Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
In stressing error of clericalism, Francis calls for humble priests
Dec 13, 2016 / 16:50 pmIn 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 amOn 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 amAfter 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 amA 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.
Pope Francis prays for Aleppo, victims of recent terrorist attacks
Dec 11, 2016 / 07:08 amDuring the Angelus for the third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis made a special appeal for prayers for the people of Aleppo and Syria, and for all those affected by the recent terrorist attacks which have taken place in places such as Turkey and Egypt.
Pope to seminarians: Don't let self-interest get in the way of ministry
Dec 10, 2016 / 11:31 amOn Saturday Pope Francis spoke to seminarians about the three-fold ministry of the priest: welcoming and including all, forming good relationships with God and others, and avoiding the pitfall of narcissism.
As Vatican lights Christmas tree, Pope reflects on Nativity scene
Dec 9, 2016 / 11:21 amAs Christmas approaches, the Nativity scenes found in churches and homes around the world bid us to make room for Jesus both in our lives and in society, Pope Francis said shortly before the lighting of the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square Friday.
Pope Francis: Through beauty, artists make the world better
Dec 7, 2016 / 14:36 pmBeauty, under the care of artists, has the ability to transform even the everyday lives of men and women, Pope Francis said in a message for the annual meeting of the Pontifical Academies on Tuesday.
Women at the Vatican form association for solidarity
Dec 7, 2016 / 14:06 pmA new association for women working in the Vatican announced Wednesday provides a personal and professional network for women to offer support to each other and to the community.
Vatican calls for trust, responsibility on nuclear technology
Dec 6, 2016 / 12:26 pmIn order to realize the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons the discourse of the international community surrounding nuclear security must be based on an ethic of trust, responsibility, and cooperation – not fear and suspicion, Vatican official Msgr. Antoine Camilleri said Tuesday.
Vatican's anti-abuse commission launches new website
Dec 6, 2016 / 06:16 amThe Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors launched a new website Tuesday, which is designed to help inform the public about their work, and includes resources for Church leaders on safeguarding children and caring for survivors.
Pope Francis: Don't whitewash your sins – let God heal you
Dec 5, 2016 / 10:22 amAs Christmas approaches, don't downplay your sins, Pope Francis said. Instead, name them honestly in the Sacrament of Confession, open your heart, and ask the Lord to heal you from within.
Two parish priests chosen as next auxiliary bishops of Baltimore
Dec 5, 2016 / 07:00 amUpon accepting the resignation of Bishop Denis Madden, Pope Francis has appointed two priests to be the next auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Vatican announced Monday.
In new interview, Pope reflects on close of Jubilee
Nov 18, 2016 / 06:08 amIn a lengthy new interview, Pope Francis opened up about his thoughts on the Jubilee of Mercy as well as progress made in the field of ecumenism, both of which he said have roots in the Second Vatican Council.
There is no justification for killing innocent people, Pope says
Nov 17, 2016 / 08:37 amIn a meeting with the Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Thursday, Pope Francis criticized ongoing violence in Iraq and Syria, saying no motive can justify or allow the killing of innocent people, especially children.
At next world's fair, Vatican to promote 'energy for the common good'
Nov 16, 2016 / 11:10 amAhead of the next international exposition, to be held in Kazakhstan during the summer of 2017, the Vatican announced Wednesday its participation under the theme “Energy for the Common Good: Caring for our Common Home.”
Pope reminds Catholics to practice what they preach
Nov 16, 2016 / 04:21 amThe spiritual works of mercy – especially teaching the faith and putting up with the annoyances of others – are very important, Pope Francis said Wednesday, but first we must examine our own conscience to see if we are practicing the things we preach.
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.