Jesus underlines the importance of digesting the word of God and the Church instead of becoming its controllers, it is therefore necessary to work to facilitate the spreading of the Good News. Those were the words of Pope Francis during his Homily … [More]

"Trafficking in persons" is vile activity, a disgrace to our society which calls itself civilized! Exploiters and clients at all levels should make a serious examination of conscience, within themselves and before God!" These were the words of Pope … [More]

"To suffer with patience and to overcome external and internal oppression with love." That was the prayer of Pope Francis today at the Domus Sanctae Martae during Mass on the feast of Mary, Help of Christians. "To suffer is to take the difficulty … [More]

Pope Francis on Friday held separate meetings with a delegation from Bulgaria, led by Marin Raykov, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and a delegation from the Republic of Macedonia, led by Trajko Valjanoski, President of the Parliament … [More]

"Being pastors also means to be ready to walk in the midst of and behind the flock . . . incline ourselves toward those the Lord has entrusted to our care . . . careful to raise up, to reassure, and inspire hope." Pope Francis made this affirmation … [More]

Pope Francis presides over the Profession of Faith with the Italian Bishops' Conference by the Tomb of St. Peter

Pope Francis has received the President of the Republic of El Salvador, Carlos Mauricio Funes Cartagena. During cordial talks, satisfaction for the good relations existing between the Holy See and the Salvadoran State. Particular attention was given … [More]

To be salt for the world means that the Christian originality enriches all the situations in which every one of us finds himself every day. This is the Gospel proclamation that allows us to go beyond ourselves. Pope Francis stressed this message in … [More]

Friday, May 24th, is the day dedicated to the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the National Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai. I urge all Catholics around the world to join in … [More]

The commandment that Jesus gave us is to do good. Therefore violence in the name of religion is not legitimate. And redemption concerns everyone, not just those who believe in Jesus, said Pope Francis in his homily at morning Mass. The Pope said: … [More]

"The language of the Spirit, the language of the Gospel is the language of communion, which invites us to overcome closures and indifference, divisions and conflicts." With this reflection Francis Pope greeted the thousands of people who arrived in … [More]

Every Wednesday the Holy Father holds a General Audience where he greets the pilgrims present and delivers a catechesis.

With your daily service you are the hands of God who satisfies the hunger of every living thing. These were Pope Francis words to the Missionary Sisters of Charity, founded by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, during his visit Tuesday evening to the Casa … [More]

Real power in the Church is service, and Christ taught us that to make progress, to move forward we must first humble ourselves and put ourselves at the service of others. This was the focus of Pope Francis's homily at morning Mass. Reflecting on … [More]

We must believe in Jesus and pray, to overcome our certainties and the closure that comes from lack of faith. This was underlined by Pope Francis, in his homily at morning Mass on Monday. The Pope noted: "Miracles do happen" but only if our prayers … [More]

"The newness that God brings to our life is that which really fulfills us... it is not the search for newness to overcome boredom." This was the reflection that Pope Francis offered to those who took part in the Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost, … [More]

Pope Francis received German Chancellor Angela Merkel. During the cordial discussion, they recalled the long history of relations between the Holy See and Germany, focusing on themes of common interest, namely the socio-political, economic and … [More]

On Pentecost Sunday the Holy Father presides over the Holy Mass with the representatives and members of the Lay Ecclesial Movements

The Holy Father recites the Regina Caeli prayer which replaces the Angelus in the Easter Season from Holy Saturday until the Pentecost

The Christian must overcome the temptation to "interfere in the lives of others,". Those were the words of Pope Francis at Mass this morning at the Casa Santa Marta. The Holy Father also stressed that gossip and envy do much harm to the Christian … [More]

Pope Francis met on Friday with the National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies. In his remarks to the Directors, who hailed from every part of the globe, the Holy Father focused on the urgency of the need to carry out the Church's work … [More]

The problem is not that we are sinners, but that we do not allow ourselves to be transformed by the encounter with Christ in love: this was the main focus of Pope Francis' remarks at Mass on Friday morning in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae … [More]

The global financial crisis results from ideologies which uphold the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation, and thus deny the right of control to States, which are themselves charged with providing for the common good. A new, … [More]

Our encounter with Christ saves and Apostolic zeal is a sign of our desire to love others according to Christ's teaching. This was particularly true for Saint Paul, who is still an example for us today. This was Pope Francis' message at Mass … [More]

Pope Francis told pilgrims at the Wednesday audience that he wants to visit a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Bonaria in Caglieri, Sardinia, probably in September. He explained that there is a strong bond of brotherhood between his native city of … [More]

We must pray every day to the Holy Spirit to give us light, makes us more sensitive to the things of God, to teach us and gift us the Truth of Christ. This was Pope Francis' invitation to the estimated 100 thousand people in St. Peter's Square, for … [More]

Pray for bishops and priests, who must watch over their people and yet are exposed to the temptation of money and vanity. This was Pope Francis' invitation in his homily at Mass Wednesday morning. The Pope suggested those present take a moment from … [More]

Every Wednesday the Holy Father holds a General Audience where he greets the pilgrims present and delivers a catechesis.

If you live life as a gift, you follow the path of Jesus, the only other option is the path of Judas, which does not include the fecundity of love. This is a passage from the Pope's homily from Mass Tuesday morning. Pope Francis prayed "In these … [More]

On Monday Pope Francis received the President of the Republic of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Calderón. Their talks focused on current figure of Mother Laura Montoya Upegui, the first native Colombian to be proclaimed a saint canonized yesterday in … [More]

We must pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit so we never forget the Passion of Jesus who takes away our sins. This was the focus of Pope Francis in his homily at morning Mass. He said when vanity creeps in, when some people believe they have a … [More]

The 2013 Pontifical Yearbook and the Statistical Yearbook were presented to the Holy Father Monday. Globally the number of Catholics has increased, from 1.19 billion in 2010 to 1.21 billion in 2011, with an increase in Africa and Asia. The presence … [More]

Thinking of the new saints at the Regina Caeli Sunday, Pope Francis invited the many Italian pilgrims and faithful in St. Peter's Square to look with hope to the future, trusting in the nearness of God who never abandons. He also called for peace, … [More]

Being generous, witnessing, not living the faith alone. That was the message of the saints proclaimed today, as summed up by Pope Francis in the homily for the solemn canonization ceremony in Saint Peter's Square, in front of thousands of faithful, … [More]

On the 7th Easter Sunday, Pope Francis celebrates in piazza San Pietro the Papal Mass for the Canonization of the Blessed Antonio Primaldo and Companions, Laura of Saint Catherine of Siena and of Maria Guadalupe García Zavala. Then he recites the … [More]

Every Sunday and on the main liturgical feasts the Pope recites the Regina Caeli prayer with the pilgrims. It's the firt time for Pope Franciscus. Before and after the prayer, he delivers a brief reflection and issues greetings in various languages.

True prayer brings us out of ourselves: it opens us to the Father and to the neediest of our brothers and sisters. This was a central part of Pope Francis' message to the faithful gathered for Mass on Saturday morning in the chapel of the Domus … [More]

A visit that strengthens the bonds of friendship and brotherhood. These were Pope Francis' words to leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of Alexandria Friday morning at the Vatican. A visit, added Pope Francis, which is … [More]

Joy is a gift from God. It fills us from within. It Is like an anointing of the Spirit. And this joy is the certainty that Jesus is with us and with the Father. This was the focus of Pope Francis' homily at morning Mass in Santa Marta. He said: "A … [More]

Evangelizing is not proselytizing said Pope Francis at Mass this morning, taking a cue from the Gospel episode of St. Paul's response to the philosophers of ancient Greece. He said Paul teaches us this journey of evangelization, because Jesus did, … [More]

The centrality of Christ and his Gospel, authority as a service of love, "feeling" within and part of Mother Church: these were Pope Francis' three guidelines to 800 superiors general gathered in the Assembly of the International Union of Superiors … [More]

The current Easter season is the time of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis' general audience in St Peter's square, was devoted to examining the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and of every believer. Man is like a traveler who, … [More]

Every Wednesday the Holy Father holds a General Audience where he greets the pilgrims present and delivers a catechesis.

A Christian should have an attitude of patience, enduring his or her tribulations. It is a life-long process that allows us to become mature Christian, mature in the faith. This Pope Francis's message during his homily for morning mass. Commenting … [More]

The Holy Spirit prepares us to encounter Jesus: this was the message of Pope Francis in his homily at Mass on Monday morning in the Casa Santa Marta, in which he talked about the importance of examining one's conscience on a regular basis. "We ask … [More]

Your presence is a sign of the strength and of the beauty of the Gospel, which in all times has called young people to follow its teachings. This was Pope Francis's message to the Pontifical Swiss Guards when he received them in audience this … [More]

The Pope received Ueli Maurer, President of Switzerland. During their cordial exchange, they praised the longstanding service of the Pontifical Swiss Guard on the day in which new recruits take their oath, they highlighted their common wish to … [More]

Confraternities -- a traditional reality in the Church that have recently experienced a renewal and a rediscovery -- are "a true lung of faith and Christian life, a breath of fresh air in parishes and dioceses." With this invitation to mission Papa … [More]

"Love for Our Lady is one of the characteristics of popular piety," Pope Francis said this morning, speaking in St. Peter's Square before the recitation of the Regina Caeli prayer. He was joined by more than 70,000 members of Confraternities from … [More]

Freedom is not simply doing what you want, "throwing everything you don't like out the window. Freedom is given so that we might know to make good choices in life," as Mary did. Pope Francis was speaking on Saturday night in the Papal Basilica of … [More]

Pope Francis celebrates the Holy Mass on the occasion of the Day of the Confraternities and Popular Piety. Then he recites the Regina Coeli.

Pope Francis recites the Holy Rosary with the pilgrims and faithful of the Diocese of Rome on the first Saturday of the month

Humility and meekness are the weapons we have to defend ourselves from the hatred of the world. This was the focus of Pope Francis during his homily, which centered on the struggle between the love of Christ and the hatred of the prince of this … [More]

On Friday Pope Francis received Michel Sleiman, President of the Republic of Lebanon. Their talks focuses on the situation in the country and the importance of dialogue and cooperation between different ethnic and religious communities that make up … [More]

The Church must be courageous in proclaiming the Gospel. This was stated by Pope Francis in his homily at morning Mass. He also had a special greeting for the Swiss Guards present at Mass who will be sworn in on May 6. Reflecting on the daily … [More]

Every Wednesday the Holy Father holds a General Audience where he greets the pilgrims present and delivers a catechesis.

Marking the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, Pope Francis reflected on the many challenges in the world of work facing contemporary societies, expressing the hope that "public leaders" make "every effort to give new impetus to creating employment" … [More]

In today's society greater attention is given to a company's financial statements than the dignity of work. This was the focus of Pope Francis' homily Wednesday morning celebrated with children and single mothers who are guests at the "Il Ponte" … [More]

A worldly Church is a weak Church. The only way to stop this from happening is to entrust the Church to the Lord through constant prayer. This was the message at the heart of Pope Francis' homily at Mass Tuesday morning. The Pope remarked that "it … [More]

On Tuesday Pope Francis received in audience the President of the State of Israel Shimon Peres. During the cordial talks, the political and social situation in the Middle East—where more than a few conflicts persist—was addressed. A speedy … [More]

Forgiveness was the central theme of Pope Francis' homily at mass Monday morning with Vatican employees. He said the Lord forgives and accepts each of us as we are and we experience this in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pope Francis said : Jesus … [More]

Pope Francis, celebrates Mass and confers the Sacrament of Confirmation on the 5th Easter Sunday and then recites the Regina Caeli

"Build on high ideals, on the big things. We Christians are not chosen by the Lord for small little things, always go above and beyond, to the big things. Those were the Pope's words to 70,000 young people from all over the world, gathered in St … [More]

"At this time, I wish to offer a prayer for the many victims of the tragic collapse of a factory in Bangladesh. I express my solidarity and deepest sympathy to the families who mourn their loved ones and from my heart I deliver a strong appeal that … [More]

The Christian community must open itself to the Lord, to joy, to positive witness. If a community is not free, is not truly believing. It then closes in on itself and is dominated by negative dynamics. Pope Francis spoke on this theme in his homily … [More]

Francis Pope received in audience Nirina Andry Rajoelina, President of the High Authority of Transition of the Republic of Madagascar. During the talks, we focused on the good relations existing between the Holy See and the Republic of Madagascar, … [More]

When Jesus speaks to his disciples of Heaven, He tells them that our lives are a journey of preparation toward the definitive dwelling place and the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This was the focus Friday morning of Pope Francis's homily at … [More]

Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist Thursday morning. In his homily he said the Christian style of preaching the Good News is having the courage to do great things, but at the same time, the humility to appreciate … [More]

"Youth must use itself for high ideals" With these words Pope Francis greeted the thousands of people who came to the recitation of the Regina Caeli. Starting with the Gospel of the Good Shepherd, the Pope invited everyone, especially young people, … [More]

I am following attentively the events that are happening in Venezuela. I accompany them with deep concern, with intense prayer, and with the hope that you will seek and find ways to overcome, with justice and peace, this moment of serious difficulty … [More]

The Church is not a bureaucratic organization, but a love story. This was Pope Francis' message during Wednesday's Mass in the Chapel of the Casa Santa Marta. In his homily, the Pope warned against being tempted to make "deals" simply to get "more … [More]

"Do not tire of being merciful", "do not hesitate to show tenderness with the elderly" and "dispense to all the Word of God that you yourselves have received with joy." On the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis ordained ten new priests, … [More]

The kidnapping of the Greek Orthodox and the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan bishops, regarding whose liberation there has been conflicting news, is a further sign of the tragic situation that the beloved Syrian nation has been undergoing, where … [More]

Pope Francis on Wednesday called on Christians to await the coming of the Lord with trust and joy. Speaking to crowds of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Wednesday General Audience, the Pope continued his catechesis on the Creed and … [More]

Every Wednesday the Holy Father holds a General Audience where he greets the pilgrims present and delivers a catechesis

On the 4th Easter Sunday, Pope Francis presides over the Holy Mass for the ordination of priests

The Holy Father recites the Regina Caeli prayer which replaces the Angelus in the Easter Season from Holy Saturday until the Pentecost

Pope Francis this morning met with the Rafael Correa, president of the Republic of Ecuador, who was at the Vatican last month for the Papal Inauguration Mass. During the talks, the two men discussed the Catholic Church's significant contribution in … [More]

Through Our Lord's Ascension we understand how important it is to entrust our lives to Christ, if we let ourselves be guided by Him then we are sure to be in safe hands. This was underlined by Pope Francis in his catechesis at the General Audience … [More]

Every Wednesday the Holy Father holds a General Audience where he greets the pilgrims present and delivers a catechesis

On Monday Pope Francis received Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy Brey. They spoke about the difficult economic-financial situation in the world that Spain, like other European countries is facing, which has provoked serious labour crisis, … [More]

The Lord sends us out to proclaim that the Risen Lord with joy. Pope Francis made a strong call to witness in word and deed, at Mass Sunday evening in his first visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. You cannot proclaim the Gospel of … [More]

Descrizione: The Bishop of Rome Francis presides over the celebration of the Eucharist during which he takes possession of the St. Paul's Basilica

Pope Francis asked the faithful on Sunday to pray for their brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering persecution. The Pope made his appeal before more than 80 thousand people in St Peter's Square, gathered to pray the Regina Caeli with him … [More]

The Holy Father recites the Regina Coeli prayer which replaces the Angelus in the Easter Season from Holy Saturday until the Pentecost

There is an unbreakable unity between Sacred Scripture and Tradition, recalled Pope Francis in his speech to the members of the Pontifical Biblical Commission at the end of their annual meeting. The interpretation of the Holy Scriptures cannot be … [More]

Pope Francis today met with the Prime Minister of Mozambique, Alberto Clementino Vaquina. In their talks, they spoke of the good relations existing between the Holy See and Mozambique, further strengthened by the bilateral agreement between the … [More]

May the fiftieth anniversary of the Encyclical Pacem in Terris, which falls today, serve as an incentive for your commitment to promoting reconciliation and peace at every level, remarked Pope Francis, addressing the US based Papal Foundation … [More]

Pope Francis says he is praying for the victims of the earthquake that struck southern Iran Tuesday. Speaking at the end of his Wednesday Audience the Holy Father expressed his closeness to all those affected by the devastating tragedy that caused … [More]