BLOG: Pope Francis,Vatican Connections
At 10:00 am this morning, Solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Francis presided over the Eucharistic celebration in the Vatican Basilica. Below are the texts of Proclamation of Easter, celebrated this year on April 16, and the Pope’s homily after the proclamation of the Holy Gospel: The Proclamation of Easter Know, dear brethren, that as we ...read more
Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For January 2017, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Christian Unity – That all Christians may be faithful to the Lord’s teaching by striving with prayer and fraternal charity to restore ecclesial communion and by collaborating to meet the challenges facing humanity.  ...read more
The letter of Pope Francis sent to the Bishops of the world on December 28, 2016, Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs Dear Brother, Today, on the feast of the Holy Innocents, as the words of the angel to the shepherds still resound in our hearts – “I bring you good news of a great ...read more
At 10 am this morning in the Vatican Basilica, Pope Francis presided at the celebration of the Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God in the Octave of Christmas and in commemoration of the 50th World Day of Peace on the theme: “Nonviolence: A Style of Politics for Peace.” Below you will find ...read more
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy Christmas! Today the Church once again experiences the wonder of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the shepherds of Bethlehem, as they contemplate the newborn Child laid in a manger: Jesus, the Saviour. On this day full of light, the prophetic proclamation resounds: “For to us a child is ...read more
(CNS Photo/Paul Haring: Bishops and cardinals attend a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family led by Pope Francis at the Vatican Oct. 23, 2015.) Over the past few weeks a debate has erupted around Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia. Four cardinals went public with five “dubia,” or questions about what they see ...read more
«Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace » At the beginning of this New Year, I offer heartfelt wishes of peace to the world’s peoples and nations, to heads of state and government, and to religious, civic and community leaders. I wish peace to every man, woman and child, and I pray that the image ...read more
Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For December 2016, we join the Holy Father in praying for: End to Child-Soldiers – That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over. Europe – That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives ...read more
On Sunday, December 4, 2016 Fidel Castro’s funeral will be held in Cuba. He died last week at the age of 90. The government announced, following his death, nine days of national mourning for one of the most popular and controversial figures of the last 60 years. The Catholic Church had a fundamental role to play ...read more
The Vatican announced the themes for the next World Youth Days to culminate at the International World Youth Day in Panama in 2019. They are taken from the Gospel of Luke and are inspired by the three theological virtues of faith, charity and hope. A new website for Peter’s Pence was launched today, making it ...read more