By ROME (CNS) — As part of his personal observance of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis made an unannounced, “private” visit to a retirement home and to a group home for people in a persistent vegetative state, the Vatican said. The visits to the 33 residents of the Bruno …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Priests must identify with people who are excluded and not be blinded by complex theology, an excessively “bubbly” and watered-down spirituality, and worldliness that is more and more accessible in the digital age, Pope Francis said. Priests can also …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Joshua Roberts, Reuters By Kurt Jensen WASHINGTON (CNS) — In the end, the women religious decided it would be good to sing after all. That wasn’t on the agenda for the sunny 90-minute rally in front of the Supreme Court March 23 in support of the plaintiffs in …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Walking in a crowded Rome neighborhood with his prayer beads wrapped around one hand, Hassan said, “You must write: Big thanks to the pope because he helps my kids — really.” Hassan and his family, who are Muslim, are being hosted …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God’s love is limitless and the church’s Holy Week services offer Christians a deeper understanding of his infinite mercy, Pope Francis said. The Easter Triduum is a memorial to a love story “that gives us the certainty that we …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Anne-Marie Welsh, Dioc By Kurt Jensen WASHINGTON (CNS) — On the eve of the March 23 oral arguments before the Supreme Court in Zubik v. Burwell, best known as the Little Sisters of the Poor case, two plaintiffs appealed the case in the court of public opinion, and …

IMAGE: CNS photo/ Tony Gentile, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper with young refugees in Castelnuovo di Porto, about 15 miles north of Rome. “Washing the feet of the refugees, Pope Francis is asking for respect …

By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will deliver his monthly prayer intentions on video over social media as part of a Jesuit-run global prayer network. The new video messages, featuring the pope asking for prayers and action on various challenges facing the world today, will begin Jan. 6, the …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Assuring his prayers for the victims and families of the terrorist attack in Brussels, Pope Francis condemned the “cruel abominations” and prayed for the conversion of those who adhere to violent fundamentalism. “To all, I ask that you persevere …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Chaz Muth By Chaz Muth VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Don’t fall for hate and fearmongering from others; make new friends instead and always help and show concern for others, Pope Francis told the world’s teens. “Be brave and go against the tide, be friends of Jesus, who is …