Archive for December 31, 2023

The funeral for Pope Benedict XVI, a statue that survived an earthquake, the remarkably well preserved body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, and Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, were among the top Catholic stories of 2023.?w=200&h=150

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

CNA’s top 10 Catholic stories of 2023

2023 was filled with highs and lows for the Catholic community. Here is a list of our top Catholic stories... Read more

Tia, Miriam, Emanuel, and Josias (left to right) from the St. Lorenz Catholic Parish in Kempten, Diocese of Augsburg, Germany, December 2023.?w=200&h=150

By Emma Silvestri

Thousands of ‘Star Singers’ continue tradition of bringing Christ’s blessings for new year

Every year in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, thousands of children go from door to door dressed as the three Wise... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on April 21, 2007, in Vigevano, Italy.?w=200&h=150

By Isabel Barry

4 kernels of wisdom from Pope Benedict XVI’s last message to the world

On the first anniversary of the former pope's death, we look at his final work, “What Is Christianity? The Last... Read more

Pope Francis waves during his Sunday Angelus on Dec. 31, 2023.?w=200&h=150

By Jonathan Liedl

Pope Francis says Benedict XVI ‘blesses us and accompanies us’ from heaven

In his final Angelus address of 2023, Pope Francis paid tribute to Pope Benedict XVI on the one-year anniversary of... Read more

Pope Francis presides at the annual celebration of “first vespers,” or evening prayer, for the vigil of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Dec. 31, 2023.?w=200&h=150

By Jonathan Liedl

Pope Francis: Faith allows Christians to live transition into the new year ‘differently’

Pope Francis rang in the new year and gave thanks for 2023 at a special New Year’s Eve Vatican liturgy. Read more