Pope Francis: prayer is an act of hope that leads us to God

Vatican City, Jan 18, 2017 / 04:10 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Wednesday Pope Francis said hope in salvation is what leads us to turn to the Lord in prayer, trusting in faith particularly in moments when we are faced with the fear generated by death or injury.

“Prayer brings you forward in hope and when things get dark, there needs to be more prayer! Then, there will be more hope,” the Pope said Jan. 18.

Cardinal Pell's office dismisses attacks as opposition to reform

Vatican City, Jan 17, 2017 / 12:46 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- In reaction to a new book claiming that Pope Francis has in fact done little to combat clerical sex abuse, and that Cardinal George Pell is implicated, the Australian cardinal's office has dismissed the claims as motivated by opposition to reform.

Vatican unwavering in ongoing row with Knights of Malta

Vatican City, Jan 17, 2017 / 09:28 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In the latest development in an ongoing feud between the Vatican and the Knights of Malta, the Holy See has issued a statement affirming their support for the Order and their work, but saying they expect full cooperation with an investigation into the dismissal of the Knights’ former Grand Chancellor.

Pope sends condolences to Kyrgyz town devastated by plane crash

Vatican City, Jan 16, 2017 / 10:14 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis Monday sent a telegram to survivors of a cargo plane crash in the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan, expressing his sorrow for all those who died and sending his prayers for the rescue efforts.

If you're tempted to gossip, 'bite your tongue,' Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Jan 15, 2017 / 11:19 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis Sunday traveled to a parish on the outskirts of Rome where he visited a priest suffering from a severe form of ALS and celebrated Mass, warning parishioners, as he often does, of the harm gossiping does to a community.

Pope points to Mother Cabrini as prime model in caring for migrants

Vatican City, Jan 15, 2017 / 05:10 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis pointed to St. Frances Cabrini as an example of how to treat foreigners, calling her a “courageous” woman who knew how to bring God’s love to those who were lonely and in hardship.

Pope Francis baptises babies from earthquake zones in Italy

Vatican City, Jan 14, 2017 / 01:50 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- On Saturday, Pope Francis baptized 13 babies from areas where devastating earthquakes struck Italy last year.

The baptism took place in the chapel of the Santa Marta house, where the Pope resides.

Italy was struck with a series of fatal and destructive earthquakes last summer and fall.

Cardinal O’Malley appointed to Vatican office for Doctrine of the Faith

Vatican City, Jan 14, 2017 / 10:39 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Saturday it was announced that Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston has yet another reason to come to Rome, with his appointment as the newest member of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Salesians to participate in novena for safe release of Fr. Tom

Vatican City, Jan 14, 2017 / 09:33 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On the 10 month anniversary of the kidnapping of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil in Yemen, the Salesians are inviting people around the world to join them in praying a novena for the priest’s safety and release.

Middle East peace center of meeting between Francis, Abbas

Vatican City, Jan 14, 2017 / 05:47 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited the Vatican Saturday before inaugurating his country’s new embassy to the Holy See, where he met with Pope Francis for a discussion focused largely on peace efforts in the Middle East.

Retreat House Bandra

Vatican News