict XVI. For May 2012, we join the Holy Father in praying for: The Family. That initiatives which defend and uphold the role of the family may be promoted within society. Mary, Guide of Missionaries. That Mary, Queen of the World and Star ...read more

Sunday, April 29 is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Pope Benedict XVI wrote this letter about this year’s day of prayer. Dear Brothers and Sisters, The 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which will be celebrated on 29 April 2012, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, prompts us to meditate on the theme: ...read more

Today Pope Benedict XVI marks seven years in St. Peter’s chair. Instead of receiving gifts, the Vatican gave a gift by launching a new widget. By using this interface it will be possible to access some of the most important content from the Vatican’s website on one’s own website. This new widget can be very ...read more

This week is a big week for Pope Benedict XVI. On Monday he turns 85 years old. Then on Thursday he marks seven years as pope. Join us this Sunday, April 15 for a special look at his papacy: his travels, his teachings, and the bridges he has sought to build. Seven Years with Pope ...read more