Hannah Brockhaus

Hannah Brockhaus

Hannah Brockhaus is Catholic News Agency's senior Rome correspondent. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and has a degree in English from Truman State University in Missouri.

Articles by Hannah Brockhaus

Vatican weekly paper gets a facelift

Jan 11, 2017 / 13:33 pm

On Tuesday, the Vatican unveiled a “new and improved” weekly edition of its newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, which will begin with the Jan. 19 issue, and include updates to both content and the newspaper’s look, according to the director.  

First Filipino to lead a US diocese will take reins in Salt Lake City

Jan 10, 2017 / 08:45 am

On Tuesday the Vatican announced the appointment of Filipino-born Bishop Oscar A. Solis, currently an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as the new head of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Although trips can be tiring, Pope says people make the effort 'worth it'

Jan 8, 2017 / 13:00 pm

In a new interview published Sunday, Pope Francis said that though his many papal trips are often very tiring, both from a physical and mental standpoint, the people he encounters and the testimonies he hears make all of it worthwhile.

The homeless need urgent prayers in cold winter months, Pope says

Jan 8, 2017 / 07:15 am

On Sunday Pope Francis announced that his “urgent” prayer for the month of January is for all those who live on the streets with no shelter, expecially during the cold winter weather.

Pope Francis to parents: teach your children the faith by example

Jan 8, 2017 / 05:18 am

Pope Francis Sunday baptized 28 babies during Mass in the Sistine Chapel, reminding parents that by asking for the Sacrament of Baptism, the gift of faith, for their child, they have a responsibility to guard it and to help it deepen.

Pope Francis: the Magi represent everyone who seeks God

Jan 6, 2017 / 04:47 am

On Friday, the Feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis said that the Magi are not just men who sought out and worshiped the Christ-child a long time ago – they exemplify everyone who has a restless heart, everyone searching for God.

Salesians in India hold prayer vigil for release of Fr. Tom

Jan 4, 2017 / 09:47 am

Salesians in the Bangalore province of India held a prayer vigil Jan. 4 for the release of Salesian priest Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, who was kidnapped in Yemen March 4, 2016.

There are no words for the loss of a child, but there is still hope, Pope says

Jan 4, 2017 / 04:59 am

While no words or gestures will ever be enough to comfort the pain experienced by those who have lost a child, Pope Francis said that God’s response to our tears is the offer of hope – hope in the promise of eternal life.

After Istanbul attack, Pope prays for those who fight 'bloody stain' of terrorism

Jan 1, 2017 / 07:03 am

On the first day of the new year and the 50th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis condemned a terrorist attack which took place in Istanbul early Sunday morning, praying for the victims, the injured and in support of everyone who works to fight violence and terrorism.

Pope on New Year’s Day: Mary’s motherhood teaches us humility, tenderness

Jan 1, 2017 / 04:01 am

At the start of the new year, Pope Francis said that celebrating Mary, the Mother of God, highlights a beautiful aspect of our faith: that Mary is our mother too, and that by her example we can learn to practice virtue and self-sacrifice in our own lives.

On Christmas Day, Pope Francis prays for peace around the world

Dec 25, 2016 / 05:36 am

In his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing Christmas Day, Pope Francis prayed that the Child Jesus, also called the Prince of Peace, would bring a real and lasting peace to everyone suffering from violence and conflict around the world.

Pope Francis meets with Colombian leaders in wake of peace deal

Dec 16, 2016 / 11:45 am

Pope Francis met Friday morning with Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón and former president Senator Álvaro Uribe Vélez, as the country works to finalize a peace accord which would end a 52-year conflict between the government and rebel groups.

New Biloxi bishop humbled, joyed by his appointment

Dec 16, 2016 / 06:02 am

On Friday the Vatican announced that Pope Francis accepted the retirement of Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi, and appointed Louisiana native Msgr. Louis Kihneman as his successor.

Mary models for the sick 'surrender to God's will'

Dec 15, 2016 / 10:04 am

Pope Francis on Thursday announced the theme for the 25th World Day of the Sick, “Amazement at what God has accomplished,” explaining that in difficult circumstances we should look to Mary as an example of how to embrace God’s will for our lives.

Pope to ambassadors: make 'courageous' choice for nonviolence

Dec 15, 2016 / 05:17 am

On Thursday Pope Francis accepted the credentials of six new ambassadors to the Holy See, urging them to work toward promoting the common good in their respective countries by adopting tactics of nonviolence at a political level.

Pope: the world desperately needs hope – and we are the messengers

Dec 14, 2016 / 04:54 am

Pope Francis Wednesday spoke about the hope that the Child Jesus brings at Christmastime, saying it is our duty to be the messengers who bring his message to the world – a world that is thirsting for goodness.

In stressing error of clericalism, Francis calls for humble priests

Dec 13, 2016 / 16:50 pm

In his homily at Mass Tuesday, Pope Francis spoke harshly about what he considers one of the great dangers of clericalism: that it alienates members of the Church by refusing to be close to them, and reinforces the belief that priests are above the laity.

Pope Francis sends condolences on death of Opus Dei leader

Dec 13, 2016 / 09:42 am

On hearing of the Dec. 12 death of Bishop Javier Echevarría Rodríguez, the Prelate of Opus Dei, Pope Francis sent a telegram Tuesday expressing his deep sympathy to the members of the organization and to Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz Braña, auxiliary vicar.

Juneau bishop to head Dallas diocese

Dec 13, 2016 / 08:02 am

After what was a very short vacancy for the Diocese of Dallas, the Vatican announced Tuesday that Bishop Edward J. Burns of Juneau will now take the reigns.

Traveling display notes struggle, hope of displaced Ukrainians

Dec 13, 2016 / 00:02 am

A traveling exhibit currently set up in Rome’s St. Silvester Square highlights the difficulties – as well as the strength, resilience, and hope – of Ukrainians who have had to flee their homes due to ongoing conflict in the country’s eastern regions.