(Photo: courtesy of CNS) How are we to evaluate Pope Francis’ historic six-day visit to the United States? Should it be considered a success? Did the Pope accomplish what he set out to do? Were there questions left unanswered? How should we gage the response of the American Church? Of the American people? What lasting ...read more

Here’s what’s been going on across the country this week: In Vancouver, where the permanent diaconate program has only been in place for about two years, another group of candidates have started the journey towards ordained ministry. In Saskatoon, a controversial “conscientious objection” policy was passed this week by the province’s College of Physicians and ...read more

This week brings two big new items: the analysis of Pope Francis trip to Cuba and the United States, and the upcoming opening of the Synod of Bishops on the family. Below are links to some articles well worth reading for a well rounded picture of both. The Cuba – US trip was by all ...read more

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7) Dear Young People, We have come to the last stretch of our pilgrimage to Krakow, the place where we will celebrate the 31st World Youth Day next year in the month of July. We are being guided on this long and challenging path by ...read more

On Sunday evening, September 27, 2015, Pope Francis concluded his Apostolic Visit to the United States with a meeting with the organizers and volunteers of the World Meeting of Families at Philadelphia International Airport. Below you will find the full text of his prepared remarks. My days with you have been brief. But they have ...read more

 On Sunday, September 28, 2015, Pope Francis celebrated his last Mass during his Apostolic Visit to the United States, Below you will find the full text of the Holy Father’s remarks. Today the word of God surprises us with powerful and thought-provoking images. Images which challenge us, but also stir our enthusiasm. In the first ...read more

On Sunday morning, September 27, 2015 Pope Francis arrived at the Curan-Fromhold Prison in Philadelphia to meet with men and women prisoners. Below you will find the full text of Pope Francis’ address: Address of Pope Francis to Prisoners Curan-Fromhold Prison, Philadelphia Sunday September 27, 2015 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Thank you for receiving me ...read more

On Sunday morning, September 27, 2015 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, the Holy Father received some victims of sexual abuse by the clergy or by members of their families or their teachers. The group consisted of five adults – three women, two men – who have suffered abuse when they were minors. Each person was accompanied ...read more

On Saturday, September 26, 2015, following Pope Francis’ mass with the religious of Philadelphia, Pope Francis met with the Hispanic community at Independence Hall for a Religious Liberty. See below for the full text of the Holy Father’s address, delivered in Spanish. (The final version will be published shortly) Address of His Holiness Pope Francis ...read more

On Saturday evening, September 26, 2015, Pope Francis attended the prayer service at the Festival of Families, hosted by the World Meeting of Families 2015. After listening to the testimonies of several families from all around the world, the Holy Father delivered the following spontaneous address. Dear brothers and sisters, dear families, Thank you to ...read more