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 …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Orestis Panagiotou, EPA By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — The day before Donald Trump was elected president of the United States, Pope Francis said he would make no judgments about the candidate and was interested only in the impact his policies would have on the poor. Eugenio Scalfari, …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Aprille Hanson, Arkansas Catholic By Aprille Hanson CABOT, Ark. (CNS) — U.S. Navy veteran Dave King’s whole world changed when Zack came into his life. The young Catahoula mix plucked from a shelter already has all the love in the world for his new companion. But when Zack …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Carol Glatz By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy has been a refresher course for Catholics — a reminder and an inspiration to follow Jesus’ command to show compassion through works of mercy. While the pope has spent his whole pontificate offering Gospel …

IMAGE: CNS/Bob Roller By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Diocese of Amarillo, Texas, said in a statement it is investigating the incident of a pro-life priest who placed “the body of an aborted fetus” on an altar and broadcast it on Facebook Live to get people to vote for …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Stefano Rellandini, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Visiting the sick and the imprisoned are works of mercy that not only benefit the suffering and the abandoned, but benefit the visitors who are enriched by being with those who suffer like Christ, Pope Francis said. …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Shawn Thew, EPA By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Congratulating Donald Trump for his victory in the U.S. presidential election, the Vatican secretary of state expressed hope that people would work together “to change the global situation, which is a situation of serious laceration, serious conflict.” Cardinal …

By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pro-life supporters in the Catholic Church are denouncing activist Father Frank Pavone for what he said was an “emergency situation” on the eve of the U.S. presidential election. “What did he do?” wrote Ed Mechmann, a public policy director whose areas of concern include …