A heart filled with scorn, vain presumption is a ticket to hell, pope says

The faithful must set aside their egos and sense of superiority over others to make room for God and his tender mercy, Pope Francis said at a Lenten penance service.

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.

NEWS BRIEF: Dolan celebrates Mass of healing and reconciliation for survivors

Bishop John Dolan celebrated a healing and reconciliation Mass for survivors of abuse and their families at St. John Vianney Church in Sedona, reminding all of us to ask the Divine Physician to heal our Church and bring us to wholeness. 

Sr. Joan Fitzgerald, BVM, president of Xavier College Preparatory, receives papal award

There was a major surprise for Xavier College Preparatory President Sr. Joan Fitzgerald, BVM, at a March 16 all-school Mass celebrated by Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix.