Vatican insists new lay movements are nothing to be afraid of

Vatican City, Jun 14, 2016 / 06:46 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican’s doctrinal watchdog has issued a new document affirming that while some might be hesitant in the face of new lay movements in the Church, they are a “great gift” in ecclesial life.

However, at the same time the document stressed that these movements must respect the authority of the Church’s hierarchy, both local and universal.

The sacrifice of Chiara Corbella: 'Yes, Enrico, the Cross is very sweet'

Vatican City, Jun 14, 2016 / 03:13 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a testimony at the Vatican’s Jubilee for the sick and disabled, the husband of the late Chiara Corbella Petrillo – who died after rejecting medical treatment in order to save her unborn child – spoke about his wife's joyful faith in the face of terminal illness.

Don't become immune to poverty, Pope tells WFP

Vatican City, Jun 13, 2016 / 05:50 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a world where information is brought instantly to our fingertips, society is becoming increasingly anesthetized to the suffering brought about by poverty, Pope Francis told the United Nations's World Food Programme on Monday.

Pope horrified by deadly attack in Orlando

Vatican City, Jun 12, 2016 / 12:37 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has offered his prayers and compassion for those affected by Saturday night's shooting at a nightclub in Orlando.

Pope: Disabled persons should be loved, not hidden from society

Vatican City, Jun 12, 2016 / 06:59 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Sunday, Pope Francis denounced the increasingly prevalent mentality which claims that sick and disabled persons cannot be happy, and should be kept out of sight from society. In reality, he said, true happiness is achieved by our capacity to love.

Behind Pope Francis' diplomacy is a small school with a big impact

Vatican City, Jun 11, 2016 / 04:02 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The pontificate of Pope Francis has a diplomatic style of its own, and many of his diplomats share a common source: a college and a home for disadvantaged but talented young people on scholarship called the Istitutio Villa Nazareth.

Pope Francis calls it – discrimination against the disabled is 'ugly'

Vatican City, Jun 11, 2016 / 11:56 am (CNA/EWTN News).- No single person is more valuable than another, especially when it comes to those with disabilities, Pope Francis said on Saturday,, insisting that these people have a unique richness, and that discriminating against them is “one of the ugliest things” we can do.

Social media, WYD, and a 'tweetable' Pope – evangelizing in a digital era

Vatican City, Jun 11, 2016 / 06:48 am (CNA/EWTN News).- As thousands of young people prepare to hit Krakow in July for World Youth Day, the race to spread the word about the event is well underway, with organizers turning to social media as a primary platform in conveying the message of a very “sharable” Pope Francis.

Pope Francis: Let’s be clear – assisted suicide is 'false compassion'

Vatican City, Jun 10, 2016 / 02:13 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Physician-assisted suicide is part of a “throwaway culture” that offers a “false compassion” and treats a human person as a problem, Pope Francis told medical leaders on Thursday.

Mary Magdalene – 'Apostle to the Apostles' – gets upgraded feast day

Vatican City, Jun 10, 2016 / 09:57 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Faithful to the wish of Pope Francis, a new decree has bumped the liturgical celebration honoring St. Mary Magdalene from a memorial to a feast, putting her on par with the apostles.

The reason, according to Archbishop Arthur Roche, is that she “has the honor to be the first witness of the Lord’s resurrection.”

Retreat House Bandra

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