Vatican City, Mar 13, 2015 / 04:31 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The infant moments of Francis’ papacy deeply signified what his future mission would be like, reflected Catholics who were present for his election two years ago. After white smoke wafted up from the Sistine Chapel signaling a new pope, the crowd in St. Peter’s Square was jubilant with expectation. “The Holy Spirit was palpably present,” related Kathryn Jean Lopez, founding director of Catholic Voices … [Read more...]
Two years into papacy, Francis continues path set in first moments
March 13, 2015 by
Pope Francis says he wanted to enter US from Mexican border
March 13, 2015 by
Vatican City, Mar 13, 2015 / 02:56 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- In a lengthy interview with a Mexican multimedia group Pope Francis hit on several topics including his visit to the U.S., where he symbolically wanted to enter from the country’s border with Mexico. When asked by journalist Valentina Alazraki why he chose not to go to Mexico as part of his trip to the U.S. in September, Francis said that “I thought about doing it, because I wanted to enter the United States from the Mexican … [Read more...]
Pope Francis declares Holy Year for Mercy
March 13, 2015 by
Rome, Italy, Mar 13, 2015 / 10:05 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During his homily for a Lenten penitential service, Pope Francis announced an extraordinary Jubilee to start at the end of the year, which will be dedicated to a theme close to the pontiff’s heart: mercy. “Dear brothers and sisters, I have thought about how the Church can make clear its mission of being a witness of mercy,” the Pope told attendees of his March 13 penitential liturgy in St. Peter’s … [Read more...]
Journalist blasted for lying in confessional, recording priests’ answers
March 13, 2015 by
Bologna, Italy, Mar 13, 2015 / 04:01 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The confessional is one of the most private and privileged places in the world. So when an Italian journalist violated the bond of trust between penitent and priest, the Archbishop of Bologna decried her “grave lack of respect” for all Catholics. Laura Alari writes for Quotidiano Nazionale, which is headquartered in Bologna. She authored a series of four articles in the newspaper which disclosed the responses of priests in … [Read more...]
Abortion support blights European Parliament report, critics charge
March 13, 2015 by
Strasbourg, France, Mar 13, 2015 / 01:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The European Parliament has ignored the needs of children by adopting a human rights report that supports abortion access in the name of “human dignity” while encouraging efforts to redefine marriage, critics have said. “Children are entitled to special care and assistance according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe affirmed March … [Read more...]
Pope reiterates lessons from Korea in meeting with nation’s bishops
March 13, 2015 by
Vatican City, Mar 12, 2015 / 09:13 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- His trip last August to South Korea was on Pope Francis' mind Thursday when he met with the nation's bishops, who are visiting Rome for their ad limina meeting. “Your presence today brings to mind fond memories of my recent visit to Korea, where I experienced first-hand the goodness of the Korean people, who so generously received me and shared with me the joys and sorrows of their lives,” Pope Francis wrote in his … [Read more...]
Catholics supporting Archbishop Cordileone on school identity feel silenced, pressured
March 12, 2015 by
San Francisco, Calif., Mar 12, 2015 / 05:05 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Amid a PR campaign and protests against Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone’s attempt to clarify Catholic teaching in the San Francisco schools, those who support the archbishop say their voices are not being heard. “People are afraid to speak up because most of their colleagues oppose the additions to the handbook and because of just how disturbingly negative yet powerful the voices of opposition are,” a Catholic … [Read more...]
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