The Catholic Sun

Two Arizona State University students will soon be headed to Africa to distribute a low-cost mosquito net repair kit they’ve developed to help stop the spread of malaria.

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.

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.

"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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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