On Monday, July 8, Pope Francis visited the Italian island of Lampedusa off the coast of Tunisia, in solidarity with the many African migrants who have sought refuge there and in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in the attempt. The following is the homily of the Holy Father at an open air ...read more

  Dear Brothers and Sisters, Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting you, and today our joy is even greater, because we have gathered for the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day. You are seminarians, novices, young people on a vocational journey, from every part of the world. You represent the Church’s youth! If the Church ...read more

By Cindy Wooden of Catholic News Service Vatican City (CNS) – Pope Francis signed a decree clearing the way for the canonization of Blessed John Paul II and has decided also to ask the world’s cardinals to vote on the canonization of Blessed John XXIII, even in the absence of a miracle. After Pope Francis ...read more

Pope Francis’ first encyclical is a beautiful invitation to believers and seekers alike.  While Lumen Fidei is officially addressed to bishops, priests, members of religious orders and “the lay faithful,” it is also a heartfelt attempt to speak to anyone still searching for God. There is probably little that will be deemed “newsworthy” in Lumen ...read more

The Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast, S.J., Archbishop of Ottawa, on today’s publication and distribution of the encyclical letter of faith entitled “Lumen Fidei” – The Light of Faith, made the following statement: “It is with great joy that I welcome Pope Francis’ first encyclical. His reflections on faith are in continuity with all that the ...read more

  Word has spread quickly about the possibility of two beloved popes of recent history being canonized together in the coming months.  Pope John XXIII, who will forever be remembered for calling and opening the Second Vatican Council, and Pope John Paul II the iconic global figure, are now awaiting Pope Francis’ final approval.  Catholic ...read more

Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Keewatin-Le Pas, Manitoba, stands up after receiving a pallium from Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, today, June 29, 2013. The pope presented woolen pallia to 34 archbishops during the liturgy. His Holiness Pope Francis gave the pallia to newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishops at the Mass celebrating the ...read more

  Below find the homily of Pope Francis during this morning’s celebration of the Solemnity Sts. Peter and Paul in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.  During the mass, the Pope bestowed the pallium on the shoulders of 34 metropolitan archbishops from around the world.   Your Eminences,Your Eminence, Metropolitan Ioannis,My Brother Bishops and Priests,Dear ...read more

Yesterday in Rome Salt + Light was awarded the “Capax Dei” Prize at the Mirabile Dictu International Catholic Film Festival, organized annually by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Culture. The award was presented for Salt + Light’s documentary “In Her Footsteps: the Story of Kateri Tekakwitha,” which premiered in Rome last October. The following story ...read more

I have just returned from 9 months in New York City at the United Nations. Upon reflection, I feel like that amount of time was just enough to carry and incubate a new me. Not a completely different person, but somehow not quite the same. I find the labour to be in the transitions. That ...read more