Pilgrims arrive at the Marian shrine of Fatima May 10 in central Portugal (CNS photo/Paulo Cunha, EPA).

Pope Francis goes as a pilgrim to Fatima “to share the Gospel of hope and peace”

by Gerard O’Connell May 11, 2017

One million pilgrims are expected to join Pope Francis in Fatima on May 12 to 13 for the centenary celebration of the apparitions of Our Lady to three Portuguese shepherd children.

Pope Francis leads his general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 10 at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters)

Faith, News

Pope Francis: The death penalty is a “mortal sin” and “inadmissible”

by Junno Arocho Esteves - Catholic News Service May 11, 2017

Faith is a journey guided by the Holy Spirit, who helps the church grow in understanding the sinful nature of once-accepted practices like slavery and the death penalty, Pope Francis said.

Portuguese shepherd children Lucia dos Santos, center, and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, are seen in a file photo taken around the time of the 1917 apparitions of Mary at Fatima. (CNS photo/EPA)

Faith, Vatican Dispatch

The story of Fatima: the apparitions, the miracles and the journey to sainthood

by Gerard O’Connell May 10, 2017

On Saturday Pope Francis will canonize two of the children who saw the Marian apparitions in 1917.

20170504T1502-055-CNS-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-EXECUTIVE-ORDER

Podcasts, Politics & Society

Donald Trump’s Catholic Outreach

by The Editors May 10, 2017

This week Matt Malone, S.J., and Kerry Weber discuss a range of political issues, from the recent chatter about whether or not pro-life people are welcome in the Democratic Party, to President Trump’s public engagement with the Catholic Church. Senior Editor Kevin Clarke also offers his expertise. Joining them is Michael O’Loughlin, the national correspondent […]

Pope Francis meets with Rabbi Edgar Gluck, chief rabbi of Galicia, center left, during a private audience at the Vatican on May 8, 2017. Photo courtesy of L'Osservatore Romano

Faith, News

Video of pope dancing with Hasidic Jews goes viral

by Josephine McKenna - Religion News Service May 10, 2017

While the pope warmed to the traditional Jewish music and dance, the delegation also discussed issues of common concern.

Pope Francis ordains one of 10 new priests for the Diocese of Rome during an ordination Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on May 7. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Faith, News

Pope Francis: A priest who hasn’t learned to carry the cross is “useless”

by Catholic News Service May 8, 2017

A priest who does not willingly embrace Christ’s cross and who does not try to lighten the burdens of his people is not worthy of the name, Pope Francis said.

Faith, Short Take

What might Pope Francis think about ‘The Benedict Option?’ A new talk gives clues.

by Zac Davis May 5, 2017

A new talk by the pope, as well as “Evangelii Gaudium,” gives clues to his thinking about the thesis of a new book by Rod Dreher.

Jesuitical, Politics & Society

My Big Fat Very Catholic Dream Wedding

by Ashley McKinless May 5, 2017

Are you a Sorta Catholic? Symptoms include: residual guilt, love for Pope Francis, alternating between church and SoulCycle Sundays. This week’s guest is a Sorta Catholic who wound up having a Very Catholic Wedding. Tracey Wigfield won an Emmy as a writer for “30 Rock” and is a graduate of Boston College (you can decide […]