We need to pray so as not to be infected by the "virus" of hypocrisy, a self-righteous attitude that seduces with lies that lurk in the shadows. Pope Francis was referring to the words of Jesus in the Gospel, during his homily on Friday at Mass at the Casa Santa Marta.Hypocrisy does not ha

October 15, 2015Santa MartaBeware of those who limit God’s horizons and reduce the love of God down to our size.  That was at the heart of Pope Francis’ homily at the Mass Thursday morning (Oct.15) at the Casa Santa Marta.“Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away t

The Christian must discern all things, even when everything is going well.  That was at the heart of Pope Francis’ homily at Mass on Friday morning in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.At his Friday morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis focused his remarks on

Pope Francis has warned against having a hard heart that is closed to God’s mercy.Speaking on Tuesday morning during Mass at the Casa Santa Marta before joining the Synod Fathers gathered in the Vatican Synod Hall, the Pope urged the faithful not to put one’s own convictions or a list of

Pope Francis says God has given everybody a Guardian Angel to accompany us and offer advice and protection, an Angel to whom we should listen with meekness and respect. He was speaking during his homily at Mass on Friday (October 2) celebrated in the Santa Marta Residence.  Taking his cue from

The joy of the Lord is our strength, and in Him we discover who we really are: this was the focus of Pope Francis’ reflection following the readings of the day at Mass in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta on Thursday morning, the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. The Holy Father focused especi

Pope Francis reminded the faithful that Christian love is to be expressed with concrete acts, and he pointed out that words are not enough.Speaking during his homily on Thursday morning during Mass at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope said that God leads the way with love, and that it is through love t

The first encylical from Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei, was released today in Rome. The full text can be read here. Here the editors of America offer some notable selections:Faith is born of an encounter with the living God who calls us and reveals his love, a love which pr