Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican goes green, amps up recycling efforts
Nov 15, 2016 / 11:33 amA year after Pope Francis released his encyclical on the environment, Laudato si', the Vatican has stepped up its efforts in the recycling game by creating a new central waste collection point within Vatican City.
Homeless persons find a spiritual father in Pope Francis
Nov 14, 2016 / 12:06 pmAlways close to his heart, around 3,600 homeless men and women were given the chance to be also physically near the Pope this weekend – and near the heart of the Church – as they participated in the Jubilee of Mercy.
As Year of Mercy ends, Holy Doors close around the world
Nov 13, 2016 / 13:09 pmAs Holy Doors close in churches and basilicas around the world, including in Rome, it is estimated that over 20 million people participated in the Church’s Jubilee Year of Mercy at the Vatican – and a billion people may have participated in churches worldwide.
What's most important? God and our neighbor, Pope says
Nov 13, 2016 / 09:19 amThe reality that everything in this world is passing shouldn’t frighten us, Pope Francis said, but instead it should strengthen us to place our trust completely in Christ, recognizing that what is truly important endures: the Lord and our neighbor.
Pope Francis appoints new bishop of Hong Kong
Nov 13, 2016 / 05:17 amPope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung Coadjutor Bishop of the diocese of Hong Kong, the Vatican announced Sunday.
Pope Francis: the Church's mercy is for everyone
Nov 12, 2016 / 09:01 amPope Francis spoke to pilgrims about how the mercy of God is for everyone, and how through the Church, we are all called to embrace and include everyone in the Body of Christ.
Pope tells homeless greater solidarity is found in poverty than wealth
Nov 11, 2016 / 10:29 amAfter hearing testimonies from two homeless men Friday, Pope Francis spoke off-the-cuff about the dignity and solidarity that can be found in poverty, but which is often lacking in situations of wealth.
Unity is not the same as uniformity, Pope Francis says
Nov 10, 2016 / 08:25 amOn Thursday, Pope Francis spoke about Christian unity and ecumenism, specifically what they are not. Namely, they aren’t about uniformity or the total absorption of one religion by another, but instead consist of a common communion in Christ.
We have to meet people where they are, Pope Francis says
Nov 9, 2016 / 06:30 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis said that in order to be more like Jesus, we must not be indifferent to others, but rather meet people where they are and show mercy to those in need, especially the sick and imprisoned.
What is a leader, really? A servant, Pope Francis says
Nov 8, 2016 / 10:22 amDuring Mass at the Vatican Tuesday, Pope Francis warned that the desire for power and money is an obstacle which keeps us from God, and that true freedom can only be found when we serve others.
Pope Francis lauds women religious in fight against trafficking
Nov 7, 2016 / 15:07 pmPope Francis met in Rome with a unique group involved in the fight against human trafficking, where he noted the particular contributions of women religious, which often go unnoticed.
Reported bishop ordinations in China not authorized by Holy See
Nov 7, 2016 / 08:45 amA statement made by the Vatican on Monday declared that unverified reports of bishop ordinations taking place within the so-called “underground Church” in China had neither the authorization of the Holy See, nor had they been officially communicated.
Anyone could be forced to migrate, Pope says in latest prayer video
Nov 4, 2016 / 07:37 amIn his most recent prayer video, Pope Francis focuses on migrants, refugees and countries who assist them, stressing that it's possible for anyone to be placed in a situation forcing them to leave home.
Pope honors deceased bishops, says death unites us more fully in Christ
Nov 4, 2016 / 05:36 amReflecting on the faithful work of the bishops and cardinals who have died in the past 12 months, Pope Francis said Friday that death does not separate us, but in fact unites us more closely in the Body of Christ.
Pope calls on religions to condemn acts of terrorism, violence
Nov 3, 2016 / 05:03 amPope Francis spoke to representatives of different religions Thursday, telling them that acts of terrorism and violence must be very clearly condemned, while love and mercy – the heart of authentic religion – must be promoted.
Pope Francis at cemetery: Christ gives us hope – even in death
Nov 2, 2016 / 09:57 amWhile it's sad to think about our own death or that of a loved one, we can never be truly hopeless because of Christ's resurrection, Pope Francis said on All Souls day at a cemetery outside of Rome.
Pope Francis reiterates a strong 'no' to women priests
Nov 1, 2016 / 09:36 amDuring a press conference Tuesday aboard the papal plane from Sweden to Rome, Pope Francis said the issue of women priests has been clearly decided, while also clarifying the essential role of women in the Catholic Church.
With God alone Christian unity is possible, Pope says in Sweden
Oct 31, 2016 / 10:34 amHours after landing in Sweden Pope Francis said that without God we can do nothing, but with him Catholics and Lutherans can work toward greater unity – not in order to forget the past, but to heal it so all Christians can be better witnesses of God’s mercy.
Pope prays for central Italy after second major earthquake
Oct 30, 2016 / 05:01 amSunday Pope Francis expressed his nearness to everyone affected by an earthquake which hit central Italy Sunday morning, asking for the Blessed Virgin Mary to watch over them.
To stop human trafficking, look at root causes, survivor says
Oct 27, 2016 / 14:26 pmHelping the victims of human trafficking is not enough – we must go to the root to solve the problem, said one survivor at an event with Pope Francis on Thursday.