IMAGE: cNS photo/Claudio Peri, EPA By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While "it may seem strange" to celebrate the feast of the first Christian martyr on the day after Christmas, Pope Francis said it serves as a reminder that Jesus came to offer his life for the salvation of …

IMAGE: By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Just before Christmas the Vatican announced it had opened a new medical clinic for the homeless and the poor, expanding services previously offered in a small space just outside St. Peter’s Square. The Merciful Mother Clinic, which has three fully equipped examining …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Delivering his formal Christmas message and blessing, Pope Francis prayed for a world where all people would recognize that they are brothers and sisters and would work for justice and for peace. The birth of Jesus proclaims that "God …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Jesus’ birth in a stable, God’s coming to earth in extreme simplicity, teaches Christians that love is more valuable than anything else and is what will change the world, Pope Francis said. "In Bethlehem, we discover that the life …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Darrow, Reuters By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Michigan priest criticized for emphasizing suicide in his homily during a recent funeral for an 18-year-old who took his own life has since apologized. "As with any funeral, it was my intent to serve this family in their …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — This Christmas will people go to adore and be amazed by Jesus, or will they let themselves be detoured by distractions? Pope Francis asked. In fact, one sign of holiness is being able to "be astonished, to feel …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Claudio Peri pool via By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Acknowledging the gravity of the clerical sexual abuse crisis, Pope Francis told members of the Roman Curia that the church’s strength does not depend on its members’ perfection, but on the willingness to recognize its failings and …

IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Congregation of Holy Cross By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — Several bishops who are planning to join a weeklong U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops retreat to start the New Year are trusting they’ll return to their dioceses with a renewed sense of what it means to shepherd …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Annunciation — the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will bear God’s son — was such a tremendous, history-changing event that preaching about it is extremely difficult, Pope Francis said. So, when the Gospel reading for daily …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Aprille Hanson, Arkansas Catholic By Aprille Hanson LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (CNS) — Some people wear their faith on their sleeve, others on their feet, which is hardly sacrilegious. It is in fact, Sock Religious. Catholic socks are a rarity, but images like Mary, Pope Francis, St. Teresa of …