Formalising their unity in the intimate setting of the papal residence’s chapel, Pope Francis and Melkite Patriarch Joseph Absi have concelebrated Mass together in the presence of members of the Melkite synod of bishops. Instead of giving a homily at the February 13 early morning Mass, Pope Francis explained the special nature of Patriarch Absi’s…
The nativity scene in St Peter’s Square is not getting rave reviews: the backdrop does not look like a stable and the characters in need – hungry, naked, dead, imprisoned – don’t exactly evoke a silent night when all was cozy, calm and bright. Franciscan Fr John Puodziunas said he didn’t like it at first.…
Cindy Wooden Politics as service to the common good and the need to create spaces where citizens and migrants can meet and overcome fear were topics Pope Francis repeatedly returned to. Arriving in Bologna at mid-morning this week, Pope Francis went directly to the “Regional Hub”, a government-run processing centre for migrants, refugees and…
A Joint agenda for “prayer and renewed commitments to working together to help the poor and promote justice” builds bridges, writes Cindy Wooden
Pope Francis will conclude the Year of Mercy by creating 17 new cardinals, including three from the US: Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago; Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the new Vatican office for laity, family and life; and Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin of Indianapolis. Announcing the names of the new cardinals on October…
Pope Francis has entrusted nuncio’s with the important task of finding candidates who are ” managers, but pastors”
Cindy Wooden reflects on Pope Francis’ intent to show compassion and understanding for every couples’ personal circumstances
With a simple tap, Pope Francis joined Instagram and quickly set a record for gaining one million followers. The launch of the “Franciscus” account March 19, the feast of St Joseph and the third anniversary of the formal inauguration of his papacy, was preceded by huge media coverage. But still, he hit the million-follower mark…
For Pope Francis, the Year of Mercy is all about sharing the experience of God’s mercy with others. But first, he wants people to experience it themselves, in the confessional. Lent is the perfect time for that kind of spring cleaning and at the Vatican, in Rome and in many dioceses around the world, Catholic…
Debate continues about how to help the divorced and remarried, writes Cindy Wooden