By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — After members of the Synod of Bishops approved their final document, Pope Francis announced that he would not write the customary post-synodal apostolic exhortation but would offer the final document to the entire church to implement. “There are already highly concrete indications in the document that […]
Married couples should always seek Holy Spirit, pontiff says
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Because the Holy Spirit specializes in love and unity, Catholic couples should pray regularly for the Spirit to be present in their marriage, Pope Francis said. “Where the Holy Spirit enters, the capacity for self-giving is reborn,” the pope said at his weekly general audience Oct. […]
Pope creates 14 saints, calls on faithful to serve
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis called on the faithful to yearn to serve, not thirst for power, as he proclaimed 14 new saints, including Canada-born St. Marie-Leonie Paradis, founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, and 11 martyrs. “Those who dominate do not win, only those who […]
Cardinals-designate are urged to embrace humility
Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis asked the new members of the College of Cardinals to cultivate a sense of prayer and closeness with God’s people, so they remain at the service of the church and their flocks. In a letter addressed to the 21 new cardinals, who will receive their red hats […]
Pope Francis’ autobiography to be published in 2025
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — An Italian publisher has announced the global release in January of “Hope,” a book it described as Pope Francis’ autobiography, which the pope apparently planned to have released only after his death. Mondadori, the Italian publisher coordinating the global release, announced the publication Oct. 16 at […]
Pope challenged on views of women’s role in church, society
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE, Belgium — Students at the world’s oldest Catholic university applauded Pope Francis for his calls to protect the environment and promote justice, but he was challenged when it came to his vision of the role of women in the church and society. The world must make a choice: […]
Christians must ‘walk together,’ pope says in prayer intention
By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Every Christian, whether a layperson or member of the clergy, has a vital role to play in advancing the mission of the church through collaboration, Pope Francis said. “We priests are not the bosses of the laity, but their pastors,” he said in a video message […]
Vote for ‘lesser evil,’ Pope Francis advises U.S. Catholics
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SINGAPORE — Asked what a U.S. Catholic should do given a choice between voting for a person who supports abortion or one who supports closing borders and deporting migrants, Pope Francis said one must choose “the lesser evil.” “Who is the ‘lesser evil,’ that […]
Young people energize pontiff on historic trip
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SINGAPORE — The 87-year-old Pope Francis not only survived the longest trip of his pontificate, but he drew energy from the crowds who came to see him, and he seemed to enjoy his 12-day visit to Asia and the Pacific. Unity, respect for one’s […]
‘Sow seeds of love’: Pontiff calls on faithful to overcome divisions
Catholic News Service Pope Francis embarked this month on the longest foreign trip of his papacy, a long-planned four-nation apostolic visit to Southeast Asia and Oceania. Among his goals, according to one of the cardinals traveling with the pope, was to “encourage Catholics in all the contexts in which they find themselves.” Filipino Cardinal Luis […]
