The topic getting ink in Rome this week involved some leaked information but it had nothing to do with private documents, no stealing, no accusations. In fact, the person who leaked the information probably did not realize they were releasing previously undisclosed information. The “mole” was the Bishop Luigi Martella of Molfetta, Italy. While on ...read more

Today on Perspectives: Pope Francis holds his weekly General Audience in the rain, the Holy See makes interventions at the United Nations, and Salt + Light presents “A New Leaf” streaming on demand. ...read more

On Thursday, the faithful will take over the streets of Rome for one of the most hallowed celebrations of the year: Corpus Christi, also known as the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. Following the tradition of his predecessors (including Benedict XVI, seen above), Pope Francis will mark the solemnity by presiding at ...read more

– Drawing of Pope Francis courtesy Graphic News The following article appeared on the RNS (Religion News Service) on May 24, 2013. It might look that way from the eye-catching headlines this week that made it appear everyone was bound for heaven — “even atheists!” — thanks to Jesus’ death on the cross. The passage ...read more

On Saturday, May 18, Pope Francis celebrated the vigil of the feast of Pentecost at St. Peter’s Square with members of New Movements. Aside from leading a prayer service, the Holy Father also took part in a question and answer session with members of these movements. Below is a report from Vatican Radio about that ...read more

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today we contemplate and re-live in the liturgy the outpouring of the Holy Spirit sent by the risen Christ upon his Church; an event of grace which filled the Upper Room in Jerusalem and then spread throughout the world. But what happened on that day, so distant from us and yet ...read more

This weekend, 120,000 members of lay movements and ecclesial associations are gathering in Rome to celebrate Pentecost and the Year of Faith. Around 150 different groups from around the world are registered for the events. Under the slogan, “I Believe! Increase our Faith”, the pilgrimage begins at the tomb of St. Peter on Saturday morning. ...read more

On Thursday May 17, 2013, Pope Francis met with the ambassadors of Kyrgystan, Antigua and Barbuda, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Botswana. Below is the full text of his address to the ambassadors, which focused on the need for ethics, especially in relation to the financial crisis. Your Excellencies, I am pleased to receive ...read more

Below is the full text of Pope Francis’ homily during Canonization Mass for three new saints, Sunday May 12 at St. Peter’s Square. Transcription and translation courtesy of Vatican Radio. Dear brothers and sisters! In this seventh Sunday of Easter we are gathered to celebrate with joy a feast of holiness. Thanks be to God ...read more

Do you remember where you were when the white smoke appeared, heralding the election of Pope Francis? That will always be an easy question for me, since I was in the S+L studio doing live commentary. The third smoke signal of the conclave looked distinctly different from the first two, which were easily discernible as ...read more