News Updates from Rome

ā€‹A feisty Pope Francis slams corruption, unemployment in Naples

March 22, 2015

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Addressing the crowds in Naples’ notorious outskirts of Scampia, Pope Francis gave a verbal slap to corrupt leaders who exploit local laborers, charging that they ā€œcannot claim to be Christian.”

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ā€‹’It’s time to surrender,’ pope tells crime-ridden Naples

March 22, 2015

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‘It’s time to surrender,’ pope tells crime-ridden Naples  Pope Francis told the people of Naples — a city ravaged by crime and mafia violence — that change is possible, and encouraged those involved in organized crime to convert and work toward a better future. ā€œIt’s time for Naples surrender: this is my wish and my prayer for…

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Three laypersons among saints’ causes advanced by Pope Francis

March 18, 2015

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Pope Francis recognized on Wednesday the heroic virtue of seven persons on the path of canonization, including a young Italian laywoman, as well as a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux.

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ā€‹Lay people at the forefront of the Church’s mission, says pope

March 16, 2015

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Pope Francis reminded lay men and women of their place in the ā€œfront linesā€ in spreading the Gospel, living as Christian witnesses in the secular world.

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ā€‹Pope Francis declares Holy Year for Mercy

March 15, 2015

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During his homily for a Lenten penitential service, Pope Francis announced an extraordinary Jubilee to start at the end of the year, which will be dedicated to a theme close to the pontiffā€™s heart: mercy.

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Archbishop Romero, Salvadoran martyr, to be beatified May 23

March 12, 2015

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May 23 will be the beatification date for El Salvadorā€™s Archbishop Oscar Romero, an outspoken advocate for the poor and repressed who was martyred in 1980 while celebrating Mass.

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ā€‹Vatican declines ransom offer for stolen Michelangelo letters

March 10, 2015

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After receiving an offer from a former employee to regain missing letters signed by Michelangelo for a price, the Vatican has said that it is not biting the bait, but is cooperating with police.

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In Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple, Pope Francis sees a lesson about the liturgy

March 8, 2015

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Jesusā€™ cleansing of the moneychangers from the Temple is a reminder to Christians of the need for ā€œauthentic worshipā€ and ā€œconformity between liturgy and life,ā€ Pope Francis said.

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Church unity is found in Christ, Eucharist, Pope Francis tells bishops

March 6, 2015

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Pope Francis recently reminded bishops to turn their sights to the Eucharist ā€“ rather than themselves ā€“ as the source of unity for the Church.

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ā€‹Saints in the Little Flower family grow as parents set for canonization

March 5, 2015

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Recently it was informally announced to journalists that the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, will be canonized this year in the same month as the synod on the family.

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