To be Christian is to be open and welcoming to others, Pope Francis said as he celebrated Mass outside Hungary’s Parliament building.

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, said he is “convinced that the church today is in need of an eye-opening experience,” similar to the experience of the two disciples who encountered Jesus along the road to Emmaus following the Resurrection, but who did not recognize him until they shared a meal.

Through five pontificates, popes have instructed the faithful at their weekly general audiences, condemned war, called for peace and even celebrated birthdays in the Vatican audience hall under the gaze of a giant bronze sculpture of Jesus.

While millions of Venezuelans left their homeland for Brazil over the past several years, hundreds of them now face a different journey — fighting several violations of their rights.

Black Catholic religious vocations emerge from a long tradition of faith, nurtured by silence and prayer within the life of the church, said a religious sister at an event dedicated to those vocations.

Two newly appointed Vatican consultants on evangelization told OSV News that prayer, humility and authentic friendship are key to spreading the Gospel, particularly among youth and young adults.

When he grows up, third-grader Teddy Howell, a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Newport, wants to be a podcaster and a priest.

The issue of eviction of the UOC from the lavra has been brewing for years and intensified during the war.

Accompaniment, discernment and respect for God-given human dignity are central to church teaching on end-of-life issues, several Catholic bioethicists said.

Paying homage to Hungary’s history, culture and location in the heart of Europe, Pope Francis pushed against the notion that the country needed to insulate itself to protect its identity.