Articles by Courtney Mares
A look ahead at this week's Vatican sex abuse meeting
Feb 18, 2019 / 11:30 amThe Vatican has released the schedule, speakers, and a new website for this week’s much-anticipated sex abuse summit, which will focus on episcopal transparency and accountability for the protection of minors.
Ahead of summit, Cupich discusses sex abuse, homosexuality, priestly formation
Feb 18, 2019 / 10:15 amCardinal Blase Cupich said Monday that this week’s Vatican sex abuse summit needs to be focused on the protection of minors, underscoring that homosexuality is not a cause of sexual abuse.
Pope Francis: Be not afraid of migrants
Feb 15, 2019 / 10:05 amPope Francis said Friday that people need to overcome their fear of migrants and refugees, and look for the face of Christ in each immigrant arriving in their countries.
Pope Francis: 'Inequality is disastrous for the future of humanity'
Feb 15, 2019 / 06:13 amPope Francis spoke out about inequality, the environment, sustainable development and the elimination of poverty during his visit to the United Nations’ agricultural development agency in Rome Thursday.
In leaked letter to 'Mr. Maduro,' Pope Francis reiterates call for peace
Feb 13, 2019 / 11:30 amOn Feb. 13, the Milan daily newspaper Corriere Della Sera published a report saying that the pope had written to Maduro reiterating his desire for the avoidance of violence in the country.
Pope Francis: There is no 'I' in the 'Our Father'
Feb 13, 2019 / 03:17 amPope Francis said Wednesday that one’s prayer should always be a dialogue with God with charitable consideration for others’ needs.
Holy See receives Venezuelan opposition delegation
Feb 11, 2019 / 12:26 pmThe Vatican Secretariat of State received Monday a delegation from Venezuela affiliated with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognized by the United States and a dozen other countries as the country’s interim president.
Pope Francis to discuss 'Veritatis Gaudium' in Naples
Feb 11, 2019 / 06:49 amThe Vatican announced Monday that Pope Francis will travel to Naples in June to discuss the impact of the apostolic constitution, Veritatis Gaudium, on theological studies.
Pope Francis: Pray with St. Bakhita for the end of human trafficking
Feb 10, 2019 / 04:10 amPope Francis called Sunday for an end to human trafficking, encouraging Catholics to pray for the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, the patron of trafficking victims.
Pope Francis celebrates Missionaries of Africa's 150 years of service
Feb 8, 2019 / 11:19 amIn mid-nineteenth century Algeria, a French bishop sought to share the Gospel among the local Africans living in his diocese by forming a community that adopted the traditional dress in Algiers -- a white cassock with a red fez.
St. Paul VI’s feast to be celebrated May 29
Feb 6, 2019 / 05:53 amThe Vatican announced Wednesday that Pope St. Paul VI’s feast day will be celebrated annually on May 29 as an optional memorial.
Maduro asks Pope Francis to mediate in Venezuela
Feb 5, 2019 / 05:39 amNicolas Maduro wrote a letter to Pope Francis asking him to mediate in the political situation in Venezuela, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin confirmed Monday.
Evangelizing Arabia: Parish life in Abu Dhabi
Feb 4, 2019 / 11:14 amOn Tuesday, Pope Francis will visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi -- one of two total Catholic churches for the Arabian city with a population of 1.42 million.
Popes in the Middle East: Highlights of papal outreach in the region
Feb 2, 2019 / 06:01 amPope Francis is set to celebrate the first papal Mass on the Arabian peninsula next week during his Feb. 3-5 visit to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.
New York bishop to lead Diocese of Columbus
Jan 31, 2019 / 07:21 amPope Francis accepted the retirement of Bishop Frederick Campbell of Columbus, Ohio, Thursday, appointing Bishop Robert J. Brennan, auxiliary of Rockville Centre, to lead the diocese.
Rebuilding broken hearts: A Syrian sister’s prayer for her country
Jan 31, 2019 / 03:36 amAs the people of Syria work to rebuild the cities, hospitals, homes, and schools that were destroyed through years of conflict, they also face a more difficult task, according to one Syrian Catholic sister: repairing broken hearts.
Pope Francis: True love is found in fidelity
Jan 29, 2019 / 08:22 amUnity and fidelity in a Christian marriage can offer an example of true love to the world, Pope Francis said Tuesday.
Pope Francis outlines key priorities for February sex abuse summit
Jan 28, 2019 / 07:48 amSpeaking on the papal flight returning from Panama, the pope said he wanted the world’s bishops to receive a “catechesis” on the suffering of abuse survivors, and understand better the urgent reality of combating sexual abuse.
Pope Francis: Heal the 'wearied hope' within a wounded Church
Jan 26, 2019 / 07:54 amPope Francis said Saturday that he recognized the weariness felt in the priesthood and in religious communities due to the sins that wound the Church today.
Pope Francis hears confessions in Panamanian youth prison
Jan 25, 2019 / 11:28 amPope Francis heard confessions at a youth prison in Panama Friday, telling the young inmates that “you have a bigger purpose,” and that there is joy in heaven for one repentant sinner.