Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
Pope Francis makes surprise 'Year of Mercy'-style visit
Mar 31, 2017 / 08:16 amAlthough the Jubilee Year of Mercy has officially ended, Pope Francis today made a surprise “Mercy Friday” visit to a center for the blind and visually impaired in Rome – showing that he doesn't think works of mercy are just for special occasions – or years.
Don't believe in hell? You haven't seen Syria lately, cardinal says
Mar 30, 2017 / 14:02 pmSix years after the start of the Civil War, Syria's apostolic nuncio said that the country is in a “bloodbath” – a situation so desperate it leaves you with the impression of being in hell.
Pope Francis prays for Iraq as civilian death toll rises
Mar 29, 2017 / 03:56 amWith the battle for major ISIS strongholds heating up in Iraq, Pope Francis has voiced his closeness to the country, praying for the safety of people on the ground, particularly civilians caught in the crosshairs of the fighting.
Pope Francis: Eliminating nuclear weapons is a moral imperative
Mar 28, 2017 / 07:55 amOn Tuesday, Pope Francis acknowledged the difficulty of totally eliminating nuclear weapons, but said the challenge is still a necessary undertaking, especially given what’s at stake.
As abuse survivor leaves, Vatican group aims to listen better to victims
Mar 27, 2017 / 09:26 amAfter a victim who suffered past clerical abuse resigned from the Vatican's anti-abuse commission, the group is aiming for more effective ways to communicate with survivors and include them in its work.
How do we solve crises? Put the person first, Pope Francis tells EU
Mar 24, 2017 / 12:04 pmBeing disconnected from the values of the past – which upheld the human person and the family – has placed us in a new era of crises, Pope Francis told European leaders. However, he noted, there is hope.
Vatican abuse prevention event 'extremely important' for Church
Mar 23, 2017 / 13:22 pmOn Thursday a Vatican event on the prevention of child abuse narrowed in on the importance of education in schools and parishes in the safeguarding of children – not only for teachers, but for parents and children – and on the Church's role.
Dublin prepares for 2018 World Meeting of Families
Mar 22, 2017 / 23:08 pmJust a little more than a year away, the Archdiocese of Dublin released a video Wednesday inviting families from around the world to come together in Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in August 2018.
Pope Francis: This Lent, seek the only ‘well’ that satisfies – Christ
Mar 19, 2017 / 05:47 amOn Sunday Pope Francis said that Lent is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the life-giving water we received at our Baptism, turning away from things of the world, which ultimately leave us unsatisfied.
Pope Francis to visit Egypt April 28-29
Mar 18, 2017 / 05:11 amIn what will be his first international trip of the year, Pope Francis will be traveling to Cairo, Egypt, April 28-29, showing that interfaith dialogue is a priority.
Pope Francis goes to confession
Mar 17, 2017 / 10:48 amAt the end of his annual Lenten penitential service on Friday, Pope Francis was the first to go to the sacrament of confession, afterward hearing the confessions of seven laypeople, three men and four women, in attendance.
Pope Francis and Lebanese president talk Syrian war
Mar 16, 2017 / 10:07 amWith the 6th anniversary of the start of the Syrian war as backdrop this week, Pope Francis met Thursday morning with the President of Lebanon, Michel Aoun.
Rapid City native appointed as next bishop of Cheyenne
Mar 16, 2017 / 08:22 amOn Thursday the Vatican announced that Pope Francis has chosen Fr. Steven Biegler, a native of Rapid City, South Dakota, as the next bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne, WY.
How to love well according to Pope Francis: it starts with God
Mar 15, 2017 / 05:33 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis warned against the hypocrisy that comes from believing that the ability to genuinely love others is based on our own efforts or goodness, rather than being only and always a gift from God.
How Pope Francis' sincere humanity has shaped his pontificate
Mar 14, 2017 / 15:05 pmRather than a weakness, Pope Francis' humanity – and his acknowledgment of it – has been a source of strength and impact during the four years of his pontificate, said Vatican's press office director.
He's back! Pope Francis returns to Rome grateful for spiritual retreat
Mar 10, 2017 / 05:15 amAfter spending a week in Ariccia with members of the Curia for their annual Lenten spiritual exercises, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican Friday with words of gratitude and his own brief reflection.
She grew up in the art world – now she's leading the Vatican museums
Mar 9, 2017 / 03:02 amBarbara Jatta, the newest director of the Vatican museums, and the first woman to hold the position, said that working with art was a natural path for her to follow – and she can’t imagine a better place to do so.
Former Bank of America exec tapped as next Washington auxiliary
Mar 8, 2017 / 06:13 amOn Wednesday the Vatican announced Pope Francis’ appointment of Fr. Roy Edward Campbell, Jr., a former vice-president for Bank of America, as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington.
St. Louis native 'honored' to be archdiocese's next auxiliary bishop
Mar 7, 2017 / 08:54 amThe Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Francis has chosen Msgr. Mark S. Rivituso, currently the archdiocese’s Vicar General, to be the next auxiliary bishop of St. Louis under Archbishop Robert J. Carlson.
Do you read the Bible as often as you check your phone? Francis asks
Mar 5, 2017 / 05:22 amOn the first Sunday of Lent, Pope Francis said if we want to fight against the temptation of sin, we must be familiar with the Word of God – treating the Bible more like how we treat our cellphone.