Drawing on work of lay Catholic prison chaplain Dale Recinella, Pope Francis paints death penalty as toxic and ineffective.
Pope Francis
Posted inFaith, News
St. Maximilian Kolbe: Auschwitz martyr and a cautionary tale for humanity
On August 14, Catholics commemorate the death of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan friar who sacrificed his life to save a fellow prisoner from execution by the Nazis.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
From Benedict XV to Francis: Popes have long played peacemaker in war—and faced criticism for their stance
There are no simple answers as to how to end a war. Benedict XV’s prophetic but ignored call for “a stable peace honorable to all” in World War I should be an example for Pope Francis.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
In new interview, Pope Francis shares his advice for men who want to join the Jesuits—and for his successor
In a wide-ranging conversation, Pope Francis also repeated his ardent desire to visit China, discussed how he handles stress and criticism, and shared that he has experienced crises in his religious life as a Jesuit.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis marks feast day associated with his favorite basilica: St. Mary Major
Celebrating Mass for the feast of Our Lady of the Snows at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, Pope Francis urged Catholics to remember the unexpected beauty of God’s grace.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis: Literature and poetry are essential for future priests
Every Christian, but especially seminarians, should set aside their screens regularly and spend time with a book of literature or poetry, Pope Francis said.
Posted inFaith, News
Interview: Gerard O’Connell on his friendship with Pope Francis and reporting from the Vatican
Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell describes his journalistic ministry in the city at the heart of the Catholic faith.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
In surprise move, Pope Francis appoints Rhode Island bishop to head Boston archdiocese
Pope Francis has named Richard Garth Henning, 59, current bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, as the seventh Archbishop of Boston, the Vatican announced on Aug. 5.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis says ‘targeted killings’ not a solution in Middle East
The pope’s appeal came after the assassinations of Hamas political leader and peace negotiator Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut earlier in the week.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Vatican denounces Paris Olympics ‘Last Supper’ parody, eight days after ceremony
In a brief statement, the Vatican said, “it cannot but join its voice with the others that have been raised in these last days to deplore the offense made to numerous Christians and believers of other religions.”