Top Vatican official says London property deal was a ‘Via Crucis’
The substitute secretary for general affairs in the Vatican Secretariat of State said Vatican officials "were forced" into spending $17 million rather than an anticipated $2 million to $4 million to buy out an Italian broker over a London property deal.
Accept God’s love, share it with others, pope tells Josephites
The secret to lovingly ministering to others is first allowing oneself to experience the overwhelming love of God, Pope Francis told priests belonging to the Josephites of Murialdo, the Murialdine Sisters of St. Joseph and the laypeople who work with them.
Commission focuses on ensuring synod will be prayerful experience
At the end of their first meeting, three members of the preparatory commission for the assembly of the Synod of Bishops said they know some Catholics have very high expectations for the process while others have intense anxiety.
Places that inspire people to live wisely, well are needed today, pope says
Places that serve as "oases of encounter" are needed today so that visitors can be inspired to live wisely and well, Pope Francis told representatives of a Buddhist organization.
Synod vigil to be expression of ‘ecumenism of solidarity,’ pastor says
Planning an ecumenical prayer vigil for the Catholic Church's Synod of Bishops and making a commitment to participating in it is an expression of "an ecumenism of solidarity," said the Rev. Anne-Laure Danet, ecumenical officer for the French Protestant Federation.
Liturgical elements must foster prayer, sense of communion, pope says
The aesthetic and artistic elements surrounding the liturgy must foster prayer and a sense of communion, Pope Francis said.
To be an apostle is to serve, not move up church’s hierarchy, pope says
Being an apostle does not mean climbing up the church's hierarchy to look down on others but humbling oneself in a spirit of service, Pope Francis said.
Abuse is ‘clear and present danger,’ pope says; local action essential
Establishing clear procedures for protecting vulnerable people against abuse "must become a priority in every local church," Pope Francis said.
Conflict resolution should be open to dialogue with enemy, cardinal says
Conflicts cannot be resolved "by dividing," said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
‘Fraternity, tears, smiles’: Pope shares hopes for the future
In interviews focused on the 10th anniversary of his election, Pope Francis insisted it is not his task to make an accounting of what he has or has not accomplished since March 13, 2013.