Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis to meet with head of Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church

Pope Francis and the primate of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, His Beatitude Metropolitan Rastislav, will meet for the first time later this week, the Vatican announced Wednesday.

New statutes for Vatican laity, family, life office cement links with JPII Institute

The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life published updated statutes Tuesday, reconfirming their connection with the re-formed Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute, established by Pope Francis in September 2017.

Love is not just what we see in movies – it takes work, Pope Francis says  

Love is not empty words or what is depicted in romantic films – it is action and service toward others, Pope Francis said in a homily at a Roman parish Sunday.

Pope: Love demands 'all possible assistance' be given to sick and dying

God’s love requires that we give our best to each and every one of our brothers and sisters, even those who are in the final stage of their life, Pope Francis said during his Regina Coeli address Sunday.

Swiss Guards look to expand ranks as new members are sworn in

As 33 new Swiss Guards prepare to take an oath Sunday, the entire army is preparing to expand its ranks by two dozen members to respond to increasing administrative demands while ensuring guards are not overworked.

Evangelization is a priority, Francis tells Neocatechumenal Way

Catholics have a mission to evangelize, teaching people that God never tires of loving them, Pope Francis said to members of the Neocatechumenal Way Saturday at a gathering for the 50th anniversary of the movement.  

Pope Francis extends mandate of special delegate to Knights of Malta

Fifteen months after appointing Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu as his personal envoy to the Knights of Malta, Pope Francis extended the original mandate, requesting that the bishop stay in the post until the order has concluded its reform.

Vatican requests courses to fill ‘urgent need’ for training in canon law

The Vatican issued guidelines and norms Thursday for calling for new courses in canon law, designed to respond to a worldwide, “urgent need” for more people with adequate training on the topic of marriage annulments in Church law.

Knights of Malta elect Dalla Torre 80th Grand Master

Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre was elected Wednesday the 80th Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, a position usually held for life. Dalla Torre’s predecessor, Matthew Festing, resigned from the position in 2017.

Following Christ is an all or nothing deal, Pope Francis says

It is not possible to have a relationship with God if we are attached to sin and the devil, Pope Francis said Wednesday, encouraging Christians to cut those harmful ties and re-proclaim their faith in Christ and his Church.

Pope Francis makes rosary pilgrimage for peace in Syria

Pope Francis made a rosary pilgrimage May 1 to invoke intercession from the Blessed Virgin Mary for peace in Syria.

German bishops to meet with Vatican officials on intercommunion topic

The Vatican confirmed Monday that a delegation of six German bishops and one priest will meet with Vatican officials, including the head of the CDF, later this week to discuss the issue of the reception of the Eucharist by non-Catholic spouses of Catholics.

Soon-to-be beatified nurse, laywoman lived for others

Hanna Chrzanowska, a 20th-century Polish nurse and laywoman who will be beatified in Krakow Saturday, is a model of how to give of oneself for the good of others, said a priest involved with her canonization cause.

Council of Cardinals prep new constitution for Roman Curia

Pope Francis and his Council of Cardinals met this week to continue their discussion of curial reform and to work on the draft of a new apostolic constitution outlining the structure and duties of the Roman Curia.

Pope Francis: The Christian life is a battle against evil

On Wednesday Pope Francis spoke about the temptations encountered in the Christian life, encouraging the faithful not to be discouraged by the struggle, but to be reassured and strengthened by the prayers of the Church.  

Dictatorship the underlying problem in Nicaragua riots, priest says

As violent clashes continue between security forces and anti-government protestors in Nicaragua, an eye witness has said the country's underlying problem is the president's authoritarian bent.

Pope Francis to new priests: Be like Jesus the Good Shepherd

On Sunday Pope Francis ordained 16 men to the priesthood, reminding them to be like Jesus the Good Shepherd in the way they serve the members of their spiritual flock and minister to those who are lost and searching for God.

Christians must help others meet Jesus, Pope Francis says

Laywomen among new CDF appointees

On Saturday Pope Francis named five new consultors of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, including three female academics and two priests.

There's no 'maybe' when answering the Lord's call, pope says

Speaking in the southern Italian town of Alessano on Friday, Pope Francis said that we should be on fire for our faith, combining prayer and action after the example of the Italian bishop Tonino Bello.