Father Ryan Ruiz, a priest from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati studying in Rome, attended Pope Benedict XVI’s final General Audience on Wednesday. With the unique perspective of having been present for the historic event, Father Ruiz took the time to share his experiences with the folks back home in Cincinnati …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis celebrated his first Palm Sunday Mass as pope March 24, telling an overflow crowd in St. Peter’s Square that Christ’s death on the cross is a source of eternal consolation and joy. “A Christian can never be …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS)— Although attempts were made to simplify the ceremony, Pope Francis officially inaugurated his ministry as pope and bishop of Rome in a liturgy filled with biblical symbolism and signs of the universality of his mission. Also Read: Inaugural homily: Pope Francis …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis‘ papal motto is based on the Gospel account of “The Call of St. Matthew,” the tax collector, in a homily given by St. Bede the Venerable. The pope decided to keep his episcopal motto and coat of arms …

Follow Pope Francis’ trip to the United States HERE. By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis said that “as things got dangerous” in the conclave voting, he was sitting next to his “great friend,” Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes “who comforted me.” When the former Cardinal …

By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Two U.S. cardinals described Pope Francis as an ideal choice to lead the church in the modern world. “He is the perfect choice for this moment in the church,” said Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl March 14. Cardinal Timothy M. …

By Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic leaders worldwide expressed words of hope and joy in calling upon Catholics to come together as one body behind the papacy of Pope Francis. International political leaders also offered words of congratulations and pledged to work with the new pontiff on common …

By John Stegeman The Catholic Telegraph After watching the introduction of Pope Francis to the world Wednesday, Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr hosted a press conference at the Synod Hall at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains. Many of the media outlets in the greater Cincinnati area were present to …

Press Release Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati, made the following comments about the election of the Pope Francis: Read More: Habemus papam: We have a pope Argentina’s Cardinal Bergoglio elected pope, chooses Francis “We have a Pope! With Catholics and all people of good will I greet …

By Francis X. Rocca & Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, the leader of a large urban archdiocese in Latin America, was elected the 266th pope and took the name Francis. He is the first pope in history to come from …