A political prisoner of the Communist regime for thirteen years, nine of which he spent in solitary confinement, Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan’s experience is a powerful testimony of faith in the Eucharist and in the power of forgiveness and the redemptive value of the cross. Cardinal Van Thuan’s writings and spiritual insights written in ...read more

This weekend, Pope Francis completed a two day apostolic visit to Egypt, a trip loaded with meaning and symbolism. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Pope’s visit and we begin with Italian producer Matteo Ciofi here: Find out what Pope Francis’ Trip to Egypt means. Pope Francis’ Itinerary On April 28, ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For May 2017, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Christians in Africa:  – That Christians in Africa, in imitation of the Merciful Jesus, may give prophetic witness to reconciliation, justice, and peace. Daily Offering Prayer God, our Father, I offer You ...read more

Pope Francis’ final event in Egypt was a prayer meeting with clergy, men and women religious and seminarians. Read the full text of his prepared remarks: Your Beatitudes, Dear Brothers and Sisters, As-salamu alaykum! Peace be with you! “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in him! Christ is forever victorious over ...read more

Pope Francis was the principal celebrant and homilist at Mass for Egyptian Catholics in the “Air Defense Stadium” in Cairo on Saturday. Below, please find the full text of the Holy Father’s prepared remarks, in their official English translation. Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis Holy Mass, Cairo 29 April 2017 As-salamu alaykum! Peace be ...read more

At the end of the courtesy Visit to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, in the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Cairo, Pope Francis Francesco and Pope Tawadros II signed the following Joint Declaration: Common Declaration of His Holiness Francis and His Holiness Tawadros II We, Francis, Bishop of Rome and Pope of the Catholic Church, and ...read more

On Friday, April 28, 2017 Pope Francis paid a courtesy visit to Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of the Coptic-Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Below, find the full text of his prepared remarks: The Lord is risen, he is truly risen! [Al Massih kam, bilhakika kam!] Your Holiness, Dear Brother, Only a short time has passed since ...read more

Pope Francis this afternoon met with Egyptian Political and Civil authorities during his Apostolic Visit to Egypt. Below, find the full text of his prepared address: Mr President, Honourable Members of Government and Parliament, Distinguished Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen, As-salamu alaykum! Peace be with you! I thank you, Mr ...read more

At 3:40 pm this afternoon, Pope Francis went paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the highest theological and religious institution of Sunni Islam in the world and the oldest Islamic University. Upon his arrival, the Pope was received at the entrance by the Vicar of the Grand Imam who accompanied him ...read more

The Pope’s agenda this week includes his apostolic and symbolic visit to Egypt. Greg Burke, Director of the Holy See Press Office, affirmed the Pope Francis’ will to send out a positive message. “He is serene, and not naive, because he knows the situation in Egypt,” Burke told Vatican Radio. “He knows what happened to the Copts ...read more