Perched on the side of a mountain in the central Italian province of Umbria is the historic town of Assisi, best known as the hometown of St. Francis, one of Christianity’s most revered saints. I’ve spoken to many visitors to Assisi over the past few years – especially since Cardinal Bergoglio was elected pope and ...read more

  Address by His Eminence  following the prayer after communion at Mass for the Beatification of Korean Martyrs August 16, 2014 Holy Father, The welcome you with joy together with the laity, religious and clergy of the whole church in Korea. I am honored to be in his presence to keep this speech of greeting. ...read more

Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis Mass for the Beatification of the Korean Martyrs Seoul, Gwanghwamun Gate August 16, 2014 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? (Rom 8:35).  With these words, Saint Paul speaks of the glory of our faith in Jesus: not only has Christ risen from the dead and ascended ...read more

On Wednesday August 6, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord on Mount Tabor. We also remember with gratitude Venerable Pope Paul VI (Giovanni Battista Montini) who died this day thirty-six years ago at the age of 80. The Final Years of Pope Paul VI Excerpt from his Apostolic Exhortation “GAUDETE IN DOMINO” ...read more

Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishop William McGrattan was appointed as the 12th Bishop of Peterborough in April after the resignation of Most Reverend Bishop Nicola De Angelis, C.F.I.C. The installation of Bishop William McGrattan was celebrated on Monday, June 23, 2014 at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter-in-Chains. Bishop William McGrattan was born in London, Ontario ...read more

On 27 April 2005, at his first General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI told the assembled crowds why he had chosen that name for his ministry as Bishop of Rome. Among other reasons, this was an homage to Saint Benedict, whose feast we celebrate today, who has played such a role in the spiritual and cultural ...read more

Steubenville Toronto kicked off early yesterday evening with over 2300 teens and 200 plus volunteers. It’s electric in here. #SteubieTO pic.twitter.com/o6Rcwgjk8E — Steubenville Toronto (@steubieTO) July 4, 2014 As conference organizers ran around with earpieces looking like the newest member of the Secret Service, teens shuffled into the Mattamy Athletic Centre, ecstatic and excited to ...read more

For close to 40 years, Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio has been inviting young people into an encounter with Jesus Christ through the execution of the ever-popular and growing Steubenville conferences. This year, the Archdiocese of Toronto and the Office for Catholic Youth bring the city of Toronto the first ever Steubenville Toronto. Steubenville Conferences, ...read more

This an adaptation of my homily for the  second Sunday in Advent, Year A. The readings were: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72;  Romans 15:4-9 and Matthew 3:1-12. On this Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist it is good to reflect on the meaning of being a “voice”. The voice crying out in the wilderness ...read more

The President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, delivered remarks to the participants in the Invocation for Peace here at the Vatican on Sunday evening. Below, please find the full text, in English, of President Abbas’ prepared remarks. In the Name of God, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful Your Holiness Pope Francis Your Excellency President Shimon Peres, ...read more