Swedish Choir Honors St. Lucy at Vatican Mass
Swedish choir honors St. Lucy with songs in St. Peter’s Basilica A Swedish youth choir marked the feast of St. Lucy by singing at a Mass at the Vatican on Thursday, Dec. 11. Students from Nordiska Musikgymnasiet — The Nordic Music High School — in Stockholm performed traditional Swedish “Lucia songs” during an afternoon Mass […]
Pope Leo XIV urges mercy at Vatican Jubilee of Prisoners
Pope Leo XIV urges mercy, reform as Jubilee of Prisoners closes Holy Year Pope Leo XIV on Sunday presided over the final major celebration of the Holy Year, calling for renewed commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and hope as he celebrated a Jubilee Mass dedicated to prisoners in St. Peter’s Basilica. About 6,000 pilgrims from some […]
Vatican to Unveil Nativity, Light Christmas Tree Dec. 15
Vatican to unveil Nativity scene, light up Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 15 The Governorate of Vatican City State has announced the origins of the fir tree and Nativity scenes that will adorn St. Peter’s Square and the Paul VI Audience Hall this Christmas as well as those who prepared the tree’s […]
Pope Leo XIV Urges Dialogue Amid Renewed Congo Fighting
Pope Leo XIV voices concern over renewed fighting in eastern Congo, urges dialogue Pope Leo XIV on Sunday voiced deep concern over renewed fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging an immediate end to violence and a return to dialogue in line with ongoing peace efforts. After leading pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s […]
The Francis Connection: How a Name Shaped a Pontificate
The Francis Connection: How a Name Shaped a Pontificate When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013, he introduced himself to the world not only as a new Pope, but under a new name. By choosing “Francis,” he offered an early and unmistakable clue to the spiritual compass […]
The First Latin American Pope
The First Latin American Pope When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope in 2013, the Catholic Church crossed a historic threshold. For the first time, the Bishop of Rome came from Latin America, carrying with him the faith, wounds, and hopes of an entire continent. Pope Francis did not simply arrive from the New […]
Pope Leo XIV Urges Cultural Diplomacy to Overcome Borders
Pope Leo calls for promoting ‘cultural diplomacy’ to overcome borders and prejudices Pope Leo XIV on Dec. 11 emphasized the academic, cultural, and ecclesial value of archaeology and called for the promotion of “cultural diplomacy” to overcome borders and prejudices. Receiving members of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeologyin an audience, the pope emphasized that […]
Vatican Examines Guadalupe Amid New Marian Doctrinal Note
Vatican conference: Our Lady of Guadalupe in light of doctrinal note on titles of Mary “Do not let your heart be troubled. Am I not here, I who am your mother?” With this consolation — with which Our Lady of Guadalupe of Mexico addressed St. Juan Diego in December 1531 — a devotion was kindled […]
Vatican Says No to Female Diaconate
Female Diaconate: The Vatican Says No, but the Discussion Remains Open This week brought a series of notable developments from the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV addressed questions at the heart of Church life while engaging with some of today’s most urgent global challenges. From clarifying the Church’s position on the female diaconate to renewing […]
Advent Resolutions Inspired by Pope Benedict’s Letter
Pope Benedict’s Childhood Letter Inspires Today’s Advent Resolutions 10 prominent Catholics offer ways to tap into the wonder of a child this Advent. In 1934, a young 7-year-old Joseph Ratzinger penned a letter to Jesus requesting threee gifts for Christmas. “Dear Baby Jesus, you will soon descend to earth,” the words written in German read. […]