The Catholic Church’s ambassador to the UN explains what’s unique about papal diplomacy and why it’s badly needed in the world today. How are you going to spend the next five minutes of your time?  You could browse social media or check your email, but how about meeting a fascinating person and learning something relevant ...read more

Today, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Pope Francis celebrated mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. During the liturgy with families from the Diocese of Rome and pilgrims from many countries who had come to Rome for the Jubilee of Families, the Pope pronounced this homily during the celebration of mass. The ...read more

On the Solemnity of the Birth of the Lord, Pope Francis appeared on the Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica and before imparting the “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing, gave his traiditional Christmas address to the faithful present in St. Peter’s Square and to all those listening via radio and television. Here is the Pope’s 2015 Christmas ...read more

On Thursday, December 24, 2015, Pope Francis celebrated the Christmas Eve Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica. Read the full text of his homily below: Tonight “a great light” shines forth (Is 9:1); the light of Jesus’ birth shines all about us. How true and timely are the words of the prophet Isaiah which we have ...read more

On Monday, December 21, 2015, Pope Francis met with the Roman Curia and presented them with the annual Christmas greetings. Below you can find the full text of the Pope’s address to the gathered Cardinals and Superiors of the Roman Curia. Dear brothers and sisters, Forgive me for not standing up as I speak to you, ...read more

The official video for the hymn for World Youth Day Krakow 2016 was released today. Below you will find the full song in Polish along with the English translation. English translation of the WYD2016 hymn, “Blogoslawieni milosierni” (“Blessed are the Merciful”): Blessed Are the Merciful I raise my eyes to the mountains, from where help ...read more

The Secretary of the Congregation for Worship at the Vatican discusses the essence of preaching and looks at why Pope Francis is a master. How are you going to spend the next five minutes of your time?  You could browse social media or check your email, but how about meeting a fascinating person and learning ...read more

The Jubilee for Mercy is officially open and with it, so too are holy doors around the world. The Vatican inaugurated the holy year with the ceremony for the opening of the holy door. Adding to the festivities was a three hour light show called Fides Lux: Illuminating Our Common Home. Inspired by Pope Francis’ ...read more

Iraqis re-enact the Nativity at Ainkawa refugee camp near Irbil, Iraq, Dec. 19, 2014. Christmas bells did not ring in Mosul and Christian villages last year for the first time in 1,600 years. CNS photo/Sahar Mansour ...read more

The Jubilee of Mercy is upon us and you know what that means? No? Me neither. At least, I didn’t really know what it meant or how it pertained to me until a little while ago. Earlier this year, March 13, 2015 to be exact, Pope Francis announced a Holy Year of Mercy for the ...read more