Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
Francis, Prime Minister of Estonia meet ahead of possible papal visit
Feb 9, 2018 / 07:40 amWith a papal visit to Estonia likely on the horizon, Pope Francis on Friday met the country’s Prime Minister, Jüri Ratas, at the Vatican, discussing their good diplomatic ties and the contributions of the Catholic Church in Estonian society, despite its small minority.
Colosseum to be lit red for persecuted Christians
Feb 7, 2018 / 13:49 pmThe Roman Colosseum will be illuminated by red lights later this month to draw attention to the persecution of Christians around the world, and especially in Syria and Iraq.
Vatican congregation approves miracle, opening door to Paul VI’s canonization
Feb 6, 2018 / 10:15 amOn Tuesday the Congregation for the Causes of Saints approved the second miracle needed for the canonization of Blessed Pope Paul VI, allowing his canonization to take place, possibly later this year.
This Lent, revive your enthusiasm for the faith, Pope says
Feb 6, 2018 / 05:29 amIn his message for the upcoming Lenten season, Pope Francis urged people to renew their enthusiasm for the faith, using this season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as an opportunity to stoke the flame of charity in their heart.
Pope, Turkish president, discuss Middle East in first Vatican meeting
Feb 5, 2018 / 13:00 pmOn Monday, Pope Francis and the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, met at the Vatican, discussing the situation in the Middle East, in particular the status of Jerusalem, and the need for peace and stability in the region.
Don’t let technology replace real encounters, Francis says on Candlemas
Feb 2, 2018 / 10:50 amPope Francis told consecrated men and women Friday that they are called to have real encounters with their brothers and sisters, and that technology should never have a higher priority than time spent with God and others.
Pope: It’s blasphemy to commit crimes in the name of God
Feb 2, 2018 / 08:00 amOn Friday Pope Francis met with participants in a conference on violence committed in the name of religion, emphasizing that to use God as justification for sin is one of the worst blasphemes, and something religious leaders must work to combat.
Two new day-trips in Italy added to Pope’s schedule
Feb 2, 2018 / 07:48 amThe Vatican announced Friday that Pope Francis has added two day-trips in Italy to his schedule for spring 2018, including his already-scheduled visit to the towns of Pietrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo for the 50th anniversary of Padre Pio’s death.
Remember you're going to die, Pope Francis counsels
Feb 1, 2018 / 09:05 amSpending time reflecting on your own death can be a freeing experience, and one that can even help us to become better people, Pope Francis said in a homily at the Casa Santa Marta Thursday.
Pope's Lenten spiritual exercises to focus on the 'Thirst of Christ'
Jan 31, 2018 / 10:00 amThe annual Lenten retreat for the Pope and members of the Roman Curia will this year focus on the theme, “Praise of Thirst.”
Find good readers for Mass, Pope Francis says
Jan 31, 2018 / 05:36 amOn Wednesday, Pope Francis spoke about the importance of the Liturgy of the Word, and the resulting importance of having lectors who can proclaim the readings and the Responsorial Psalm well.
'Holy Stairs' in Rome close for restoration
Jan 31, 2018 / 00:23 amThe ‘Scala Santa,’ or ‘Holy Stairs,’ which are believed to be stairs trod by Jesus on the day of his trial and death, have closed for a year for restoration.
Despite 'regrettable' reports, Francis is well informed on China, Vatican says
Jan 30, 2018 / 07:17 amOn Tuesday the spokesperson for the Pope, Greg Burke, sent a statement asserting that Pope Francis is well-informed on the situation of the Catholic Church in China, and that it is “regrettable” that some members of the Church have said the contrary, thereby sewing “confusion and controversy.”
'I am close to you,' Francis tells Ukrainian Catholics in Rome
Jan 28, 2018 / 10:17 amDuring a historic visit Sunday to Santa Sophia (Holy Wisdom), the national church of Ukrainian Greek Catholics in Rome, Pope Francis said that he was near to, and praying for, Ukraine, also encouraging them to not lose hope.
Pope prays for victims of 'inhumane' Afghan terrorist attack
Jan 28, 2018 / 05:12 amSunday, after leading the Angelus, Pope Francis prayed for victims of two recent attacks in Afghanistan, holding a moment of silent prayer for the more than 100 people who lost their lives, the more than 200 injured, and their families.
Pope Francis: Where Mary is, ‘the devil does not enter’
Jan 28, 2018 / 04:09 amAt Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary Major Sunday, Pope Francis said that when we go through difficult times or have problems or worries, Mary is our shield, guarding our faith and protecting us from evil.
Two 20th-century martyrs move toward beatification
Jan 27, 2018 / 05:05 amSaturday Pope Francis moved two 20th-century martyrs a step closer to sainthood, including Veronica Antal, a young Romanian woman killed during an attempted rape in 1958, and Pierre Claverie, a bishop who promoted dialogue between Muslims and Christians in Algeria.
The Church must combat euthanasia mentality, Pope says
Jan 26, 2018 / 10:04 amPope Francis met with the members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Friday, affirming the dignity of every person and emphasizing the Church’s task of accompanying the ill and suffering, especially in the face of increasing support for euthanasia.
Vatican official hopes World Meeting of Families will promote family values
Jan 25, 2018 / 12:08 pmCardinal Kevin Farrell is in charge of the World Meeting of Families being held in August, and he has said he hopes the event will revitalize family life, both in Ireland and around the world.
Pope Francis to Christians: Our common Baptism unites us
Jan 25, 2018 / 10:51 amAt an ecumenical Vespers service Thursday, Pope Francis told members of several Christian communities that the grace of Baptism creates a unity in the family of God.