In his message for Lent 2023, Pope Francis reflected on the Transfiguration of Our Lord and the “’retreat’ on Mount Tabor” as an image of the Church’s journey to Easter as well as of the synodal path. The Holy Father said that “Lent leads to Easter: the ‘retreat’ is not an end in itself, but ...read more

  In today’s General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on a portion of Matthew chapter 10 as a guide to proclaiming the Gospel. He said that this “missionary discourse” from Matthew’s Gospel teaches us “why [we] proclaim, what to proclaim and how to proclaim.” Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! We continue our ...read more

On February 11, 2023, Bishop Francis Leo, Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal, was appointed the 14th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto succeeding Cardinal Thomas Collins who has served as the Archbishop of Toronto since 2007. At Salt + Light Media, we offer the Archbishop-designate our congratulations and prayers as he begins his service to the ...read more

In today’s General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on his recent Apostolic Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! Last week I visited two African countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. I thank God for permitting me to ...read more

Pope Francis concluded his Apostolic Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan on February 5. He gave the homily at Holy Mass at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba. Read the full text of his homily below:   Homily of His Holiness John Garang Mausoleum, Juba Sunday, 5 February 2023   ...read more

On February 4, 2023, Pope Francis participated in a prayer meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland and others, as part of their Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace to South Sudan. In his address, the Holy Father called his hearers to “work together, to foster this fraternal unity among ourselves ...read more

On Saturday, February 4, Pope Francis, with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, heard from and responded to internally displaced persons and representatives of humanitarian organizations. In his address, the Holy Father said that “We hope and believe that now, even in the camps for displaced persons, where sadly ...read more

On February 4, 2023, Pope Francis met with clergy, religious and seminarians in the Cathedral of Saint Therese in Juba, South Sudan. In his address, he reflected on the example of Moses as intercessor and prophet, and said that Church leaders “must exercise our ministry by walking in the midst of and alongside our people, learning to ...read more

Pope Francis began his Apostolic Visit to South Sudan on February 3. The Holy Father, with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, met with the President, Vice-Presidents, authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps of the young country. He said that this “ecumenical pilgrimage of peace represents a change ...read more

On February 3, 2023, Pope Francis met with CENCO, the episcopal conference of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In his address, he encouraged his brother Bishops to “be touched and consoled by the closeness of God” and “be prophets of hope for the people.” Read the full text of his address below: Meeting with Bishops Address ...read more