Today, people around the world are responding to the call of Pope Francis and uniting in the cause for peace through fasting and prayer. We do so with the hope that these offerings may place us in solidarity with those who suffer the tragedies of violence and aggression, especially in Syria. We do so in ...read more

Last year, when Fr. Thomas Rosica first gathered the S+L team around the conference table to share thoughts in anticipation of the upcoming Synod on the New Evangelization, I never expected that Sebastian Gomes and I would be charged with putting together a series about it! At the time, it was a Jeremiah moment for ...read more

Pope Francis has sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the G20 Summit in St. Petersburg.  The meeting of economic powerhouses was supposed to focus on stabilizing the global financial system, but the crisis in Syria and the lack of consensus among the international community on possible military involvement may take over ...read more

God of Compassion,Hear the cries of the people of Syria,Bring healing to those suffering from the violence, Bring comfort to those mourning the dead, Strengthen Syria?s neighbors in their care and welcome for refugees, Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms, And protect those committed to peace.God of Hope,Inspire leaders to choose ...read more

A Reflection for the Feast of Saint Gregory the Great. ...read more

Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, in the entire Mideast region, and throughout the whole world to be held this coming Saturday, September 7th, 2013. The Pope made the announcement during the course of remarks ahead of the traditional Angelus prayer this Sunday. Below, find the ...read more

This prayer was written by Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, S.J. It was published in the book Due Pellegrini per la Giustizia (Centro Ambrosiano: Edizioni Piemme, 1992) and translated here by Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB. Lord Our God,We Praise you and we bless you for Jerusalem,Because you have given this city to usAs the symbol of the ...read more

  The following message was released by  the U.S. Bishops’ conference and Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop of Stockton Chairman, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development United States Conference of Catholic Bishops September 2, 2013 Every human being enjoys a basic right to be respected, not because of any title, position, prestige, or accomplishment ...read more

Pope Francis poses with youths during a meeting with young people from the northern Italian diocese of Piacenza-Bobbio in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Aug. 28.  CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano ...read more

Vatican Connections is on summer hiatus, returning on September 27. One feature of every Vatican Connections is the “Roman Profile” segment. Below is a Roman Profile post, featuring Cardinal Celso Costantini. Watch for the full, television version of this Roman Profile, featuring and interview with Costantini biographer Monsignor Bruno Pighin, during the new season of ...read more