Articles by Courtney Mares
Make something beautiful with your life, Pope tells Macedonian youth
May 7, 2019 / 10:31 amPope Francis encouraged youth in North Macedonia Tuesday to follow Mother Teresa’s example and make something beautiful out of their lives.
Pope Francis in North Macedonia: History is written by people like Mother Teresa
May 7, 2019 / 09:59 amIn the first-ever papal visit to North Macedonia Tuesday, Pope Francis lauded the lasting legacy of Mother Teresa, a saint unafraid to offer her life for love.
Pope Francis in Bulgaria: Peace is a gift and a task
May 6, 2019 / 09:46 amAt an interreligious meeting in Bulgaria Monday, Pope Francis told Orthodox, Muslim, and other religious leaders that peace is both a gift and a task.
Pope Francis' Bulgaria trip will have an ecumenical focus
May 3, 2019 / 11:01 amPope Francis said Friday that his visit to Bulgaria next week will be a pilgrimage of faith, unity, and peace, with an ecumenical focus.
Pope Francis: Capitalism must consider impact on humanity, environment
May 3, 2019 / 09:22 amPope Francis Friday offered a critique of captialism’s impact on the environment, calling for a response that hears “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.”
Pope Francis: 'The common good has become global'
May 2, 2019 / 10:01 amPope Francis called on nations to work toward a global common good Thursday, particularly in confronting climate change, human trafficking, and nuclear threats.
Rome’s center of Divine Mercy established by St. John Paul II
Apr 28, 2019 / 06:49 amLocated just steps from St. Peter’s Basilica, Santo Spirito in Sassia is Rome’s official Divine Mercy church.
Pope Francis: Divine Mercy is found in Christ’s wounds
Apr 28, 2019 / 05:06 amOn Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis reflected on Christ’s wounds, which he said contain the difficulties and persecutions endured by people who suffer today.
Pope Francis sends message of peace to the Korean peninsula
Apr 27, 2019 / 03:59 amPope Francis sent a video message Saturday to the leaders of South and North Korea expressing his hope for a future of peace and unity for the peninsula on the anniversary of the inter-Korean summit.
Pope Francis: Bible the 'beating heart' of the Church
Apr 26, 2019 / 08:47 amPope Francis emphasized Friday the importance of the Bible in the life of the Church, echoing Benedict XVI’s call for “a new season of greater love for Sacred Scripture.”
Islamic State claims responsibility for Sri Lanka Easter bombings
Apr 23, 2019 / 06:09 amThe Islamic State claimed responsibility Tuesday for the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka that killed at least 321 people and left 500 injured.
Pope Francis: The resurrection is the most shocking event in human history
Apr 22, 2019 / 04:05 amPope Francis said Monday that the resurrection of Christ is the most shocking event in human history.
Pope Francis at Easter Vigil: Ask Christ to roll back the stone blocking your heart
Apr 20, 2019 / 13:16 pmIn his Easter Vigil homily, Pope Francis said that the Risen Christ desires to “roll back the stone” that blocks the entrance to one’s heart, so that God’s light and love can enter.
At Colosseum Stations of the Cross, Pope Francis prays for abused minors
Apr 19, 2019 / 09:30 amPope Francis’ prayer at Good Friday’s Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum included a plea for abused youth and for the Church, whom he said is continually under attack.
Good Friday at the Vatican: Christ is among the pariahs
Apr 19, 2019 / 09:00 amAt the Vatican’s Good Friday service, the papal preacher connected Christ’s Passion with all in history who have suffered the degradation of their human dignity, highlighting in particular the experience of African-American slaves.
'Mary, dry our tears': French priests respond to Notre-Dame blaze
Apr 16, 2019 / 11:00 amFather Pierre Amar was praying in Notre-Dame de Paris at 5 p.m. Monday evening to prepare spiritually for the Easter Triduum; hours later he was ringing the “funeral bells” at his parish to mourn the flames consuming the “mother of all the cathedrals in France.”
Pope Francis on Palm Sunday: True triumph is found in Christ’s humility
Apr 14, 2019 / 03:37 amOn Palm Sunday, Pope Francis warned against the temptation of “triumphalism,” encouraging Catholics to follow Jesus’s way of humility and obedience exemplified in His Passion.
Pope Francis makes surprise visit to Alzheimer's patients
Apr 12, 2019 / 10:30 amPope Francis paid a surprise visit to a center for Alzhiemer’s patients Friday afternoon.
Pope Francis: Peace is possible in South Sudan
Apr 11, 2019 / 11:01 amPope Francis Thursday told the formerly warring leaders of South Sudan that peace is possible in their fledgling country through the power of Christ’s resurrection.
South Korea's abortion ban could be overturned this week
Apr 10, 2019 / 10:09 amA pro-life doctor in South Korea is asking the international community for prayers, as the country’s constituional court considers whether to overturn its national abortion ban April 11.