This week on Vatican Connections the Holy See says Pope Francis did not perform an exorcism after Pentecost Mass on May 19. The first of the new curial appointments are made, and our Roman Profile looks at the way past popes have left their mark on the Roman cityscape. ...read more

– Drawing of Pope Francis courtesy Graphic News The following article appeared on the RNS (Religion News Service) on May 24, 2013. It might look that way from the eye-catching headlines this week that made it appear everyone was bound for heaven — “even atheists!” — thanks to Jesus’ death on the cross. The passage ...read more

No one should go out of their way to look for martyrdom, but Christ did say that following him does mean embracing the Cross. However, little did a group of 18th century French Carmelite nuns realize that their commitment to follow Christ would also be considered a crime. Deacon Pedro visits the Canadian Opera Company ...read more

On Saturday, May 18, Pope Francis celebrated the vigil of the feast of Pentecost at St. Peter’s Square with members of New Movements. Aside from leading a prayer service, the Holy Father also took part in a question and answer session with members of these movements. Below is a report from Vatican Radio about that ...read more

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today we contemplate and re-live in the liturgy the outpouring of the Holy Spirit sent by the risen Christ upon his Church; an event of grace which filled the Upper Room in Jerusalem and then spread throughout the world. But what happened on that day, so distant from us and yet ...read more

On Thursday May 17, 2013, Pope Francis met with the ambassadors of Kyrgystan, Antigua and Barbuda, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Botswana. Below is the full text of his address to the ambassadors, which focused on the need for ethics, especially in relation to the financial crisis. Your Excellencies, I am pleased to receive ...read more

Below is the full text of a pastoral letter written by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk  to all Ukranian Greek Catholic faithful. The topic of the letter is The Vibrant Parish – A place to encounter the living Christ. On this occasion I wish to emphasize that all the members of our Church have a personal responsibility ...read more

Below is the full text of a letter from Ukranian Greek Catholic Major Archbishop, His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk to the Beloved Mothers of Priests serving in the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church throughout the world. Dearly Beloved Mothers,Christ is Risen!During my life as a layman, priest and bishop, I’ve come to reaIize that perhaps the most solemn ...read more

Do you remember where you were when the white smoke appeared, heralding the election of Pope Francis? That will always be an easy question for me, since I was in the S+L studio doing live commentary. The third smoke signal of the conclave looked distinctly different from the first two, which were easily discernible as ...read more

February 11 will long be remembered as the day Pope Benedict announced his resignation – the first pontiff in 600 years to do so. But do you recall the event during which he made his stunning declaration? The Holy Father had convoked a meeting of cardinals to vote on three causes for canonization. As expected, ...read more