Vespers

The Latest

Pope Francis leads an ecumenical second vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Jan. 25, 2024.

Christian unity must be rooted in prayer, pope says at ecumenical vespers

Jan 25, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

Marking the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Francis hosted an ecumenical vespers at Rome’s Basilica... Read more

Pope Francis presides at the annual celebration of “first vespers,” or evening prayer, for the vigil of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Dec. 31, 2023.

Pope Francis: Faith allows Christians to live transition into the new year ‘differently’

Dec 31, 2023

By Jonathan Liedl

Pope Francis rang in the new year and gave thanks for 2023 at a special New Year’s Eve Vatican liturgy. Read more

Pope Francis gives the homily at vespers at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 2, 2023.

Pope Francis makes urgent call to recover eucharistic adoration in the Church

Aug 2, 2023

By Diego López Marina

“Only in adoration, only before the Lord can the taste and passion for evangelization be recovered,” the pontiff said during... Read more

Pope Francis participates in vespers at Jerónimos Monastery in Portugal, Aug. 2, 2023.

‘Sail boldly into sea of evangelization,’ pope tells clergy, religious in Lisbon

Aug 2, 2023

By Jonathan Liedl

The Holy Father encouraged Church leaders in Portugal to overcome discouragement by spending time in adoration. Read more

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The hidden message in ancient ‘O Antiphons’ of Advent

Dec 4, 2022

By Katie Yoder

An emeritus Texas bishop is highlighting an Advent message hidden in the O Antiphons — prayers that are said in... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2017. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

Pope Francis: At the end of a year of pandemic, 'we praise you, God'

Dec 31, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis explained Thursday why the Catholic Church gives thanks to God at the close of a calendar year, even... Read more

Pope Francis offers Mass on Jan. 1, 2020 in St. Peter's Basilica. Credit: Vatican Media.

'Painful sciatica' prevents Pope Francis from attending Vatican's New Year's liturgies

Dec 31, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Because of sciatic pain, Pope Francis will not preside at the Vatican's liturgies on New Year's Eve and New Year's... Read more

Pope Francis presides over Vespers and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2015.

At close of 2016, Pope says selfishness should be a thing of the past

Dec 31, 2016

By Elise Harris

During a prayer service for the close of 2016, Pope Francis said the arrival of a new year should serve... Read more

Pope Francis presides over Vespers and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2015.

Look for the presence of God in your life, Pope says on New Year's

Dec 31, 2015

By Elise Harris

As this year comes to an end, Pope Francis has encouraged faithful to look back at the events of 2015,... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience on October 2, 2013.

Pope: 'Quality of life in Rome depends on all of us'

Dec 31, 2013

In his homily during evening prayer on New Year’s Eve, Pope Francis focused on the theme of time well spent,... Read more