By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like their Orthodox brothers and sisters, Catholics formally will mark Sept. 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Francis has decided. The day of prayer, the pope said, will give individuals and communities an opportunity to implore God’s help ...read more

Rome, the eternal city, is conveniently located just barely inland from Italy’s Tyrrhenian coast and is surrounded by hills. This combination of geographical features means the summer months are hot, humid and smoggy. By August, it is next to impossible to breathe in the city. Thus Roman residents flee and take refuge in the beach ...read more

Pope Francis has returned to his regular schedule of activities at the Vatican. He held his first general audience this week after taking a one month break. His statement that divorced and remarried Catholics should not be treated as if they have been excommunicated made headlines around the world. However, the real issue that the ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For June 2015, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Volunteers– That volunteers may give themselves generously to the service of the needy. Outreach to the Marginalized– That setting aside our very selves we may learn to be neighbors to those who find ...read more

With one papal trip barely over, attention is already turning to the next papal trip: Cuba and the U.S. The official schedule was released at the end of June. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released the theme and logo of that portion of the trip some time ago. The motto is “Love is our ...read more

(Pope Francis listens attentively to speakers at the World Meeting of Popular Movements in Bolivia on July 9.  Photo courtesy of CNS) In two years Pope Francis has said enough about the global economic system to spark both enormous enthusiasm and heavy criticism.  The story is still developing, but after his recent trip to Latin ...read more

The following is a translation of a reflection posted by Madonna Lee on Pope Francis’ Visit to South America on our Chinese website. Each week, Madonna posts a reflection on what she sees happening in the Church, and many come back each week to read her reflections. Now and then, we would like to share ...read more

Much has been made of the messages Pope Francis delivered during his visit to Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay. As always, the pope made reference to local saints and historical episodes in his homilies and addresses, thrilling the locals and confusing foreigners following on television. Here’s a rundown of the some of the people and things ...read more

Below you will find the full text of Pope Francis’ impromptu address to the youth in Paraguay: Dear Young People, Good Afternoon! After having read the Gospel, Orlando came up to me and said, “I ask you to pray for the freedom of each one of us, of everyone”. This is the blessing which Orlando ...read more

On Sunday, July 12, 2015, Pope Francis concluded his visit to South America with a meeting with young people in Asunción, Paraguay. Below you will find the prepared text which the Pope did not read:   Dear Young People, I am happy to be with you in this atmosphere of celebration. Happy to listen to ...read more