Articles by Courtney Mares
Pope Francis explains why Catholics make the sign of the cross
Jun 4, 2023 / 06:05 amSpeaking on the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the pope highlighted how the simple gesture is a sign of the central mystery of Christian faith.
Pope Francis to travel to Mongolia on Aug. 31
Jun 3, 2023 / 05:30 amThe trip will make Pope Francis the first pope to visit the Asian country that shares a 2,880-mile border with China, its most significant economic partner.
Cardinal Sarah to theology students: ‘The more we know the Lord the more we can love him’
Jun 1, 2023 / 10:15 amAt a Mass at the Angelicum in Rome, the Cardinal Robert Sarah spoke about the danger of division in the Church and the importance of prayer.
Pope Francis praises Matteo Ricci for proclaiming the Gospel in China
May 31, 2023 / 05:30 amThe pope dedicated his entire catechesis to sharing the life of Venerable Matteo Ricci, a 16th-century Jesuit missionary in China.
From Hinduism to Catholicism: How Blessed Carlo Acutis inspired a man to convert
May 30, 2023 / 12:05 pmThe son of a Brahman Hindu priest became a Catholic through young Carlo Acutis’ joyful witness to the Eucharist and his love for the poor.
Pope Francis meets with young cancer patients: ‘Jesus is always close to you’
May 30, 2023 / 11:30 amPope Francis welcomed pediatric cancer patients from Poland to the Vatican on Monday.
Pope Francis elevates Las Vegas to a metropolitan archdiocese
May 30, 2023 / 06:10 amThe Vatican announced on May 30 that Bishop George Leo Thomas will be the first metropolitan archbishop of Las Vegas.
PHOTOS: Discover 8 beautiful images of the Virgin Mary in St. Peter’s Basilica
May 29, 2023 / 10:30 amFrom Michelangelo’s Pieta to a 12th-century painting, St. Peter’s Basilica contains priceless sacred art depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Vatican releases pastoral reflection on Christian engagement with social media
May 29, 2023 / 04:30 amTopics covered include information overload, constant scrolling, not giving others one’s full attention, being an “influencer,” and more.
Pope Francis encourages Marian shrines around the world to pray for Synod on Synodality
May 28, 2023 / 07:15 amFrom the Philippines to Portugal, Marian shrines around the world will participate in a special day of prayer this Wednesday for the work of the synod.
On Pentecost, Pope Francis says Holy Spirit can bring harmony to ‘a polarized Church’
May 28, 2023 / 05:15 am“Let us put the Holy Spirit back at the center of the Church; otherwise, our hearts will not be consumed by love for Jesus but by love for ourselves.”
Nearly 30,000 abortions in Ireland since referendum came into effect, pro-life group says
May 25, 2023 / 14:15 pmFive years after Irish voters rejected the constitutional amendment that protected “the right to life of the unborn,” more than 28,800 abortions have occurred.
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald retires after 4 decades serving Archdiocese of Philadelphia
May 24, 2023 / 05:45 amWith degrees in both civil and canon law, Fitzgerald served as the judicial vicar and the founding director of the Office for Legal Services for the archdiocese.
PHOTOS: Rosary procession in St. Peter’s Square honors the Blessed Virgin Mary
May 22, 2023 / 13:00 pmSt. Peter’s Square was illuminated by candlelight Saturday night as pilgrims prayed the rosary in a procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A surfing saint? Pope Francis recognizes the heroic virtue of Guido Schäffer
May 22, 2023 / 11:15 amBrazil’s “Surfer Angel” was a seminarian, a doctor, and a surfer who drowned while surfing in 2009 off the coast of Rio de Janeiro at age 34.
It’s official: Pope Francis will travel to World Youth Day, visit Fatima
May 22, 2023 / 04:40 amThe Lisbon trip will mark the 86-year-old pope’s fourth World Youth Day after taking part in the international Catholic gatherings in Panama, Poland, and Brazil.
Pope Francis on G7 Summit: Nuclear deterrence offers ‘only an illusion of peace’
May 21, 2023 / 08:40 amIn Hiroshima, G7 leaders issued their first-ever statement on nuclear disarmament, with a special focus on Russia.
Pope Francis: ‘We must not get used to war!’
May 21, 2023 / 06:40 amThe pope also prayed for peace in Sudan, where fighting between the country’s military and a coalition of paramilitary forces has killed hundreds.
Guard opens fire as man drives car into Vatican; suspect in custody
May 18, 2023 / 15:13 pmAn unidentified man is in custody after driving a car at high speed through a gate at the Vatican Thursday, the Holy See press office said.
Pope Francis offers condolences after 9 die in northern Italy floods
May 18, 2023 / 07:00 amThousands have been evacuated from the worst-hit areas, which include Ravenna, a city famous for its churches’ sixth-century Byzantine mosaics.