Due to inclement weather in Zagreb, the closing ceremony was canceled; but, the official Croatian Papal visit website has posted Pope Benedict’s final address and apostolic blessing for Croatia. Pope Benedict XVI praised the piety of Croatian youth and encouraged Croatians to continue to bear a fearless witness of the Risen Lord. My visit to your ...read more

During Vespers Pope Benedict XVI prayed with bishops, priests, religious and seminarians at the Cathedral, Zagreb.  The Pope also prayed at the tomb of Blessed Alojzije Viktor Stepinac, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to St. Stephen. During his address, the Holy Father spoke of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac as a  fearless ...read more

The Regina Coeli address from the Zagreb Hippodrome, Croatia.  The Holy Father entrusts Croatian families to Mary, Mother of Christ and our Mother. Dear Brothers and Sisters! Before concluding this solemn celebration, I wish to thank you for your fervent and devout participation, through which you express your love and your commitment to the family, ...read more

Thousands of Croatian faithful gathered as the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, celebrated mass at the Zagreb Hippodrome, Croatia. The mass was celebrated under sunny skies in the open-air stadium. The sung parts of the mass were exceptionally glorifying to God! Following is the Holy Father’s homily on the occasion of the National Day of ...read more

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI says that religion is a natural element of society as it places man in right relation with God. He spoke on the importance of our conscience. The Holy Father said that our conscience is the place in which to listen to truth and goodness. It is also the place ...read more

This weekend, Pope Benedict XVI will make his first trip to Croatia as the successor of Peter. However, as Holy See Press Office director Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, points out, it’s not his first visit to the strongly Catholic country. The Vatican spokesman offered an editorial previewing the trip on the Vatican Television program Octava ...read more

Oh May, how we hardly knew you! Thirty one days zipped by and we are already entering into the halfway point of the year. In May, we paid particular attention to our Blessed Mother, in June we traditionally contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Last year, on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, Pope Benedict ...read more

While Pope Benedict frequently invites Catholics to pray for particular causes, he has made a unique, official appeal for the Church in China. Speaking at the General Audience last Wednesday, he said that “all Catholics throughout the world have a duty to pray for the Church in China: those members of the faithful have a ...read more

The phrase “the calling of the twelve” took a whole new meaning this past weekend when Pope Benedict XVI connected with 12 astronauts on the International Space Station. Catholic News Service takes a look at the conversation. To download Flash Player please click here ...read more

Credit card bill due on Monday? No problem, the world’s going to end on Saturday! At least that’s according to some people. In this week’s Catholic News Service Vatican Report, Rome correspondent Carol Glatz and Rome Bureau Chief John Thavis look at what the Church has to say about the end of the world. To ...read more