IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Mercy recognizes that life is short and that so much good needs to be done that there is no time to waste in making amends, Pope Francis told priests. “That is why it is so important to forgive completely” and …

IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The spiritual retreat Pope Francis offered priests and seminarians as part of the Jubilee of Priests could be seen as a “crash course” on the role of mercy in priestly ministry. His series of three meditations in three Roman basilicas …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jerry L. Mennenga By Joanne Fox SIOUX CITY, Iowa (CNS) — Amid a roomful of oohs and aahs, Aubrie Harrington carefully — oh, so carefully — used her scissors to trim away the cornea and the gelatinous fat from a cow eye. A student with weaker stamina might …

IMAGE: By Francois Gloutnay MONTREAL (CNS) — In the past few years, Benedictine Father Simon-Pierre Arnold has warned aging and declining religious congregations that it would be a mistake to try to “mend an old fabric with new cloth” or “pour new wine into old wineskins.” He reiterated this message …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While the prayer of a proud person isn’t strong enough to reach God’s heart, the prayer of a humble and contrite heart is capable of opening wide the door to his mercy and love, Pope Francis said. “God has …

IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Help wipe out bullying and aggression by being better listeners and offering concrete gestures of tolerance and patience, Pope Francis told a group of top YouTubers from around the world. “The level of aggressiveness in our world needs to be …

By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The church needs the service of the many women who continue to follow Mary’s example of courage and service despite the odds, Pope Francis said. Women who serve with joy to bring their families forward in life, to ensure their children’s education …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis called on Catholics and Orthodox Christians to pray for children in Syria who are suffering because of the ongoing conflict in the country. “The children of Syria invite children from all over the world to join in …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Deacons are called to be servants who set aside their own self-serving plans and are generous with their lives, Pope Francis said. A servant “is not a slave to his own agenda,” but rather always is prepared for the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jim Lo Scalzo, EPA By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — Immediately after the Supreme Court sent the contraceptive case back to the lower courts May 16, some called the decision a punt — the football analogy of sending the ball back to the other team — or in …