Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
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.
Rome's poor to be guests of honor at Vatican concert
Oct 26, 2016 / 09:48 amThe Vatican will host a concert for the poor and homeless of Rome next month, not only using the concert to raise money for Pope Francis’ charities, but also inviting the poor to attend as the guests of honor.
To welcome the stranger is to welcome Christ, Pope Francis says
Oct 26, 2016 / 04:09 amWhen we perform the corporal works of mercy – specifically welcoming the stranger in the form migrants and refugees – we are welcoming Christ in them, and helping to restore their full dignity as humans, Pope Francis said Wednesday.
Vatican: Cremated bodies may not be scattered
Oct 25, 2016 / 08:44 amThe Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released an instruction Tuesday regarding burial and cremation, reiterating the Church's teaching that cremation, while strongly discouraged, can be permissible under certain restrictions – and that scattering the ashes is forbidden.
A message from Rome on the power of liturgical music
Oct 24, 2016 / 14:17 pmLiturgical music has the ability to communicate the love of God – and it's this message that gives it the power to help bring others to Christ, said the choir director of the Diocese of Rome.
Be 'men for others', not wrapped up in clericalism, Francis tells Jesuits
Oct 24, 2016 / 09:52 amBringing all people the lasting joy of the Church should be the focus of their service, Pope Francis told representatives of the Jesuits on Monday, as he urged them to shun pursuit of worldly leadership and position.
The reality of poverty is challenging, but don't avoid it, Pope says
Oct 19, 2016 / 03:35 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis said that while donating money to charity might make us feel good, seeing real poverty in the flesh is a challenge we have to face, rather than trying to avoid it.
The Memorial of Moses reopens, where he viewed the Promised Land
Oct 18, 2016 / 23:08 pmAfter 10 years of renovations the Memorial Sanctuary of Moses on Mount Nebo has reopened, highlighting the importance of sacred art and holy spaces in the preservation of the faith.