This week was big in many ways: Pope Francis made some significant appointments, including naming his personal secretary to the number two position at the newly created Secretariat for the Economy. Wednesday was the beginning of Lent and Pope Francis’ first Ash Wednesday liturgy as pontiff. It was also the day one the Italian newspaper ...read more

For one last time before retirement, Benedict XVI is ushering the Church into Lent. Today the Holy Father will preside at mass to mark Ash Wednesday, during which he will bless and distribute ashes to the penitent faithful. Unlike past years, the liturgy will not be held at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, southeast of ...read more