Pope Francis having lunch with people in need

The theme for this year’s World Day of the Poor message is “The hope of the poor shall not perish forever”, taken from the Book of Psalms.

The Pope writes that these words “express a profound truth that faith impresses above all on the hearts of the poor, restoring lost hope in the face of injustice, sufferings and the uncertainties of life.”

Pope Francis points out that down through the centuries there have always been rich and poor…

Pope Francis said on Monday he “thinks constantly of Iraq”, where he wishes to travel in the coming year.

He was addressing representatives of ROACO, the ‘Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches.’

As he listed countries that fall within the Reunion’s reach and where the faithful continue to suffer, – including Syria, Ukraine and the Holy Land – the Pope focused on Iraq…

World Mission Sunday in 2019 falls on the 20th October. Instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926, the annual day encourages prayers, cooperation and help for missions as well as reminding Christians about the fundamental missionary character of the Church and of every baptized person.

The theme of this year’s observance is “Baptized and Sent: The Church of Christ on Mission in the World…

Celebrating Mass on the solemnity of Pentecost in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis urged the faithful to implore the gift of the Spirit that makes us artisans of concord, sowers of goodness, apostles of hope.

Reflecting on the liturgy of the day, the Pope explained that thanks to the Holy Spirit, the disciples’ worries disappeared.

Rejuvenated by the Spirit, he said, their lives were changed, and he pointed out that “far from being an abstract reality: he is the Person who is most concrete and close, the one who changes our lives”…