Vatican News

In service, conversion of heart is the first step, says Pope Francis

Vatican City, Oct 10, 2016 / 11:40 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In this transitory and often difficult life, it is necessary to have Christ as the center of everything you do, working to increase your own faith in Jesus and the faith of those you serve, Pope Francis said Monday.

“Contemplating the life of Jesus and looking at our life as pilgrims in this world with so many challenges, we feel the need of a profound conversion and the urgency of reviving faith in Him,” he said.

Pope Francis: the most godlike people might not be who you expect

Vatican City, Oct 9, 2016 / 03:55 am (CNA/EWTN News).- At the close of the Marian Jubilee, Pope Francis said that it’s often strangers and even people from other religions who remind us of the Christian virtues of humility and thanksgiving, of which Mary is a prime model.

“How many foreigners, including persons of other religions, give us an example of values that we sometimes forget or set aside,” the Pope said Oct. 9.

Sistine Chapel Choir releases new album for Jubilee of Mercy

Vatican City, Oct 7, 2016 / 03:00 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- For the second year in a row the Sistine Chapel Choir has recorded an album inside the chapel of its namesake, this year selecting pieces by Palestrina that focus on mercy in honor of the Jubilee.

Created in partnership with the classical music label Deutsche Grammophon, the second album was released Oct. 7 and is titled “Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli/Motets.”

Charity is the heart of all missionary action, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Oct 7, 2016 / 07:59 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After electing their new General Superior, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate had a meeting with Pope Francis, who told them that in the midst of a rapidly changing world, humanity needs missionaries filled love and zeal for the Gospel.

“Today, every land is 'mission territory,' every dimension of the human being is mission territory, awaiting the announcement of the Gospel,” he said Oct. 6.

For Pope Francis, legalism makes Christians stupid.

Vatican City, Oct 6, 2016 / 02:58 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Holy Spirit is the “great gift” of God the Father who helps us avoid the stupidities of a legalistic faith while leading us forward in Christian life, Pope Francis has said.

“May the Lord give us this grace: to open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, so that we will not become stupid, bewitched men and women who sadden the Holy Spirit,” the Pope remarked in his homily at morning Mass at Casa Santa Martha Oct. 6.

Youth, discernment Pope's pick for next synod theme

Vatican City, Oct 6, 2016 / 09:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The theme for the 2018 Synod of Bishops has been released, and will focus on how to best teach the faith to young people and help them to discern God's will for their lives.

Set to take place in October 2018, the 50th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will discuss “Young People, the Faith and the Discernment of Vocation,” an Oct. 6 Vatican communique said.

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