Pope Francis

Pope’s audience catechesis: Let us learn from Magi’s faith and hope in Child Jesus

Image of the statue of St. John Paul II at the Gemelli hospital  (ANSA)

Dear brothers and sisters,

In the Gospels of the childhood of Jesus there is an episode which is exclusive to Matthew’s narrative: the visit of the Magi. Attracted by the appearance of a star, which in many cultures is the harbinger of the birth of an exceptional person, some wise men set out on a journey from the east, without knowing exactly where they will go… Read more »

Pope’s clinical condition showing slight improvement

“The Holy Father‘s clinical condition is showing slight improvement. He has no fever, and his hemodynamic parameters remain stable. This morning, he received the Eucharist and then dedicated himself to work activities.“

This is the communiqué released to journalists by the Holy See Press Office on Thursday evening.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Friday 14 February following a bout of bronchitis… Read more »

Pope Francis had a restful night and ate breakfast this morning

“The Pope spent a restful night, woke up and had breakfast,” the Holy See Press Office shared in a note to journalists on Wednesday morning.

In a Tuesday evening press release, the Holy See Press Office stated the Pope has double pneumonia, but nevertheless “remains in good spirits.”

“Laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition of the Holy Father,” it began, “continue to present a complex picture.”

The statement added that the Pope’s “polymicrobial infection, which has arisen in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and has required the use of corticosteroid and antibiotics, makes the therapeutic treatment more complex.”

“A follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father was subjected this afternoon—prescribed by the Vatican medical team and the medical staff of the “A… Read more »

Pope’s health stable as he continues treatment in hospital

The Holy See Press Office releases an update on Pope Francis’ health as he is treated for a respiratory infection in hospital, saying that he rested well and treatment is proceeding normally.

“Pope Francis rested well during the night. His clinical condition is stable, and the diagnostic and therapeutic process prescribed by the medical staff continues. This morning, he received the Eucharist and followed the Holy Mass on television… Read more »

Pope during Jubilee of Artists: “Never cease searching, questioning and taking risks”

At Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, the Pope called on creatives to be “witnesses to the revolutionary vision of the Beatitudes”.

As the Pope is currently undergoing treatment in hospital for bronchitis, his homily was read aloud by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education.

Witnessing to the Beatitudes, the Pope said, means not only creating beauty, but also “revealing the truth and goodness …hidden within the folds of history”, and “giving voice to the voiceless”… Read more »

Pope at Audience: The humble and poor bear witness to Jesus’ birth

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

In our Jubilee journey of catechesis on Jesus, who is our hope, today we will reflect on the event of his birth in Bethlehem.

The Son of God enters history as our travelling companion, and begins to travel while still in His mother’s womb. The evangelist Luke tells us that as soon as He was conceived, He went from Nazareth to the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth; and then, at the end of the pregnancy, from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census… Read more »

Hope does not disappoint but strengthens us in times of trial

Message from Pope Francis on the World Day of the Sick

Dear brothers and sisters,

We are celebrating the 33rd World Day of the Sick in the Jubilee Year 2025, in which the Church invites us to become “pilgrims of hope”. The word of God accompanies us and offers us, in the words of Saint Paul, an encouraging message: “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5); indeed, it strengthens us in times of trial… Read more »

Pope’s Mission Day Message: Prayer keeps our ‘spark of hope’ alive

Pope Francis says that prayer is not only the “primary missionary activity,” but also the key to  “keeping alive the spark of hope lit by God within us…”

The Holy Father gave this comforting reminder in his World Mission Day Message for 2025, which was published by the Holy See Press Office in several languages on Thursday. The Church will observe the 99th edition of the World Day on 19 October… Read more »

Pope at Audience: May we welcome Mary’s presence in our lives

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

Today we will contemplate the beauty of Jesus Christ our hope in the mystery of the Visitation. The Virgin Mary visits Saint Elizabeth; but it is above all Jesus, in His mother’s womb, who visits His people (cf. Lk 1:68), as Zechariah says in his hymn of praise… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: ‘Jesus is our salvation and our light’

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

Today the Gospel of the liturgy (Lk 2:22-40) tells us about Mary and Joseph who take the infant Jesus to the Temple of Jerusalem. In accordance with the Law, they present Him in God’s dwelling, to recall that life comes from the Lord. And while the Holy Family carries out what was always done among the people of Israel, from generation to generation, something happens that had never occurred before… Read more »