One month in office and Pope Francis has begun to make episcopal and curial appointments. One of those appointments is the new secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic  Life. Pope Francis named Father Jose Rodriguez Carballo, current Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor. Catholic News Service ...read more

A monument to the late Blessed John Paul II is raised into position in Czestochowa, Poland, April 3. (CNS photo/Agencja Gazeta, Reuters) ...read more

Photo: Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB is interviewed by BBC Radio about the upcoming conclave in front of the media stand in St. Peter’s Square.  Fr. Rosica and S+L Producer Sebastian Gomes worked for Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ in dealing with the English media during the recent papal transition. ...read more

Tonight on Perspectives: Pope Francis speaks on the significance of the Resurrection, prays for victims of Iran’s earthquake, St. Michael’s Choir School performs for the Pope, and a new exhibit features Early Renaissance art. ...read more

Tonight on Perspectives Pope Francis met with the General Secretary of the United Nations and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops releases a document on the environment. ...read more

In this photo Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare movement who died on March 14, 2008, is pictured with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in 1982. CNS photo and description/KNA ...read more

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