Articles by Courtney Mares
Pope Francis warns of a coronavirus ‘genocide’ if economy prioritized over people
Mar 30, 2020 / 10:16 amIn a private letter to an Argentine judge, Pope Francis is reported to have warned that government decisions to prioritize the economy over people could result in a “viral genocide.”
Six sisters from same Italian convent have died, as coronavirus spreads among religious orders
Mar 30, 2020 / 08:06 amSix sisters in one northern Italian convent have died of coronavirus, and nine sisters are being treated in the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, according to Italian media. Coronavirus is spreading among several religious houses in Italy.
Pope Francis: Trust in the mercy and justice of God
Mar 30, 2020 / 03:30 amPope Francis said Monday that the Church can trust in the mercy and justice of God.
Pope Francis prays for those who weep from coronavirus loneliness or loss
Mar 29, 2020 / 06:30 am“Many cry today. And we, from this altar, from this sacrifice of Jesus -- of Jesus who was not ashamed to cry -- ask for the grace to cry. May today be for everyone like a Sunday of tears,” Pope Francis said.
'COVID-19 knows no borders': Pope Francis calls for global ceasefire
Mar 29, 2020 / 05:00 amThe pope urged nations in conflict to respond to an appeal made by the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on March 23 for an “immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world” to “focus together on the true fight of our lives,” the “battle” against the coronavirus.
'Have no fear': Pope Francis calls Catholics to say 'yes' to vocations
Mar 26, 2020 / 08:00 amAcknowledging that discerning God’s plan is a daunting task, the pope said that trust in the Lord can overcome our fears.
Vatican updates guidelines for Holy Week liturgies during coronavirus
Mar 25, 2020 / 11:01 amAfter dioceses throughout the world suspended public Masses amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Congregation for Divine Worship has updated its decree on Holy Week liturgies.
Pope Francis: The Church’s pro-life message is more relevant than ever
Mar 25, 2020 / 05:00 amPope Francis said Wednesday that the Church's pro-life message is more relevant than ever as the world faces the coronavirus pandemic.
Fr. Berardelli was a man of self-sacrifice, but reports of a donated respirator are not true
Mar 24, 2020 / 11:56 amWhile Fr. Giuseppe Berardelli is remembered fondly by those who knew him as a man of kindness and self-sacrifice, the reports of a donated respirator passed along to a younger patient are not true, the secretary general of his diocese told CNA Tuesday.
At least 60 Italian priests have died after contracting coronavirus
Mar 23, 2020 / 09:07 amIn the past week alone, more than 3,000 people have died in Italy after contracting the coronavirus. Among the dead, there have been at least 60 priests this month, according to local sources.
Pope Francis prays for people facing economic hardship due to coronavirus
Mar 23, 2020 / 03:15 amPope Francis offered Mass on Monday for people facing economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis to give a special Urbi et Orbi blessing amid coronavirus pandemic
Mar 22, 2020 / 10:30 amPope Francis announced Sunday that he will give an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing on March 27 with the opportunity for Catholics to receive a plenary indulgence by tuning in via media.
Pope Francis: As humanity trembles from pandemic, let us unite in prayer
Mar 22, 2020 / 06:05 amPope Francis has asked Christians around the world to unite in praying the Our Father prayer at noon on March 25 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis offers this spiritual communion prayer during coronavirus pandemic
Mar 21, 2020 / 05:00 amAs more Catholics around the world find themselves unable to receive the Eucharist due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis provided an example of a spiritual communion prayer that can be said from home.
At least 28 priests in northern Italy have died from COVID-19
Mar 19, 2020 / 07:30 amItalian dioceses surrounding Milan have reported the deaths of 30 priests during the coronavirus outbreak.
Pope Francis encourages small acts of love during coronavirus quarantine
Mar 18, 2020 / 03:40 amWhile many are stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis says that there are many small acts of love and kindness one can do for others without leaving the house.
Ireland’s Msgr. Hugh O'Flaherty, a Vatican ‘defender of the weak’
Mar 17, 2020 / 10:05 amMsgr. Hugh O’Flaherty, an Irish priest who hid Italian Jews from the Nazis and went on to baptize the former head of the Gestapo in Rome, is world renowned for the heroism he displayed during and after World War II.
French Catholics begin novena as Lourdes closes for first time in history
Mar 17, 2020 / 04:30 amThe Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has closed for the first time in over a century following new restrictions in France to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
In Italy, at least 10 priests are dead of coronavirus, and 1 bishop is recovering
Mar 16, 2020 / 14:20 pmAt least ten priests have died in Italy after contracting COVID-19. More than half of them were from the Diocese of Bergamo, a town outside of Milan in Lombardy.
Do coronavirus closings violate religious liberty? A religious freedom expert weighs in
Mar 16, 2020 / 12:06 pmAs more government leaders will soon face tough decisions in the face of a spreading pandemic, the president of the Religious Freedom Institute told CNA about important criteria to ensure the protection of a foundational freedom.