Articles by Courtney Mares
Pope Francis has emotional meeting with African migrant who lost his wife and daughter
Nov 18, 2023 / 12:15 pmMbengue Nyimbilo Crepin shared his story during a meeting at the pope’s Vatican City residence Casa Santa Marta on Nov. 17.
Pope Francis to meet with families of Israeli hostages and Palestinians with relatives in Gaza
Nov 18, 2023 / 09:00 amA Vatican spokesman said that with these meetings, Pope Francis wants to show his spiritual closeness to the suffering of each person.
Chinese bishop reflects on his experience at the Synod on Synodality
Nov 17, 2023 / 11:56 amBishop Antonio Yao Shun of Jining recently said he was “cheered” to meet Catholics from around the world.
Pope Francis tells American priests: ‘Do not leave the Lord of the tabernacle alone’
Nov 17, 2023 / 09:23 amThe presence of Jesus in every tabernacle points us to how we can serve our suffering brothers and sisters who share in Christ’s passion today, the pope said.
Pope Francis: Complaining Christians do not give a credible witness to the Gospel
Nov 15, 2023 / 11:03 am“Humanity abounds with brothers and sisters waiting for a word of hope,” Pope Francis said in St. Peter’s Square on Nov. 15.
Vatican doctrine office reaffirms that Catholics cannot be Freemasons
Nov 15, 2023 / 05:40 amThe new document signed by Pope Francis and DDF Prefect Cardinal Victor Fernández was written in response to a bishop from the Philippines.
Beijing archbishop becomes first to visit Hong Kong since Chinese revolution
Nov 14, 2023 / 12:30 pmThe archbishop of Beijing is visiting Hong Kong in a trip that marks a historic first since the Chinese Communist Party severed relations with the Vatican.
Pope Francis prays for infant Indi Gregory as life support set to be removed in UK
Nov 11, 2023 / 11:06 amPope Francis is praying for Indi Gregory and her family as the critically ill British infant’s life support is set to be removed by a U.K. court order.
Pope Francis relieves Strickland of his duties as bishop of Tyler
Nov 11, 2023 / 07:05 amBishop Joseph Strickland’s removal on Nov. 11 comes after the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops completed a formal investigation in the diocese earlier this year.
Italian Senate launches inquiry into disappearance of Vatican Girl and another missing teen
Nov 10, 2023 / 13:30 pmEmanuela Orlandi, the teenage daughter of an envoy of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, disappeared June 22, 1983, after leaving for a music lesson.
Vatican releases schedule for Pope Francis’ trip to Dubai in December
Nov 9, 2023 / 11:46 amThe pope will visit the United Arab Emirates’ most populous city Dec. 1–3 where he will give a speech and meet world leaders.
Pope Francis: It’s our duty to give a voice to women who are victims of abuse
Nov 9, 2023 / 09:17 amThe pope said that violence against women must be “eliminated from its roots” — namely prejudiced ideas that see people as “objects.”
Pope Francis recognizes miracle attributed to Argentine Cardinal Pironio
Nov 8, 2023 / 12:51 pmPope Francis approved a miracle on Wednesday attributed to Argentine Cardinal Eduardo Pironio, paving the way for his beatification.
Pope Francis to release an autobiography in the spring
Nov 8, 2023 / 06:45 amHarperCollins Publishers announced Tuesday that it will publish the pope’s book, “Life, My Story Through History,” in the spring of 2024.
Vatican hospital offers to treat critically ill baby denied life support in Britain
Nov 7, 2023 / 10:30 amBambino Gesù hospital has offered to treat 8-month-old Indi Gregory after a British court ruled that she be removed from life support against her parents’ wishes.
‘A cinematic meditation’: Catholic film on religious life in U.S. theaters Nov. 2
Oct 31, 2023 / 10:27 amA new documentary on Catholic religious life will be shown in movie theaters across the U.S. for a one-night release on Nov. 2.
The first Synod on Synodality assembly is over. What comes next?
Oct 30, 2023 / 11:45 amMuch remains unclear about what concretely will take place in the year leading up to the second and final Synod on Synodality assembly in October 2024.
Pope Francis at Synod closing Mass: To reform the Church, adore God and love others
Oct 29, 2023 / 07:30 amAt the Synod on Synodality’s closing Mass, Pope Francis said that God’s love cannot be confined “to our own agenda.”
Vatican releases Synod on Synodality report proposing larger role for laity in Church
Oct 28, 2023 / 15:28 pmThe document proposes a “synodal Church” that implements synodality throughout Church governance, theology, mission, and discernment of doctrine.
Pope Francis consecrates war-torn world to Virgin Mary in Eucharistic prayer vigil
Oct 27, 2023 / 13:19 pmInvoking the Virgin Mary as the Queen of Peace and Mother of Mercy, Pope Francis implored her in St. Peter’s Basilica to “intercede for our world.”