IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Christmas approached, St. Peter’s Square was filled with balloons, singing and an incredible variety of Baby Jesus figurines — everything from plastic figures that would fit in a walnut … Continue reading →

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Even though Pope Francis was planning a “normal” workday for his birthday, well-wishers can help brighten it up with special tweets and emails. Turning 80 Dec. 17, Pope Francis was going to start … Continue reading →

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis urged Syrian President Bashar Assad to do everything possible to end the war in his country, to protect civilians and to ensure humanitarian agencies can deliver emergency aid … Continue reading →

IMAGE: CNS photo/Remo Casilli, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis described Mary as a strong woman who inspires believers to give “flesh to the Gospel” in societies often … Continue reading →

IMAGE: CNS/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard By Kelly Seegers WASHINGTON (CNS) — People on the sidewalks of Washington momentarily stopped their holiday shopping and paused in the cold Dec. 10 to take in the sight of hundreds of pilgrims processing through … Continue reading →

IMAGE: CNS photo/Mohamed Hossam, EPA By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis phoned Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria Dec. 12, expressing his prayers and condolences for the previous day’s terrorist attack at the Cairo cathedral that … Continue reading →

IMAGE: CNS photo/Ahmed Jallanzo, EPA By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Calling for a new style of politics built on peace and nonviolence, Pope Francis also called for disarmament, the eradication of nuclear weapons and an end to domestic … Continue reading →

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Christmas tree and Nativity scene are symbols of God’s love and hope, reminding us to contemplate the beauty of creation and welcome the marginalized, Pope Francis said. Baby Jesus, … Continue reading →

By COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNS) — Astronaut legend and decorated World War II pilot John H. Glenn, who served for 24 years in the U.S. Senate and inspired young people to pursue careers in sciences and engineering, died Dec. 8. He … Continue reading →

IMAGE: CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano, handout By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — In two long interviews with Jesuit publications, director Martin Scorsese described his new film “Silence” as a major stage in his pilgrimage of faith, a pilgrimage that included flunking … Continue reading →