VATICAN— The conclave that will elect the next pope is steeped in rules developed over the course of centuries. Given the biggest number of cardinal-electors in history, 133, who gets to cast the first ballot? The answer: “By order of precedence,” as mandated by “Universi Dominici...
Pope Francis has passed away. The whole world mourns his passing. Acclamations and expressions of grief continue to pour in from dignitaries of differennt religious faiths and persuasion, sovereigns and national leaders. He responds in silence. He now prays for us in heaven. Mine is a...
Pope Francis remains in stable condition and spent his fourth day in the hospital praying, reading, and doing some work, according to the latest health update released by the Vatican on Monday night. The 88-year-old pope is without a fever as he continues to receive treatment...
The Vatican on Tuesday said tests earlier in the afternoon showed Pope Francis had developed “bilateral” or double pneumonia, leading doctors to prescribe additional treatment for the Holy Father. “Laboratory tests, [a] chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,”...
Addressing the faithful ahead of the recitation of the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel passage from Luke that recounts Jesus’ visit to the synagogue in Nazareth. He pointed to the moment when Jesus declared Himself the fulfilment of the prophecy of...
The Church marks the sixth Sunday of the Word of God on January 26, 2025, a day instituted by Pope Francis on September 30, 2019, to emphasize the significance of Sacred Scripture. The theme for this year’s edition is taken from the Psalms: “I hope in...
VATICAN — Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January is for the right to an education. “Today we’re experiencing an ‘educational catastrophe,’ the Holy Father said in a video released Jan. 2. “This is no exaggeration. Due to wars, migration, and poverty, some 250...
As Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica, the evening of 24 December 2024, he ushered in the widely-anticipated 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. With the liturgical gesture of the Door's opening at the start of the Christmas Mass during the Night, as...
VATICAN — Pope Francis on Christmas Day delivered the traditional urbi et orbi address and blessing in Vatican City, inviting all individuals and nations to “silence the sound of arms and overcome divisions.” Delivering his Christmas Day message overlooking crowds of thousands of international pilgrims in...
The logo shows four stylized figures, representing all of humanity, coming from the four corners of the earth. They embrace each other to indicate the solidarity and fraternity which should unite all peoples. The figure at the front is holding onto the cross. It is not...