By Lise Alves Catholic News Service SAO PAULO (CNS) — Cardinal-designate Arlindo Gomes Furtado, whose diocese is part of an archipelago 400 miles off the coast of West Africa, said the challenges to the church in Cape Verde mirror those found elsewhere. “We are trying to make the church more open, welcoming … more dynamic ...read more

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Spain’s newest cardinal-designate is known as an outspoken champion of peace and reconciliation — a common trait among some of the men chosen by Pope Francis to join the College of Cardinals in February. Cardinal-designate Ricardo Blazquez Perez, who has been archbishop of Valladolid since ...read more

By Catholic News Service YANGON, Myanmar (CNS) — Cardinal-designate Charles Bo’s appointment as Myanmar’s first cardinal is seen as support for his efforts to push national reconciliation, peace, justice and freedom as his people struggle with religious and ethnic tensions and other problems. The new position draws attention to Cardinal-designate Bo’s country, formerly Burma, which ...read more

During his Angelus Address on Sunday, Pope Francis announced that he would be making a one day trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina this coming June. It appears the Holy Father has an appetite for difficult cases, as the former Yugoslav republic is no walk in the park. Most will recall the Bosnian War that broke out following ...read more

Prayer for Justice and Peace in the Holy Lands Lord our God, author of life and giver of peace, the tragic events unfolding in Iraq, Syria, Israel and Palestine pain us. We know that violence is not conquered by violence. We remember all those forced from their homes in Iraq. We entrust to your loving ...read more

Watch live Sunday June 8th at 12:00 pm ET / 9:00 am PT Before the ceremony The two Presidents will arrive at the Vatican within 15/20 minutes of each other (18.15- 18.30). They will be welcomed at the entrance of the St. Martha Residence by the Holy Father. The Holy Father will hold a short ...read more

When Pope Francis announced a day of Prayer for Peace in Syria, Bishop Douglas Crosby of Hamilton was in Italy, close to Grossetto. He and his travel companions decided to take part in this unique event. Bishop Crosby wrote about the experience in his weekly letter to the clergy of the diocese. Read about Bishop ...read more

On this worldwide day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, Salt and Light is pleased to broadcast the Vigil of Prayer with Pope Francis LIVE from St. Peter’s Square beginning at 1pm ET / 10am PT. You can tune in either by watching our television network or viewing our live stream at saltandlighttv.org/live. For ...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