Oh, it’s new year again! How are there only 365 days in a year? If only we could double or triple the length of a year, then I should be able to complete my New Year’s Resolutions. Wait a second! I haven’t changed my resolutions for a few years now. Every end of December and ...read more

“I think we should turn back, it sounds like an altercation ahead.” “No no, that’s just the way they talk.” The night blanketed the streets of Old Jerusalem as we continued around the corner. “Move! Move! Move!” exclaimed two armed soldiers as they bolted through the group. I guess we were recognizably tourists for them ...read more

Pope Francis on Monday appealed to all religious authorities to join in “reaffirming unequivocally that one can never kill in God’s name,” saying the world is “dealing with a homicidal madness which misuses God’s name in order to disseminate death, in a play for domination and power.” The full speech by Pope Francis to the ...read more

At 10 am this morning in the Vatican Basilica, Pope Francis presided at the celebration of the Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God in the Octave of Christmas and in commemoration of the 50th World Day of Peace on the theme: “Nonviolence: A Style of Politics for Peace.” Below you will find ...read more

At 5:00 pm today, December 31 in the Vatican Basilica, Pope Francis presides over the first Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, followed Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the the singing of the traditional hymn Te Deum of thanksgiving at the end of calendar year and Eucharistic Benediction. Here is the Holy ...read more

This week we take a look at the Christmas celebrations at the Vatican: which traditions did Pope Francis keep and what new traditions did he forge? We also look ahead to the changes that will be coming down the pipe very soon at the heart of the Church. ...read more