In my time covering the Church, I’ve had the opportunity to meet bishops from around the world, of all different leadership styles and personalities. I’ve often been struck by stories I hear from bishops in Africa. I’ve been told that in Africa, the bishop is not just an authority figure. He walks with the people; ...read more

All thanks to a Polish nun whose death we remember today, the Universal Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday on the 2nd Sunday of Easter. The Divine Mercy devotion is similar in many ways to the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The purpose of this particular devotion is to help those of us who struggle ...read more

He was born Giovanni Francesco di Bernadone. He’s Italian. And today, we celebrate his feast day throughout the Universal Church. He is none other than St. Francis of Assisi. Many know St. Francis of Assisi to be a Catholic friar. However, his life is made up of more than just his priestly ministry. St. Francis ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI’s farewell address given at Lahr Airport: Mr President of the Federal Republic, Distinguished Representatives of the Federal Government, of Baden Württemburg and its Communities, Dear Brother Bishops, Ladies and Gentlemen, Before leaving Germany, I would like very much to thank you for these days, so moving and eventful, spent in my native ...read more

The Holy Father reminds those Catholics working in the Church and society of the origins of the Church’s mission: the triune God, in the mystery of divine love. The Church finds her meaning solely in being a tool for salvation, in filling the world with God’s word, and in transforming the world by bringing it ...read more

Holy Father’s Angelus address at Freiburg Airport: Dear Brothers and Sisters! At the end of this solemn celebration of holy Mass we now pray the Angelus together.  This prayer constantly reminds us of the historical beginnings of our salvation.  The Archangel Gabriel presents God’s plan of salvation to the Virgin Mary, by which she was ...read more

The Homily of the Holy Father at Holy Mass in Freiburg: Dear Brothers and Sisters, It is moving for me to be here once again to celebrate this Eucharist, this Thanksgiving, with so many people from different parts of Germany and the neighbouring countries.  We offer our thanks above all to God, in whom we ...read more

Today Pope Benedict XVI met with the Council of the Central Committee of German Catholics: Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am grateful for this opportunity to come together, here in Freiburg, with you, the Council Members of the Central Committee for German Catholics (ZdK). I gladly express to you my appreciation for your work in ...read more

Pope Benedict’s words to young people at the prayer vigil in Freiburg, Germany: Dear young friends, Throughout today I have been looking forward to this evening, and to this opportunity to be together with you and to join you in prayer. No doubt some of you were present at World Youth Day, where we were ...read more

The following is the Homily of the Holy Father given at Holy Mass in Erfurt, Cathedral Square: Dear Brothers and Sisters, “Praise the Lord at all times, for he is good.”  These are the words that we sang just before the Gospel.  Yes, we truly have reason to thank God with our whole hearts.  If ...read more