
In his weekly Angelus message Sunday, Pope Francis continued his reflections on the meaning of Christmas, reminding his hearers that on coming into the world Jesus was rejected, and that we too must make a choice whether or not to accept him.
by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D.3 Jan 2016, 6:36 AM PST0

Pope Francis has officially recognized the second miracle of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, clearing the way for her canonization, which will reportedly take place on September 4, 2016, as a major event of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D.18 Dec 2015, 5:24 AM PST0

In his Wednesday audience, Pope Francis departed from his written text to caution pilgrims against crooks who would charge money to pass through the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica, reminding them that God’s blessings come free of charge. “Be
by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D.17 Dec 2015, 5:28 AM PST0

After officially kicking off the Jubilee Year Tuesday, Pope Francis addressed crowds on Wednesday, telling them that the purpose of a Holy Year is to “live mercy” and that what God likes best is “forgiving his children.”
by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D.9 Dec 2015, 11:20 AM PST0

Italian counterterrorism forces are taking no chances of an incident for the opening of the holy door of Saint Peter’s Basilica on December 8 and have prohibited the transport of fuel and natural gas in the city, as well as ammunition, weapons, and toxic gases.
by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D.5 Dec 2015, 3:34 PM PST0

In a surprise early morning police raid Tuesday, some 60 Italian cops in riot gear, accompanied by police dogs, entered a refugee welcome centre in Rome asking to see the papers of those staying there, and arrested 27 undocumented individuals from Maghreb,
by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D.26 Nov 2015, 8:19 AM PST0

For the upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis is hammering home the message of forgiveness, urging all the Catholic priests in the Church to dedicate plenty of time each week to hearing confessions.
by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D.3 Sep 2015, 12:39 PM PST0

On Tuesday, the Vatican released a letter from Pope Francis on the upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy, in which the Pope gives all Catholic priests the power to grant absolution to women who repent of the sin of abortion.
by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D.2 Sep 2015, 4:55 AM PST0