The phrase "Ephphatha," meaning "be open," signifies the need for believers to be receptive to God's message and to serve others. Christians are encouraged to embody openness.

The sisters say corporate directors at Smith & Wesson Brands have exposed the company to massive liabilities by its manufacture, sale and marketing of AR-15 style rifles.

Francis, who will celebrate his 87th birthday on Dec. 17, spoke freely about his health, the possibility of resignation and whether he is losing patience with detractors.

Fort Calhoun, Neb., mourns the loss of Rev. Stephen Gutgsell after he was fatally stabbed at the rectory of St. John the Baptist Parish on Dec. 10, 2023.

While Pope Francis’ pastoral visits have stayed consistent, his hospital visits have increased.

In a “note” from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican has upheld a rule mandating that the ashes of the deceased be preserved in a consecrated place.

“As religious people, we struggle, we see hard things happen, horrible things happen in this world. And our job is to figure out: How do you reconcile and keep going on within that?”

A Reflection for Monday of the Second Week of Advent, by Sebastian Gomes

Small farmers here in the middle of Central America’s dry corridor are almost totally reliant on rainfall to water their crops. As those rains become less reliable because of climate change, crop failures and then migration are the results.

Praying the Angelus with some 25,000 visitors in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis urged listeners to disconnect from the “pollution of vain words and chatter” present on social media platforms.