IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a rather simple prayer service Nov. 19, Pope Francis will create 17 new cardinals and symbolically bind them to ancient church traditions. In the months following the consistory — as any gathering of cardinals is called — the new …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Year of Mercy brought more than 20 million pilgrims to Rome, but for Pope Francis, the idea always was that the celebration of God’s mercy would be local: have people experience God’s love in their parishes and send them …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison BALTIMORE (CNS) — In small and often intimate gestures, there are big lessons for bishops to learn as they exercise their ministry, said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, in his final address as president of the U.S. bishops’ conference. “No words …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Carol Zimmermann BALTIMORE (CNS) — Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the new apostolic nuncio to the United States, urged U.S. bishops Nov. 14 to pay close attention to young Catholics to both learn from them and help them to deepen their faith. “Many young people are not …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jorge Duenes, Reuters By Rhina Guidos BALTIMORE (CNS) — In a letter read Nov. 14 during the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Migration, Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo of Seattle, called on President-elect Donald Trump “to …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Oscar Martinez, Reuters By David Agren MEXICO CITY (CNS) — An outspoken priest who had been reported missing in the state of Veracruz was found alive, but with signs of torture. Father Jose Luis Sanchez Ruiz, pastor of Twelve Apostles parish in Catemaco — a town known for …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Diego Azubel, EPA By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Four cardinals said they formally asked Pope Francis to clarify his teaching on Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried and, not receiving a response after two months, they released their letter to the press. “We have noted …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Remo Casilli, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People who follow Christ do not listen to “prophets of doom,” silly horoscopes or sermons that frighten and divide people, Pope Francis said. Christians persevere in hope and love — no matter what upheavals and difficulties arise, he …

IMAGE: CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Tears, prayers, caresses — but most of all, listening — were the hallmarks of Pope Francis’ “Mercy Friday” visits during the Year of Mercy. As the jubilee began last December, Pope Francis said he would ditch the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Alessandro Di Meo, EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Looking directly at thousands of homeless and marginalized persons, Pope Francis asked for their forgiveness for failures to recognize their dignity and alleviate their suffering. “I ask your forgiveness if I have ever offended you with …