Pope marks 800th anniversary of Nativity scene, asks prayers for Holy Land December 11, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Away in a cave near Greccio, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi had the first Nativity scene — a live one — staged for the faithful on Christmas Eve in 1223. A 15th-century fresco now decorating the cave inspired the Nativity scene erected in St. Peter’s Square for the 800th anniversary celebrations.
Pope gives Philadelphia three new auxiliary bishops known for humble, ‘zealous hearts’ December 8, 2023By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Bishops, News, Vatican, World News The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is welcoming three new auxiliary bishops — all of whom, as Philadelphia priests, are already home.
Pope asks Mary to watch over Ukrainians, Palestinians, Israelis December 8, 2023By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, War in Ukraine, World News Mary’s conception, free from original sin, shows that the destiny of humanity lies in life, brotherhood, harmony and peace rather than death, hate, conflict and war, Pope Francis said on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Nothing is impossible for God, not even peace in Ukraine, pope says December 8, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, War in Ukraine, World News Pope Francis asked Catholics around the world to join him in entrusting to Mary “the universal desire for peace, especially for the martyred Ukraine, which is suffering so much.”
Pope gives Syro-Malabar Catholics Christmas deadline to end dispute December 7, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Eucharist, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Telling Syro-Malabar Catholics in India’s Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly that he does not want to see anyone excommunicated, Pope Francis pleaded with the priests and faithful to end their dispute over the way the Eucharist is celebrated.
Pope encourages oratories to help form good Catholics, good citizens December 7, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News, Youth Ministry Catholic oratories and youth groups that provide after-school activities, religious education and a place for children and teens to gather should be loud, joyful places that help form good Catholics and good citizens, Pope Francis said.
World’s desire for unity persists since World War II, pope says December 7, 2023By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Religious movements within the Catholic Church must advocate for peace and unity in the world at large and within their communities, Pope Francis said.
Use diplomacy to fix injustices sparking conflicts, pope tells ambassadors December 7, 2023By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: Environment, Feature, News, Vatican, World News The peaceful means of diplomacy must be used to seek global solutions to the serious injustices that cause so many conflicts in the world, Pope Francis said.
Pope, Council of Cardinals discussed the role of women in the church December 6, 2023By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News With the input of two women and a priest, Pope Francis and members of his international Council of Cardinals discussed the role of women in the Catholic Church.
Humanity must build alliances supporting peace, creation, pope says December 4, 2023By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: Environment, Feature, News, Vatican, World News The world needs people to build alliances that are not against others, but are in favor of everyone, Pope Francis told faith leaders at the U.N. Climate Change Conference being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Fighting in Holy Land, bombing in Philippines prompt prayers from ailing Pope December 4, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News The end of the temporary cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas “means death, destruction, misery,” Pope Francis said.
Answer Advent call for vigilance with charity, confession, pope suggests December 4, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Advent, News, Vatican, World News The Advent call for “vigilance” does not mean staying awake and watchful out of fear, but rather out of a longing for the coming of the Lord, Pope Francis wrote.
