Vatican News

Pope Francis calls for release of kidnapped priest

Vatican City, Apr 10, 2016 / 05:55 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis on Sunday issued an appeal for the release of kidnapped Salesian priest, Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, and all persons being held captive in conflict regions.

“Dear brothers and sisters, in the hope given to us by the Risen Christ, I renew my appeal for the freeing of all kidnapped persons in armed conflict zones,” the Pope told the crowds in St. Peter's Square after the recitation of Regina Caeli prayer.

How Pope Francis thinks we should change marriage prep

Vatican City, Apr 10, 2016 / 05:39 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Among the less-noticed passages of Pope Francis’ new exhortation was a lengthy section on marriage preparation, a subject that the pontiff has repeatedly spoken on, calling for additional focus at the diocesan and parish levels.
 
“Learning to love someone does not happen automatically, nor can it be taught in a workshop just prior to the celebration of marriage,” Pope Francis said. “For every couple, marriage preparation begins at birth.”

Pope to visit Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan

Vatican City, Apr 9, 2016 / 06:59 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis will journey this summer to Armenia, and will visit Georgia and Azerbaijan later in the year, the Vatican announced Saturday.

The visit to Armenia will take place June 24-26, following the invitation of Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, the nation's civil authorities, and the Catholic Church, according to the April 9 statement from the Holy See press office.

Pope: When giving to the poor, look them in the eyes

Vatican City, Apr 9, 2016 / 05:44 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In Saturday's address for the monthly Jubilee of Mercy general audience, Pope Francis said almsgiving is not just about the money; it is about being attentive to the actual needs of the person asking for help.

“Almsgiving is a gesture of love which directs us toward those we meet,” the Pope said in his catechesis. “It is a gesture of sincere attention to those who come to us and ask our help.”

Bernie Sanders, 'a big fan' of Pope Francis, to attend Vatican conference

Vatican City, Apr 8, 2016 / 12:25 pm (CNA).- Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has announced that he will attend a Vatican conference on social justice and the economy just before the New York primary election on April 19.

“I was very moved by the invitation from the Vatican which was just made public today,” Sanders said April 8 during an interview on MSNBC's “Morning Joe.”

The invitation was extended on behalf of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

Pope Francis: Children are always gifts, even in tough circumstances

Vatican City, Apr 8, 2016 / 04:05 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis’ latest writings on the family include a strong affirmation of the need to welcome children even in difficult circumstances.

He praises large families and adopted families, rejects abortion as “horrendous,” reflects on the errors of “gender ideology,” and advises pastoral care for people with same-sex attraction.

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