As countries become more culturally and ethnically diverse, their Catholic communities become more “catholic” and their societies can increasingly reflect the fact that all people are brothers and sisters, Pope Francis said.
Vatican
Pope to institute formal ‘ministry of catechist’
While millions of laypeople around the world are recognized as catechists in their parish or diocese, Pope Francis is preparing to formally institute the “ministry of catechist.”
Pope will open an online meeting on ‘demographic winter’ in Italy
Pope Francis is scheduled to open a meeting discussing the challenges posed by Italy’s low birthrate.
Cardinal Burke, seven others rise in rank in College of Cardinals
With a consistory to approve the canonization of seven saints as a backdrop, eight cardinals — including U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke — moved from the rank of cardinal deacons to the rank of cardinal priests.
Pope urges altar servers to be signs of faith to their parishes
Being an altar server should be a “profession of faith” to the entire parish community, Pope Francis told young men and women participating in Portugal’s annual altar server pilgrimage to Fatima.
At rosary, pope prays resources move from military to pandemic prevention
Under the gaze of a seventh-century icon of Mary, Pope Francis launched a monthlong, global recitation of the rosary, pleading for Mary’s intercession for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vatican approves new invocations for Litany of St. Joseph
Updating the Litany of St. Joseph, approved in 1909, the Vatican has added seven invocations, including two that address the guardian of Jesus and husband of Mary as “support in difficulty” and “patron of refugees.”
Truth about why he was shot in his legs will help diocese in South Sudan, bishop-designate says
While Bishop-designate Christian Carlassare already has forgiven his attackers, he said finding the truth about why he was shot in the legs at his home in Rumbek, South Sudan, will help achieve reconciliation.
In new measures, pope places 40-euro cap on personal gifts
Pope Francis approved a new set of laws that require Vatican officials and employees to sign a declaration stating they have not been and are not suspected of committing crimes, including money laundering, corruption or exploitation of minors.
Pray, be poor, be close to the people, pope tells new priests
The priesthood “is not a career, it is a service,” Pope Francis told nine men just before ordaining them to the priesthood for the Diocese of Rome.
Gunmen in South Sudan wound bishop-designate weeks before his installation
Unidentified gunmen broke into the home of the bishop-designate of Rumbek, South Sudan, shot him in both legs and fled, according to church news reports.
Pope celebrates name day at Vatican vaccination clinic
Celebrating his name day, the feast of St. George, Pope Francis was serenaded by hundreds of Rome’s most vulnerable residents and the people who assist them.