After presiding over the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis now heads to Rome’s Colosseum to pray the traditional Way of the Cross. This year, the meditations for the Stations of the Cross were prepared by Lebanese young people, at the request of Benedict XVI. Before his resignation, the Pope ...read more

Below find the full text of Pope Francis’ homily given today at the Casal del Marmo juvenile prison in Rome. This is moving, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. Peter understands nothing. He refuses but Jesus explains to him. Jesus, God did this, and He Himself explains it to the disciples… ‘Do you realize ...read more

Below please find the official text of Pope Francis’ homily for Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday 2013. Dear Brothers and Sisters, This morning I have the joy of celebrating my first Chrism Mass as the Bishop of Rome. I greet all of you with affection, especially you, dear priests, who, like myself, today recall the ...read more

On Holy Thursday, the Church reenacts two of Jesus’ most powerful examples of service: the washing of the feet of his disciples, and his Last Supper with the apostles. It’s also a day when, in many dioceses around the world — including the diocese of Rome — the sacramental oils of catechumens, of the infirm, ...read more

Tonight on Perspectives: Pope Francis holds his first general audience, thousands gather in Washington DC to support traditional marriage, and Pope Francis calls for an end to violence and conflict in the Central African Republic. ...read more

The real and total comprehensive task of a Christian…is to be a human being, a human being, of course, whose depths are divine. Karl Rahner Whenever people speak of Auschwitz, I wonder how it was possible for a person to ignore atrocities that happened only a few miles away. It’s said that some camps were ...read more

Bishops leave St. Peter’s Basilica after a meeting of the Second Vatican Council in 1962. CNS photo/Catholic Press Photo ...read more

Below please find the full text of the Holy Father’s address to the Diplomatic Corps: Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Heartfelt thanks to your Dean, Ambassador Jean-Claude Michel, for the kind words that he has addressed to me in the name of everyone present. It gives me joy to welcome you for this exchange of ...read more

Tonight on Perspectives: Pope Francis to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass at a juvenile prison, and the Holy Father sends greetings to the new Archbishop of Canterbury. ...read more

Earlier today, Pope Francis met with Fraternal Delegates (members of other Christian denominations and non-Christian religions) who attended the Inauguration Mass of his Petrine Ministry on Tuesday. ...read more