Confession is ‘encounter of love’ that fights evil, pope tells priests

In a world where "there is no shortage of hotbeds of hatred and revenge," Pope Francis told priests and seminarians that "we confessors must multiply the 'hotbeds of mercy,'" by making it easy for people to access the sacrament of reconciliation.

Avoid polarizing debate, promote healthy scientific discussion, pope says

When presenting its moral teachings on bioethics, the church needs to avoid falling into the "extremist dynamics of polarization" seen in media debates, Pope Francis said.

Pope talks abortion, LGBQT rights with young people in Disney documentary

"It's boring to talk to priest," Pope Francis said with a smile as he began an upfront and informal conversation with 10 young people in Rome on their questions about faith and issues within the church.

Pope calls European bishops to be prophetic voices for peace

While promoting dialogue and building relationships with leaders of the European Union contribute to peace, bishops in EU countries also must be prophetic in denouncing war and encouraging all possible efforts to restore peace, Pope Francis said.

Pope asks Catholics to renew consecration of world to Mary every March 25

Pope Francis has invited Catholics worldwide to renew the act of consecrating the church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine, to Mary every March 25, the feast of the Annunciation.

Pope: Without power of Holy Spirit, evangelization is empty advertising

To evangelize well, the faithful need to dialogue with God, let the Holy Spirit renew their hearts and lives, and then dialogue with today's world, Pope Francis said.

Confession, indulgences express and strengthen communion, speakers say

The Catholic Church's ministry of granting absolution for sins and indulgences to remove the punishments those sins deserve is a ministry that builds communion, said speakers at a Vatican course.

New episcopal vicar embarks on northern mission

Father Matthew Lowry is often spotted on the Northern Arizona University campus on his longboard, riding a tandem bike with assistant chaplain Father Anthony Dang or catching lunch with students in the hotspot.

NEWS BRIEF: Vatican Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles at Sacred Heart Prescott

Sacred Heart Parish in Prescott was blessed to host the traveling Vatican Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles inspired by Blessed Carlo Acutis at our parish...

St. Timothy parishioner thanking God, full of hope after being tapped for Order of...

As Larry Dorame answered the phone, there was a sense of genuine care in his voice, a tone both sincere and natural.