Pope Francis is good at pricking consciences. He does this regarding reconciliation and peace in the world, especially in Eastern Europe. For example, when he sends Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna – a leading figure from the Sant’Egidio Community who is skilled in peaceful conflict resolution – to meet with leaders of major powers. Or Read more
In his newly released autobiography “Life: My Story Through History” Pope Francis asserts that he has no plans to retire despite ongoing criticism and health challenges. The autobiography, co-authored with Italian journalist Fabio Marchese Ragona, delves into key moments of his life and papacy, shedding light on his stance amidst controversies surrounding his leadership. At Read more
Saints are not unreachable “exceptions of humanity” said Pope Francis on Wednesday. They are ordinary people who worked diligently to grow in virtue, and are a sign of humanity’s virtue, he said. Think of the saints as “a kind of small circle of champions who live beyond the limits of our species” Francis wrote for Read more
Catholic women are demanding equality and visibility while urging the Church institution to set aside its fears about change. Leadership positions within the Church are important, a pre-International Women’s Day gathering near the Vatican said. “It’s so important that the Catholic Church be engaged in this issue, not just internally but also externally given the Read more
Before he retires or dies, Pope Francis needs to reform the process for choosing his successor because the current rules could result in a conclave deadlocked between a conservative and a liberal candidate. The process of choosing a pope is not divinely inspired. It is a human creation that has changed over time and can Read more
Grieving parents are perfectly entitled to ask God why their child had to die, Pope Francis says. Demanding answers when one’s child dies is anything but a sign of a lack of faith. “There is nothing worse than silencing pain, putting a silencer on suffering, removing traumas without facing them as our world often encourages Read more
Do you know that the Catholic Church is now “more fractured than at any time in her recent history”? And do you realize that it’s all the fault of just one man — Pope Francis? That claim was made this past week in the latest attack on the 87-year-old pope, a declaration written (anonymously, of Read more
Cardinal Vincent Nichols has refused permission for the celebration of the old Latin rite of the traditional Easter Triduum in Westminster. This is the first time since the 1990s that the Easter Triduum won’t be celebrated in the Westminster Diocese. The traditional Triduum rite follows the liturgical books in use before the 1970 liturgy reform. Read more
Spanish Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves of Toledo (pictured, right) has rebuked several priests for wishing Pope Francis dead. The priests – who later apologised – had prayed for Francis to die as soon as possible, during a weekly internet programme. Chaves posted a statement on the archdiocese website on Wednesday, rejecting the priests’ comments. He Read more
A Catholic archdiocese’s Lenten prayer campaign has succeeded so far in attracting over 1.5 million people. Launched on Facebook and other social media on Ash Wednesday, the Archdiocese of Southwark has been uploading videos of Catholic prayers each day during Lent. The Lenten prayer campaign aims to encourage people to connect with Jesus Christ through Read more