Vatican News

The world needs a merciful response to refugees, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Sep 17, 2016 / 05:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a world marked by increasing war and conflict, Pope Francis said a generous and merciful response to those fleeing violence is needed in order to combat hatred and foster a greater sense of fraternity and solidarity.

“At this place and time in history, there is great need for men and women who hear the cry of the poor and respond with mercy and generosity,” the Pope told a group of Jesuit alumni Sept. 17.

Bring people Christ's mercy, Pope Francis tells new bishops

Vatican City, Sep 16, 2016 / 01:10 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Like the Good Samaritan in the parable, you have been called to show the mercy of God to the men and women God has placed in your path, Pope Francis said to a group of new bishops on Friday.

“Be bishops with a heart wounded by such a mercy and so tireless in the humble task of accompanying the man who 'by chance' God has put in your way,” the Pope encouraged.

Cooperating in abortion is always an impediment to ordination, Pope affirms

Vatican City, Sep 16, 2016 / 12:38 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has confirmed that the impediments preventing one from being ordained – such as homicide, abortion, or attempted suicide – apply whether or not the man was Catholic at the time the act occurred.

As the law is written, a doubt existed that the “irregularities,” as they are called, applied only to those who were Catholic – and thus those who were under the law – at the time they were committed.

Pope visits neonatal unit, hospice to highlight respect for life

Vatican City, Sep 16, 2016 / 11:19 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Friday, Pope Francis visited a neonatal hospital unit and a hospice for the terminally ill, stressing the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.

The Sept. 16 visit is the latest in the Pope’s “Mercy Friday” initiatives, to spend time with various groups each month during the Jubilee of Mercy.

For Eastern Catholics, Pope makes changes to Latin Church's law

Vatican City, Sep 15, 2016 / 05:35 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has issued new changes to canon law that modify Latin Church code with an eye towards clarifying ministry to Eastern Catholics.

The Pope cited concern for harmony between the different codes. The name of the Pope’s apostolic letter, “De Concordia inter Codices,” in fact means “Concerning harmony between laws.” It is dated May 31 and was released Sept. 15.

Pope Francis: Humans are different from the rest of creation

Vatican City, Sep 15, 2016 / 01:35 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Created in the image of God, human beings have a dignity they are in danger of degrading when they place material possessions above God in their hearts, Pope Francis said Thursday.
 
“Reflect on how we are created, formed in the image and likeness of the Creator, the difference with other creatures and with all creation is essential,” Pope Francis said during an audience with the Italian Biblical Association Sept. 15.

Pope's anti-abuse commission helps train new Catholic bishops

Vatican City, Sep 14, 2016 / 02:40 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors have been invited to address the trainings for new Catholic bishops held at the Vatican.

Commission members would address the training sessions for new bishops held by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and another training for new bishops held by the Congregation for Bishops, the commission said in a Sept. 12 press release.

Pope Francis calls murdered French priest blessed

Vatican City, Sep 14, 2016 / 11:09 am (Aid to the Church in Need).- On Wednesday Pope Francis said Fr. Jacques Hamel, who was killed by supporters of the Islamic State while saying Mass in July, “is blessed now,” according to Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen.

The Archdiocese plans, without a doubt, to open a process of beatification for Fr. Hamel, said Archbishop Lebrun, according to Religious Information Service.

Trust in Jesus – not in things that don't matter, Pope says

Vatican City, Sep 14, 2016 / 10:30 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Rather than trusting in ultimately unimportant things, place your hope in Jesus and you will not grow weary on the path of discipleship, Pope Francis said Wednesday.

“Sometimes our fatigue is caused by having placed trust in things that are not essential, because we have moved away from what really counts in life,” the Pope told pilgrims at his general audience in St. Peter's square.

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