Preaching at the first Easter Vigil of his pontificate, Pope Francis urged us not to be closed to the newness that God wants to bring into our lives. The Holy Father said that nothing remains as it was before, not only in the lives of the women at the tomb, but also in our own ...read more

From the Office of Readings for Holy Saturday; From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in ...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

In a solemn liturgy that began with Pope Francis prostrating himself before the Cross, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion was held today in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica. Following tradition, the Good Friday homily was given by the Preacher to the Papal Household, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap. The Capuchin father’s message is titled, ...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

Vatican Connections Holy Week edition is here! We walk you through the Holy Week liturgies that will happen at the Vatican and tell you about the new Holy Week tradition Pope Francis has started. We also have details about the Pope’s meeting with his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Enjoy. ...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