The Synod of Bishops on the Family started this week. For a run down of what has been discussed so far, watch this week’s edition of Vatican Connections, or Salt and Light’s special synod coverage, Inside the Synod. There were a few non-synod items of interest over the past week. The pope’s message for World ...read more

Pope Francis addressed the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Monday morning – the morning of their first full day of sessions. Below, please find Vatican Radio’s full English translation of the Holy Father’s remarks. Dear Beatitudes, Eminences, Excellencies, brothers and sisters, The Church today takes up once again the dialogue begun with ...read more

VATICAN: On October 6, 2015, Father Federico Lombardi, S.J., director of the Holy See Press Office, led a press conference outlining discussions arising from recent sessions of the Synod on the Family. Father Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., Vatican appointed English-language spokesperson at the Synod on the Family, gave an overview of note worthy topics of discussion. “Poverty, ...read more

Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis Twenty-Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time Opening of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops “If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us” (1 Jn 4:12). This Sunday’s Scripture readings seem to have been chosen precisely for this moment of ...read more

On Saturday evening, October 3, 2015, Pope Francis led a prayer vigil prior to the opening of the 14th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and the Contemporary World. Below you will find the full text of the Holy Father’s prepared homily. ...read more

This week brings two big new items: the analysis of Pope Francis trip to Cuba and the United States, and the upcoming opening of the Synod of Bishops on the family. Below are links to some articles well worth reading for a well rounded picture of both. The Cuba – US trip was by all ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For October 2015, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Human Trafficking – That human trafficking, the modern form of slavery, may be eradicated. Mission in Asia – That with a missionary spirit the Christian communities of Asia may announce the Gospel to ...read more

On Friday, September 25, 2015, Pope Francis arrived at Ground Zero to participate in an Interreligious Prayer to commemorate the fallen of 9/11. Please see below for the Holy Father’s prepared remarks. Interreligious Meeting Ground Zero Memorial, New York Friday, 25 September 2015 Dear Friends, I feel many different emotions standing here at Ground Zero, ...read more

Below you will find the final address of Pope Francis during the celebration of Vespers at the Cathedral of Havana on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Celebration of Vespers with Priests, Men and Women Religious and Seminarians at the Cathedral of Havana Homily of Pope Francis – FINAL VERSION Cardinal Jaime [Ortega] spoke to us about ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For September 2015, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Opportunities for the Young – That opportunities for education and employment may increase for all young people. Catechists – That catechists may give witness by living in a way consistent with the faith they proclaim. Daily ...read more