Vatican News

Don’t let technology replace real encounters, Francis says on Candlemas

Vatican City, Feb 2, 2018 / 10:50 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis told consecrated men and women Friday that they are called to have real encounters with their brothers and sisters, and that technology should never have a higher priority than time spent with God and others.

“Today’s frantic pace leads us to close many doors to encounter, often for fear of others,” the Pope said Feb. 2. “Only shopping malls and internet connections are always open.”

Pope: It’s blasphemy to commit crimes in the name of God

Vatican City, Feb 2, 2018 / 08:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Friday Pope Francis met with participants in a conference on violence committed in the name of religion, emphasizing that to use God as justification for sin is one of the worst blasphemes, and something religious leaders must work to combat.

“The religious person knows that among the greatest blasphemies is to invoke God as the justification for one’s own sins and crimes,” the Pope said Feb. 2.

Two new day-trips in Italy added to Pope’s schedule

Vatican City, Feb 2, 2018 / 07:48 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican announced Friday that Pope Francis has added two day-trips in Italy to his schedule for spring 2018, including his already-scheduled visit to the towns of Pietrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo for the 50th anniversary of Padre Pio’s death.

He will visit Alessano and Molfetta April 20 marking the 25th anniversary of the death of Antonio (Tonino) Bello, an Italian bishop whose cause for beatification was opened in 2007.

In February prayer video, Pope urges global leaders to resist corruption

Vatican City, Feb 1, 2018 / 10:26 am (CNA).- Pope Francis in his latest prayer video places a spotlight on the problem of corruption, saying that it is the root of most societal evils and praying that those in power would be able to resist its allure.

The video, released Feb. 1, opens with the dramatic image of a young girl with a dirty face and clothes holding an infant, and who appears to be part of a group of migrants or refugees.

Remember you're going to die, Pope Francis counsels

Vatican City, Feb 1, 2018 / 09:05 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Spending time reflecting on your own death can be a freeing experience, and one that can even help us to become better people, Pope Francis said in a homily at the Casa Santa Marta Thursday.

Death “is a fact that affects everyone,” the Pope said Feb. 1. For some people it may come sooner and for some later, but regardless, “it comes.”

Pope's Lenten spiritual exercises to focus on the 'Thirst of Christ'

Vatican City, Jan 31, 2018 / 10:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The annual Lenten retreat for the Pope and members of the Roman Curia will this year focus on the theme, “Praise of Thirst.”

Themes of meditation during the week-long spiritual exercises include: Apprentices of Amazement, the Science of Thirst, The thirst of Jesus, and Listen to the Thirst of the Peripheries.

Despite 'regrettable' reports, Francis is well informed on China, Vatican says

Vatican City, Jan 30, 2018 / 07:17 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Tuesday the spokesperson for the Pope, Greg Burke, sent a statement asserting that Pope Francis is well-informed on the situation of the Catholic Church in China, and that it is “regrettable” that some members of the Church have said the contrary, thereby sewing “confusion and controversy.”

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