One of the most significant moments of the Holy Father’s trip to Lebanon thus far has been the signing of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Eccleisa in Medio Oriente. He signed the message yesterday during his visit to the Melkite Catholic Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa. He then presented it to the people of Lebanon ...read more

Earlier today, Pope Benedict celebrated Mass and officially presented the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente at the City Centre Waterfront in Beirut. Published below are copies of his homily and Angelus, which followed the celebration of Mass. Dear Brothers and Sisters, “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Eph 1:3).  ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI is known to have a special place in his heart for young people. Following his meeting with government officials, he delivered an address to young people gathered on the square in front of the Maronite Patriarchate at Bkerke. Published below is a copy of his official text. Your Beatitude, Brother Bishops, Dear ...read more

On Day 2 of Pope Benedict’s trip to Lebanon, he met with members of the government, institutions of the Republic, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and representatives of the world of culture. The meeting took place inside the Presidential Palace at Baabda. Below, you will find a copy of his address. Mr President, Dear Friends, ...read more

In a continuing series of his events in Lebanon today, Pope Benedict visited St. Paul’s Melkite Greek Basilica in Harissa and signed the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente. This stems from a special Synod of Bishops in the Middle East that took place at the Vatican in 2010. Below is a copy of ...read more

After many preparations ahead of Pope Benedict’s trip to Lebanon, he has finally arrived. Today marks the beginning of his three-day pastoral visit to Lebanon. Below, you will find a copy of his speech that he delivered, upon arrival at Beirut’s Rafiq Hariri International Airport. Mr President, It is my honour to accept your invitation, ...read more

Below you will find an English translation of the address Pope Benedict gave this past Wednesday inside the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican. In his catechesis, Pope Benedict continued his reflection on prayer, using the book of Revelation. Dear brothers and sisters, Last Wednesday I spoke about prayer in the first part of ...read more

For me, life means Christ, and death is gain: A Reflection for the Feast of St John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. ...read more

From the office of daily readings for August 28, Memorial of St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor O Eternal Truth, true love and beloved eternity from The Confessions of Saint Augustine Urged to reflect upon myself, I entered under your guidance the innermost places of my being; but only because you had become my helper was ...read more

Considered the last of the Fathers of the Church, St. Bernard of Clairvaux has been celebrated for centuries as a man of great intellect and greater holiness. As is evident in his prolific writings, Bernard was one for whom the Word of God impregnated every aspect of the human experience. He knew the Bible by ...read more