IMAGE: CNS photo/Carlos Barria, Reuters By WASHINGTON (CNS) — Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died of apparent natural causes Feb. 13 while in Texas on a hunting trip, once said in an interview that while he took his Catholic faith seriously, he never allowed it to influence his work …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Mike Segar, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis praised the “generous service” of the former secretary-general of the United Nations, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and offered his condolences and prayers in the wake of his death. “Saddened to learn” of Boutros-Ghali’s death, the pope extended his …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves MORELIA, Mexico (CNS) — Jesus never sends anyone out as a hitman, dealing in death, but calls Christians to be his disciples and friends, Pope Francis told Mexico’s youth. “Today the Lord continues to call you, he continues to draw you to him, …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden MORELIA, Mexico (CNS) — The devil loves Christians — especially priests and nuns — who are resigned to the violence and corruption around them, Pope Francis said. Celebrating Mass Feb. 16 at a stadium in Morelia, Pope Francis repeated his frequent call to priests, …

IMAGE: CNS/Nancy Wiechec By Wallice J. de la Vega EL PASO, Texas (CNS) — Two days before Pope Francis’ main event in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the Diocese of El Paso was coordinating the final touches to its own two main papal events. While the Diocese of Juarez’s chancery was bustling …

IMAGE: CNS/photo Alessandro Di Meo, EPA By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A talk given to new bishops during a Vatican-sponsored course does not represent new guidelines on the church’s response to abuse against minors by religious, a Vatican spokesman said. A 44-page report authored by French Msgr. Tony …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By David Agren SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, Mexico (CNS) — Pope Francis warned against moves to diminish the importance of the family, peppering his talk with anecdotes and off-the-cuff remarks that kept a packed soccer stadium cheering, laughing and applauding. Speaking under a scorching-hot sun as …

IMAGE: CNS/Nancy Wiechec By Nancy Wiechec EL PASO, Texas (CNS) — In Segundo Barrio, people have been praying day and night for Pope Francis since he set foot in Mexico. Kneelers were set in front of a figure of the pope in the courtyard of the barrio’s Sacred Heart Church. …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, Mexico (CNS) — Paying homage to the culture and ancient wisdom of Mexico’s indigenous peoples, Pope Francis urged them to hold on to hope and condemned those who exploit their people and their land. “Some have considered your values, …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden ECATEPEC, Mexico (CNS) — Pope Francis began his travels to Mexico’s “peripheries” by visiting an overcrowded, sprawling settlement known internationally as a hunting ground for girls to force into prostitution and for boys to enlist in the drug trade. Ecatepec, on the northern edge …