Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
Bishop says the Christian influence in Jordan is still strong
Feb 10, 2017 / 00:02 amJerusalem Bishop William Shomali, newly appointed to the Latin Patriarchate of Jordan, says that although Christians are a very small minority in Jordan, through the Catholic schools, hospitals and charities their presence is strongly felt in the communities.
Vatican meeting calls organ trafficking a crime against humanity
Feb 9, 2017 / 15:07 pmAfter a conference on organ trafficking at the Vatican Feb. 7-8, participants signed a statement agreeing to unite in fighting the crime of organ trafficking – submitting 11 proposals for implementation by healthcare and law enforcement professionals around the world.
St Josephine Bakhita, former slave, is patron of trafficking victims
Feb 8, 2017 / 00:08 amAs human trafficking continues to be a supremely important issue during Pope Francis’ pontificate, with an estimated 20 million victims worldwide, St. Josephine Bakhita, enslaved during her own childhood, has emerged as a patron not only for her home country of Sudan, but for all victims of trafficking.
Vatican official: The bishops 'are speaking clearly' on refugees
Feb 6, 2017 / 18:45 pmIn the wake of President Donald Trump’s recent policy on refugees, U.S. Catholics should stay close to their bishops, who are providing a clear, correct and unified response to the issue, a Vatican official said.
Despite terror, Aleppo's Christians have hope, desire to rebuild
Feb 2, 2017 / 16:02 pmDespite the destruction caused by nearly six years of conflict between rebels and pro-government forces, the people in Aleppo, especially the Christians, are filled with vitality, hope, and a desire to rebuild, to return to a normal life, a Vatican official said after a recent visit to the city.
You are called to be leaven, Pope tells consecrated men, women
Feb 2, 2017 / 11:24 amEveryone, but especially consecrated men and women, Pope Francis said Thursday, are called to be leaven in the world, bringing Christ to the people – even when it seems like the work goes unnoticed, or there is another who would do a better job.
The Resurrection is more than a wish – it's a reality, Pope Francis says
Feb 1, 2017 / 06:47 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis said the Christian belief in the Resurrection of Christ and in our own resurrection at the end of time is more than just wishful thinking, but rather implies confidence in something certain.
Iraqis' experiences recall 'what it means to live as a Christian'
Feb 1, 2017 / 06:01 amAn Iraqi priest who was forced to flee his village when the Islamic State seized the area in 2014 said the hardship and persecution Christians in Iraq have experienced has taught them what it really means to fully live out their faith.
Pope Francis: Jesus was concerned with people, not popularity
Jan 31, 2017 / 08:49 amJesus wasn’t worried about his polling results, Pope Francis said Tuesday – instead, he was concerned with each and every person, seeing everything about them, even those things which were seemingly small or inconsequential.
For Pope Francis, martyrs are the strength of the Church
Jan 30, 2017 / 10:37 amPope Francis said Monday the strength of the Church does not reside primarily in grand gestures, but in the quiet faith of Christians in minority areas, who continue to practice even in the face of persecution and martyrdom.
Pope Francis condemns shooting at Quebec mosque
Jan 30, 2017 / 09:34 amPope Francis met Monday with Cardinal Gérald Lacroix of Quebec, conveying his sorrow for the victims of a shooting the night before in a mosque in Quebec City. He condemned the attack, saying Christians and Muslims should unite in prayer over the tragedy.
Why the Vatican thinks priests should learn about art, beauty
Jan 29, 2017 / 16:02 pmUgly churches with bad acoustics don't do justice to the richness and beauty of the liturgy – and it's this connection between art and faith that's vital for priests to understand today, a Vatican official insists.
Devastating wildfires in Chile prompt message from Pope Francis
Jan 26, 2017 / 10:21 amPope Francis sent a letter to Chile voicing his nearness to everyone suffering from the devastating effects of more than 100 wildfires, which have ravaged areas of the country for over a week now.
Pope Francis appoints two new auxiliary bishops for Milwaukee
Jan 25, 2017 / 07:11 amOn Wednesday, the Vatican announced the appointment of two priests from Milwaukee – Fr. Jeffrey R. Haines and Fr. James T. Schuerman – to serve as auxiliary bishops for the archdiocese.
Trusting in God means letting go of what we want, Pope says
Jan 25, 2017 / 06:28 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis said having total faith and trust in God means recognizing that he always knows and wants what is best for us, even if it’s hard to accept because it doesn’t align with our own plans.
Pope Francis: The Christian life is about showing up
Jan 24, 2017 / 11:43 amTo live a Christian life, we can’t run away or hide from God’s will, Pope Francis said Tuesday. Rather, we must continuously show up – speaking to God in prayer and striving to do his will.
Vatican sends team to Aleppo in support of those suffering from the war
Jan 24, 2017 / 08:57 amOn behalf of Pope Francis, the secretary of the new Vatican department for Promoting Integral Human Development made a six-day visit to the Syrian city of Aleppo, ravaged by years of conflict between rebels and pro-government forces.
On Trump presidency, Pope says we must 'wait and see'
Jan 22, 2017 / 08:05 amIn a new interview published Saturday, Pope Francis said he will wait to see what U.S. President Donald J. Trump does before making any judgments, emphasizing God’s own patience with him and his faults.
Pope leads 'Hail Mary' for those affected by latest disasters in Italy
Jan 22, 2017 / 04:56 amAfter his Angelus address Sunday Pope Francis prayed for those who have lost family and friends after the latest set of earthquakes in central Italy this past week, as well as for all those who provide assistance, including rescue workers.
Pope to Dominicans: Your good works give glory to God
Jan 21, 2017 / 10:50 amSaturday Pope Francis encouraged Dominicans to persevere in their good works of the last 800 years, which have been like the “salt” and “light” of Christ, spreading the Gospel throughout the world.