By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The devil would like to see a church that never takes any risks, never speaks out with the truth and just settles on being wishy-washy, comfortable and business-savvy, Pope Francis said. God’s prophets always were persecuted because they created a disturbance, much like …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Andrew Yates, Reuters By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Decrying the “barbaric attack in Manchester,” England, Pope Francis sent his condolences and prayers to all those affected “by this senseless act of violence,” an attack on a concert that British officials said was the deadliest case of terrorism since …

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis, who described himself as coming from “the ends of the earth,” continues to go to the far reaches of the globe to seek those who will advise him and possibly elect the next pope. Announcing May 21 that he was adding …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM (CNS) — Following his official welcome to Jerusalem by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, U.S. President Donald Trump began his two-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories with a private visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Western Wall. …

IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Consecrated women are called to be prophets of hope and joy in the world and avoid putting on a superficial joy that withers the soul, Pope Francis said. In order to live out the joy of the Gospel, “it …

By Carol Glatz ROME (CNS) — The sin committed most frequently in Christian parishes and groups is bad-mouthing and backstabbing each other, which not only divides the community, it drives away people who come seeking God, Pope Francis said. “Truly, this pains me to the core. It’s as if we …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Octavio Duran By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis announced he will create five new cardinals June 28; the new cardinals-designate come from Mali, Spain, Sweden, Laos and El Salvador. Unusually, the group of prelates announced by the pope May 21 includes an auxiliary bishop whose …

By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Decrease military spending and help the poor, said the U.S. bishops in a May 19 letter addressed to Congress, before lawmakers prepare to work on the federal budget for the upcoming 2018 fiscal year. The budget requires difficult decisions, but lawmakers must “give central …

IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like parish priests throughout Italy do during the Easter season, Pope Francis spent an afternoon May 19 going door to door and blessing homes. Continuing the “Mercy Friday” visits he began during the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis chose a …

IMAGE: CNS By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Despite a few pointed comments in the past and fundamental differences on issues such as immigration, economic policy, military spending and climate change, sparks are not expected to fly May 24 when Pope Francis welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump to the …