Away from the limelight, Pope Francis spent one Friday a month, over the course of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, putting into practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Locations were never announced beforehand and so in the past year, he surprised the sick and the elderly, retired priests, women who have been abused, ...read more

Emilie Callan reflects on the Pope's visit Jubilee of Prisoners in 2016, and how he has a special place in his heart for those who are incarcerated. ...read more

The Pope went to Sweden last week. He was there for two days, from October 31st to November 1st commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The history between both Churches is somewhat complex. And what do we really know about Protestant theology? Here is brief look at how it all started and what ...read more

On Monday evening Pope Francis received, in a private and unexpected audience, the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The meeting lasted 30 minutes and they talked about the aggravation of the political crisis in the South American country. It has turned into an increasingly serious situation since now the president himself is being harshly criticized by people ...read more

When he was elected, Fr. Arturo Sosa was surprised. He said, “I have the feeling I’ll need so much help. It is a big challenge”. But the challenges awaiting him do not weigh only on his shoulders. He will do his best, as he’s expressed “it is not the work of one person, but the work ...read more

After announcing 13 new cardinals two weeks ago, the Pope presided over the canonization mass of seven blessed on Sunday, October 16, 2016, in front of 80,000 people, who filled St. Peter’s Square for the occasion. Speaking of the new saints, during his homily, the pontiff said the saints are men and women who enter fully into the ...read more

On October 9, 2016, Pope Francis announced the creation of 17 new cardinals to take place next November at the Vatican, on the eve of the end of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Pope Francis has said before that being selected to become a cardinal is not a sign of honour but one of service. ...read more

Last Sunday during the Angelus, Pope Francis announced thirteen new cardinals from eleven different nations, plus four non-electors. The consistory, where they will be made cardinals, will be held on November 19th, the day before the end of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. “I will choose the Cardinals a little everywhere, because the Church is ...read more

Last Tuesday, on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the areas affected by the earthquake last August. The Holy Father arrived in Amatrice, before going to Arquata, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto, explaining his visit with these words: “I thought long and hard ...read more

In case you missed it, our very own Emilie Callan is now the new host of Vatican Connections, our weekly show covering all things Vatican from around the world. I’m sure you’ve seen Emilie all around our network, most predominantly as a member of our French Department, but also making an appearance on some of our ...read more