Pope Francis offers hope against darkness in Christmas Day message
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis offered a Christmas message of hope Wednesday against darkness that cloaks conflicts and relationships in large parts of the world from the Middle East to the Americas to Africa.The pope told tens of thousands of tourists, pilgrims and Romans gathered in St.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis offered a Christmas message of hope Wednesday against darkness that cloaks conflicts and relationships in large parts of the world from the Middle East to the Americas to Africa.The pope told tens of thousands of tourists, pilgrims and Romans gathered in St.
Pope's Amazon synod proposes married priests, female leaders
VATICAN CITY — Catholic bishops from across the Amazon called Saturday for the ordination of married men as priests to address the clergy shortage in the region, an historic proposal that would upend centuries of Roman Catholic tradition.The majority of 180 bishops from nine Amazonian countries also called for the Vatican to reopen a debate on ordaining women as deacons, saying "it is urgent for the church in the Amazon to promote and confer ministries for men and women in an equitable manner."The proposals were contained in a final document approved Saturday at the end of a three-week synod on the Amazon, which Pope Francis called in 2017 to focus attention on saving the rainforest and better ministering to its indigenous people.The Catholic Church, which contains nearly two dozen different rites, already allows married priests in Eastern Rite churches and in cases where married Anglican priests have converted.
VATICAN CITY — Catholic bishops from across the Amazon called Saturday for the ordination of married men as priests to address the clergy shortage in the region, an historic proposal that would upend centuries of Roman Catholic tradition.The majority of 180 bishops from nine Amazonian countries also called for the Vatican to reopen a debate on ordaining women as deacons, saying "it is urgent for the church in the Amazon to promote and confer ministries for men and women in an equitable manner."The proposals were contained in a final document approved Saturday at the end of a three-week synod on the Amazon, which Pope Francis called in 2017 to focus attention on saving the rainforest and better ministering to its indigenous people.The Catholic Church, which contains nearly two dozen different rites, already allows married priests in Eastern Rite churches and in cases where married Anglican priests have converted.
Pope canonizes John Henry Newman, 19th-century theologian
VATICAN CITY — With Prince Charles looking on, Pope Francis on Sunday canonized Cardinal John Henry Newman, praising the 19th-century Anglican convert who became an influential, unifying figure in both the Anglican and Catholic churches.Francis quoted from one of Newman's most famous hymns, "Lead, Kindly Lights," as he presided over Mass on Sunday before an estimated 50,000 people in a sun-drenched St.
VATICAN CITY — With Prince Charles looking on, Pope Francis on Sunday canonized Cardinal John Henry Newman, praising the 19th-century Anglican convert who became an influential, unifying figure in both the Anglican and Catholic churches.Francis quoted from one of Newman's most famous hymns, "Lead, Kindly Lights," as he presided over Mass on Sunday before an estimated 50,000 people in a sun-drenched St.
Archdiocese of Milwaukee celebrates 175th anniversary with 'Rock the Block' service event
MILWAUKEE -- Tthe Archdiocese of Milwaukee, in celebration of its 175th anniversary, scheduled seven days of service for its parishes.
MILWAUKEE -- Tthe Archdiocese of Milwaukee, in celebration of its 175th anniversary, scheduled seven days of service for its parishes.
Pope's visit to Thailand will also be a family reunion
UDON THANI, Thailand — Catholics in Thailand are celebrating the official announcement of the first papal visit in 35 years, but one 77-year-old nun in a far-flung corner of the country has a connection that makes the occasion particularly special.Pope Francis is due to arrive in Thailand on Nov. 20 for a four-day visit, the first leg of an Asia trip that will also take him to Japan, Catholic officials announced Friday.The pontiff's arrival will lead to a reinvigoration of belief among the nearly 400,000 faithful here.
UDON THANI, Thailand — Catholics in Thailand are celebrating the official announcement of the first papal visit in 35 years, but one 77-year-old nun in a far-flung corner of the country has a connection that makes the occasion particularly special.Pope Francis is due to arrive in Thailand on Nov. 20 for a four-day visit, the first leg of an Asia trip that will also take him to Japan, Catholic officials announced Friday.The pontiff's arrival will lead to a reinvigoration of belief among the nearly 400,000 faithful here.
Pope to leaders: Take drastic action now on climate change
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is urging governments to show the "political will" to take drastic steps to deal with climate change and says it's time to abandon dependence on fossil fuels.Francis issued the appeal in a message Sunday, Sept. 1, the start of several weeks of prayer by Christians to raise political awareness about pollution and exploitation of natural resources.He also wants people to reflect on "thoughtful and harmful" daily decisions about consumption and "self-centered" attitudes toward Creation.Francis said that at the U.N Climate Action Summit later in September, "governments will have the responsibility of showing the political will to take drastic measures" to achieve as quickly as possible zero net greenhouse gas emissions and to limit average the average increase in global temperature in line with the Paris climate accords.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is urging governments to show the "political will" to take drastic steps to deal with climate change and says it's time to abandon dependence on fossil fuels.Francis issued the appeal in a message Sunday, Sept. 1, the start of several weeks of prayer by Christians to raise political awareness about pollution and exploitation of natural resources.He also wants people to reflect on "thoughtful and harmful" daily decisions about consumption and "self-centered" attitudes toward Creation.Francis said that at the U.N Climate Action Summit later in September, "governments will have the responsibility of showing the political will to take drastic measures" to achieve as quickly as possible zero net greenhouse gas emissions and to limit average the average increase in global temperature in line with the Paris climate accords.
Pope Francis, urging prayers, says Amazon forest vital for our Earth
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said Sunday that the Amazon forest is vital for our Earth and is urging prayers that fires there are quickly controlled.Francis added his voice to the chorus of international concern that the blazes in Brazil will have grave repercussions on the world's environmental health.The pontiff, who is from the neighboring South American nation of Argentina, told the public in St.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said Sunday that the Amazon forest is vital for our Earth and is urging prayers that fires there are quickly controlled.Francis added his voice to the chorus of international concern that the blazes in Brazil will have grave repercussions on the world's environmental health.The pontiff, who is from the neighboring South American nation of Argentina, told the public in St.
Pope prays for victims of 3 US mass shootings in a week
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis offered prayers for the dead and the injured in three U.S. mass shootings this week.Francis told a crowd gathered in St.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis offered prayers for the dead and the injured in three U.S. mass shootings this week.Francis told a crowd gathered in St.
Putin meets pope, Italian leaders on one-day visit to Rome
ROME — Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Pope Francis for "substantive talks" at the Vatican Thursday, and thanked the pontiff for discussions on a range of topics including Ukraine and the Catholic Church in Russia.Francis received Putin in an hour-long audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
ROME — Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Pope Francis for "substantive talks" at the Vatican Thursday, and thanked the pontiff for discussions on a range of topics including Ukraine and the Catholic Church in Russia.Francis received Putin in an hour-long audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
Pope laments current "culture of insults," church propaganda
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has lamented what he calls today's "culture of insults" in the world.In his homily during Pentecost Mass Sunday in St.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has lamented what he calls today's "culture of insults" in the world.In his homily during Pentecost Mass Sunday in St.
Pope: Abortion is never OK, equates it to 'hiring a hitman'
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis says abortion can never be condoned, even when the fetus is gravely sick or malformed.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis says abortion can never be condoned, even when the fetus is gravely sick or malformed.
Pope makes historic 1st visit to North Macedonia
SKOPJE, North Macedonia — Pope Francis made the first-ever papal visit to North Macedonia on Tuesday and sought to encourage its efforts to integrate into European institutions after its name change resolved a decades-long dispute with Greece.In a meeting with government authorities, Francis praised North Macedonia's multi-ethnic and multi-faith culture and said its example of being a bridge between East and West showed that peaceful coexistence can exist in a country rich with diversity."These particular features are also highly significant for increased integration with the nations of Europe," he said. "It is my hope that this integration will develop in a way that is beneficial for the entire region of the Western Balkans, with unfailing respect for diversity and for fundamental rights."North Macedonia's previous constitutional name was the Republic of Macedonia.
SKOPJE, North Macedonia — Pope Francis made the first-ever papal visit to North Macedonia on Tuesday and sought to encourage its efforts to integrate into European institutions after its name change resolved a decades-long dispute with Greece.In a meeting with government authorities, Francis praised North Macedonia's multi-ethnic and multi-faith culture and said its example of being a bridge between East and West showed that peaceful coexistence can exist in a country rich with diversity."These particular features are also highly significant for increased integration with the nations of Europe," he said. "It is my hope that this integration will develop in a way that is beneficial for the entire region of the Western Balkans, with unfailing respect for diversity and for fundamental rights."North Macedonia's previous constitutional name was the Republic of Macedonia.
Archdiocese of Milwaukee celebrates 175th anniversary in 'wonderful, transforming city'
MILWAUKEE -- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is celebrating its 175th anniversary.
MILWAUKEE -- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is celebrating its 175th anniversary.
Pilgrims flock to Colosseum Good Friday event, led by Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY — Pilgrims and tourists flocked to the Colosseum for the Way of the Cross procession to join Pope Francis for a Good Friday night ritual in Rome.The procession commemorates the suffering of Jesus.
VATICAN CITY — Pilgrims and tourists flocked to the Colosseum for the Way of the Cross procession to join Pope Francis for a Good Friday night ritual in Rome.The procession commemorates the suffering of Jesus.
Pope Francis celebrates Holy Thursday ahead of foot-washing ritual
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis ushered in the most solemn period in the Catholic liturgical calendar by celebrating a Holy Thursday Mass and the ritual washing of the feet, made more poignant this year following the devastation of Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral.The Chrism Mass celebrates the unity of priests with their bishops.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis ushered in the most solemn period in the Catholic liturgical calendar by celebrating a Holy Thursday Mass and the ritual washing of the feet, made more poignant this year following the devastation of Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral.The Chrism Mass celebrates the unity of priests with their bishops.
Milwaukee Archdiocese reveals new name of its Diocesan offices; 'Looking really to restore trust'
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Archdiocese unveiled on Friday, March 22 the new name of the Diocesan offices in St.
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Archdiocese unveiled on Friday, March 22 the new name of the Diocesan offices in St.
Milwaukee Archdiocese stresses importance of transparency in clergy sex abuse scandal
MILWAUKEE -- Over the state line, nearly 400 Catholic clergy members in Illinois have been accused of sexual misconduct.
MILWAUKEE -- Over the state line, nearly 400 Catholic clergy members in Illinois have been accused of sexual misconduct.
Police: Scammer targets Archdiocese of Milwaukee parishioners, pretending to be priest
WHITEFISH BAY -- Whitefish Bay police issued a scam warning after someone contacted Archdiocese of Milwaukee parishioners pretending to be Father Tim Kitzke.Police said the suspect asks parishioners to purchase gift cards and send photos of the cards and their PIN numbers to a cellphone number.Police spoke to Father Kitzke and he requested no one buy gift cards on his behalf.
WHITEFISH BAY -- Whitefish Bay police issued a scam warning after someone contacted Archdiocese of Milwaukee parishioners pretending to be Father Tim Kitzke.Police said the suspect asks parishioners to purchase gift cards and send photos of the cards and their PIN numbers to a cellphone number.Police spoke to Father Kitzke and he requested no one buy gift cards on his behalf.