Articles by Courtney Mares
Vatican secretary of state calls Cuba prisoner release ‘a sign of great hope’
Jan 16, 2025 / 09:30 amCardinal Pietro Parolin also commented on Biden’s commutation of death sentences for 37 death row inmates, expressing hope there will be more “gestures of clemency.”
A look at Vatican City’s new artificial intelligence law
Jan 14, 2025 / 14:00 pmThe decree titled “Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence” was enacted by the Pontifical Commission of Vatican City State and came into effect on Jan. 1.
Sister Clare Crockett’s beatification cause opens in Spain
Jan 13, 2025 / 11:50 amCrockett, who died in a 2016 earthquake in Ecuador at the age of 33, is now titled “servant of God,” the first step in the Catholic Church’s path to sainthood.
PHOTOS: New Jubilee tour of Vatican Gardens at Castel Gandolfo highlights beauty of creation
Jan 11, 2025 / 06:00 amA new tour for Jubilee 2025 of the Vatican Gardens at the pope’s summer palace in Castel Gandolfo aims to bring Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ to life.
American cardinal opens final jubilee Holy Door in Rome
Jan 5, 2025 / 10:42 amPilgrims who visit Rome during the jubilee, a holy year celebrated every 25 years, will have the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence by passing through the doors.
Pope Francis: Bring hope with a ‘yes to life’ in jubilee year
Jan 5, 2025 / 09:35 am“Let us not be afraid to throw open bright windows of closeness to those who are suffering, of forgiveness, of compassion, and reconciliation,” Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis ‘deeply saddened’ by New Orleans attack, offers prayers
Jan 2, 2025 / 09:40 amThe pope sent a condolence message to New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond on Jan. 2 offering prayers for the souls of the deceased.
Pope Francis prays for persecuted Christians on feast of St. Stephen
Dec 26, 2024 / 13:30 pmIn his Angelus address on Dec. 26, Pope Francis reflected on Stephen’s last words as he was being stoned to death: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Special report: Inside the prison as Pope Francis opens the Jubilee Holy Door
Dec 26, 2024 / 12:45 pmThe intimate Mass led by Pope Francis marked a historic moment — the first opening of a jubilee Holy Door within a prison.
The little-known story of a saint’s Christmas vision of the infant Jesus in Rome
Dec 24, 2024 / 06:00 amThe experience of the newborn Jesus occurred within the storied walls of the Marian basilica’s Chapel of the Nativity, where St. Cajetan of Thiene prayed.
Knights of Columbus donate mobile broadcasting unit to Vatican for 2025 Jubilee
Dec 23, 2024 / 14:30 pmThe new vehicle, unveiled on Dec. 21, was blessed by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
PHOTOS: Christmas in Rome as first Jubilee pilgrims arrive in Eternal City
Dec 20, 2024 / 13:35 pmPope Francis will open five jubilee Holy Doors in the Christmas season between Dec. 24 and Jan. 6.
Pope Francis declares French Martyrs of Compiègne saints via equipollent canonization
Dec 18, 2024 / 11:17 amMother Teresa of St. Augustine and her 15 companions, who were guillotined in Paris as they sang hymns of praise, are now saints in the Catholic Church.
Living Advent with hope and charity: lessons from Mother Teresa’s sisters
Dec 16, 2024 / 14:30 pmFor the Missionaries of Charity, whose charism is to serve “the poorest of the poor,” Advent isn’t just for a liturgical season — it is a way of life.
How could the Holy House of Mary in Nazareth have ended up in Loreto, Italy?
Dec 10, 2024 / 04:00 amCatholic pilgrims have flocked to the Holy House of Loreto since the 14th century to stand inside the walls where tradition holds the Virgin Mary was born.
Vatican could reportedly restrict Latin Mass for Chartres pilgrimage, French media claims
Dec 6, 2024 / 09:55 amThe three-day walking pilgrimage from Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to the Chartres over Pentecost weekend culminates in a massive Latin Mass.
Scientists and CEOs share big ideas at Vatican ethical innovation summit
Nov 27, 2024 / 13:35 pmThis week's World Changers Ethical & Innovation Summit at the Vatican's Pontifical Lateran University showcased groundbreaking ideas for innovation in various fields.
Here is the miracle that now paves the way for Pier Giorgio Frassati’s canonization
Nov 25, 2024 / 12:45 pmPope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati’s intercession on Monday, which will allow for his canonization during the Church’s Jubilee of Youth next summer.
Pope Francis announces 2025 canonizations for Carlo Acutis, Pier Giorgio Frassati
Nov 20, 2024 / 05:58 amThe surprise announcement came at the conclusion of the pope’s weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square as Francis celebrated World Children’s Day.
Cardinals test out virtual reality headsets at new AI-inspired jubilee art exhibit
Nov 14, 2024 / 13:50 pmThe exhibit, titled “Interconnected Hearts: Taiwan Contemporary Art Exhibition 2024,” is hosted at the Republic of China’s Embassy to the Holy See.