(CNS photo/Paul Haring: Pope Francis (left), Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II (center), Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (right), spiritual head of the Eastern Orthodox churches, attend an ecumenical prayer service at the Church of St. Peter in Cairo, as an image of the risen Lord stands behind them. April 28, 2017.) With a providential twist in the ...read more

A political prisoner of the Communist regime for thirteen years, nine of which he spent in solitary confinement, Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan’s experience is a powerful testimony of faith in the Eucharist and in the power of forgiveness and the redemptive value of the cross. Cardinal Van Thuan’s writings and spiritual insights written in ...read more

A reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday This Sunday’s Gospel gives us an image that summarizes all that we have celebrated in the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus description of the Good Shepherd in John 10 shows us how He saw His mission in the world, and His mission in ...read more

This weekend, Pope Francis completed a two day apostolic visit to Egypt, a trip loaded with meaning and symbolism. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Pope’s visit and we begin with Italian producer Matteo Ciofi here: Find out what Pope Francis’ Trip to Egypt means. Pope Francis’ Itinerary On April 28, ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For May 2017, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Christians in Africa:  – That Christians in Africa, in imitation of the Merciful Jesus, may give prophetic witness to reconciliation, justice, and peace. Daily Offering Prayer God, our Father, I offer You ...read more

    Pesach I’m taking a few week’s off Deacon-strucing to share with you this little series I did last year with my friend Rabbi Aaron Flaznraich about the significance of Passover. I’m a firm believer that the more we understand the faith of our elder brothers and sisters, the more we will come to ...read more

Pope Francis’ final event in Egypt was a prayer meeting with clergy, men and women religious and seminarians. Read the full text of his prepared remarks: Your Beatitudes, Dear Brothers and Sisters, As-salamu alaykum! Peace be with you! “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in him! Christ is forever victorious over ...read more

Pope Francis was the principal celebrant and homilist at Mass for Egyptian Catholics in the “Air Defense Stadium” in Cairo on Saturday. Below, please find the full text of the Holy Father’s prepared remarks, in their official English translation. Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis Holy Mass, Cairo 29 April 2017 As-salamu alaykum! Peace be ...read more

At the end of the courtesy Visit to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, in the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Cairo, Pope Francis Francesco and Pope Tawadros II signed the following Joint Declaration: Common Declaration of His Holiness Francis and His Holiness Tawadros II We, Francis, Bishop of Rome and Pope of the Catholic Church, and ...read more

On Friday, April 28, 2017 Pope Francis paid a courtesy visit to Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of the Coptic-Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Below, find the full text of his prepared remarks: The Lord is risen, he is truly risen! [Al Massih kam, bilhakika kam!] Your Holiness, Dear Brother, Only a short time has passed since ...read more