Articles by Courtney Mares
Cardinal Müller: Media image of ‘two popes’ threatens papacy as a ‘principle of unity’
Jan 12, 2021 / 06:05 amThe former head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office has said that today’s media environment is undermining theological truths that are the foundation of Church unity.
Pope Francis admits women to ministries of lector and acolyte in new motu proprio
Jan 11, 2021 / 04:05 amPope Francis issued a motu proprio Monday that changes canon law to allow women to serve as lectors and acolytes.
Pope Francis asks Immaculate Virgin Mary to intercede for US after Capitol violence
Jan 10, 2021 / 05:30 amPope Francis prayed Sunday for the United States asking the Immaculate Virgin Mary to help foster a “culture of encounter” after the recent violence at the U.S. Capitol Building.
New Swiss Guard recruits arrive in Rome to complete basic training
Jan 7, 2021 / 13:00 pmFifteen new Swiss Guard recruits have arrived in Rome to complete their basic training.
‘A martyr who died laughing’: Cause of priest imprisoned by Nazis and communists advances
Jan 7, 2021 / 07:10 amThe sainthood cause of a Catholic priest who was imprisoned by both the Nazis and the communists has advanced with the conclusion of the initial diocesan phase of the cause.
Lebanese cardinal urges leaders to help country avoid ‘total collapse’
Jan 5, 2021 / 12:30 pmLebanon’s Maronite patriarch has said that the country could be facing “the risk of total collapse” amid a deepening economic and political crisis.
Catholic bishop in Iceland appeals for lifting of 10-person Mass limit
Jan 5, 2021 / 08:35 amIceland’s only Catholic bishop has called on the government to lift the country’s 10-person limit on Mass attendance, arguing that it is an “unfair discrepancy” within the current coronavirus measures.
Pope Francis calls for a commitment to 'take care of each other' in 2021
Jan 3, 2021 / 09:30 amPope Francis warned Sunday against the temptation to ignore the suffering of others during the coronavirus pandemic and said that things will get better in the new year to the extent to which the needs of the weakest and most disadvantaged are prioritized.
Pope Francis accepts resignation of Archbishop Kondrusiewicz days after return to Belarus from exile
Jan 3, 2021 / 06:15 amLess than two weeks after Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz of Minsk was allowed to return to Belarus after a four-month exile, the Vatican announced Sunday that Pope Francis had accepted the archbishop’s resignation on his 75th birthday.
Vatican City set to launch COVID-19 vaccinations this month
Jan 2, 2021 / 09:00 amCoronavirus vaccines are scheduled to arrive in Vatican City next week, according to the Vatican director of health and hygiene.
Pope Francis on Christmas Eve: The poor manger was rich in love
Dec 24, 2020 / 13:00 pmOn Christmas Eve, Pope Francis said that the poverty of Christ’s birth in a stable contains an important lesson for today.
Pope Francis pens Christmas letter to 'beloved people of Lebanon'
Dec 24, 2020 / 07:30 amPope Francis has written a Christmas letter to the people of Lebanon encouraging them to trust in God during times of crisis.
First known nativity scene figurines can now be seen in St. Mary Major Basilica
Dec 23, 2020 / 11:00 amThe first known nativity scene figurines are on display this Christmas in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas.
Pope Francis: 'Christmas is the feast of love incarnate'
Dec 23, 2020 / 04:00 amPope Francis said Wednesday that Christmas brings joy and strength that can remove the pessimism that has spread in human hearts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Judge killed by mafia to be beatified
Dec 22, 2020 / 06:30 amPope Francis has recognized the martyrdom of Rosario Livatino, a judge who was brutally killed by the mafia on his commute to work at a courthouse in Sicily.
Vatican says COVID-19 vaccines ‘morally acceptable’ when no alternatives are available
Dec 21, 2020 / 10:50 amThe Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith stated Monday that it is “morally acceptable” to receive COVID-19 vaccines produced using cell lines from aborted fetuses when no alternative is available.
Pope Francis urges Roman Curia to confront the 'ecclesial crisis'
Dec 21, 2020 / 07:00 amPope Francis urged the Roman Curia Monday not to view the Church in terms of conflict, but to see the current “ecclesial crisis” as a call to renewal.
Catholic archbishop: papal visit could ‘change trajectory’ of Christian presence in Iraq
Dec 18, 2020 / 08:00 amIraqi Archbishop Bashar Warda has said that Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the country could be a turning point for the country’s diminished Christian population, who face ongoing challenges amid Iraq’s looming economic crisis.
Pope Francis calls for ‘culture of care’ in 2021 World Peace Day message
Dec 17, 2020 / 06:05 amPope Francis appealed for a “culture of care” in his message for the 2021 World Day of Peace released Thursday.
As abducted Catholic priest is freed, congregation prays for kidnappers’ conversion
Dec 17, 2020 / 03:30 amAfter abducted Nigerian priest Fr. Valentine Ezeugu was released Wednesday, his religious congregation said it was praying for the conversion of his kidnappers.