Following a historic conclave, Pope Francis was publicly installed as the 266th Bishop of Rome earlier today in St. Peter’s Square. Published below is an unofficial translation of the Holy Father’s homily. Note: S+L will rebroadcast the mass at 1:30 pm ET/10:30 am PT, 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT and 12:00 am ET/9:00 pm PT. ...read more

On March 19, the Catholic Church celebrates Pope Francis’ election to the papacy with a special Mass of Inauguration. Published below is a message from the Most Reverend Richard Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. For broadcast times and more information about this historical Mass, visit our dedicated Habemus ...read more

Today Pope Francis celebrated mass at St. Anne Parish in Vatican City. In the following three clips we bring you the highlights of the event. Above find a clip of the brief but moving homily that he gave to parishioners. Below, find the speech where Cardinal Comastri thanked the Holy Father and praised him for ...read more

On Saturday, March 16, Pope Francis gathered thousands of journalists and media agencies from nearly 82 countries inside the Paul VI Audience Hall. In his address, the Holy Father spoke of how the role of mass media continues to grow and how it is indispensable for telling the stories of contemporary society. Published below is ...read more

Here’s a reflection I wrote on August 26, 2008 on the catechesis given by Cardinal Mario Bergoglio (now, Pope Francis) at the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City. Seems incredible that he is now the Pope! To read Cardinal Bergoglio’s Catechesis text, visit the Vatican website. This may come out sounding a bit complicated, ...read more

The Most Reverend Richard Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has sent an immediate letter of congratulations to Pope Francis on the day of his election as pastor of the Universal Church. Below find the full text of his letter: His Holiness Pope Francis Vatican City Most ...read more

Pope Francis: What does this mean for the Catholic Church in Canada and beyond? We have first reactions from Ottawa’s own Archbishop Terrence Prendergast — who, like Francis, is a Jesuit — plus Bishop William McGrattan and Dr. Moira McQueen. Don’t miss this edition of “Perspectives Conclave Special” with Kris Dmytrenko. ...read more

Has their moment finally come? After this weekend, many Christians in the Middle East must feel their hope renewed. Pope Benedict arrived in Lebanon on Friday, at a time when other foreign leaders might have cancelled their travel plans to the volatile region. Though civil wars and protests still dominate the headlines, the pontiff’s three-day ...read more

Following a historic three-day visit to Lebanon, Pope Benedict is now on his way back to Rome. This was a very important trip for the 85-year old Pontiff. Despite increased tension and violence in the Middle East, he spent time meeting with government officials, signed the long-awaited Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente and met ...read more

One of the most significant moments of the Holy Father’s trip to Lebanon thus far has been the signing of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Eccleisa in Medio Oriente. He signed the message yesterday during his visit to the Melkite Catholic Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa. He then presented it to the people of Lebanon ...read more