“A child has been born for us, a son given to us” (Is 9:6).

With these words, in the first reading, the prophet Isaiah addresses the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It was a prosperous time for that city, but sadly also characterized by great moral decadence.

We see much wealth there, but this affluence blinds the powerful, seducing them into thinking that they are self-sufficient, with no need for the Lord, and their conceit leads them to be selfish and unjust… Read more »

As he meets with Indonesia’s civil authorities in Jakarta, Pope Francis upholds the nation’s motto of “Unity in Diversity,” and promises the Catholic Church’s efforts to support interreligious dialogue and civil harmony.

Pope Francis delivered his first speech on Indonesian soil on Wednesday as he met with the country’s authorities, civil society, and diplomatic corps at the Istana Negara presidential palace in Jakarta… Read more »

As the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, Indian Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, Chairman of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences’ Office of Human Development, reflects on the importance of praising God for His marvellous gift of Creation.

The World Day of Prayer for Creation takes place each year on September 1. Motivated by the rich tradition of the Eastern Church, this is both a moment to celebrate God’s loving decision to create, and a moment to reflect on how we have stewarded the great gift of creation… Read more »

Pope Francis on Wednesday again expressed his deep concern over the intensifying tensions in the Middle East, warning how these often escalate into open conflicts and war.

His words came as Palestinian officials said that at least nine people were killed in Israeli raids across the occupied West Bank on Wednesday and observers express fears of a wider war.

Addressing participants of the Latin Episcopal Conference of the Arabic Regions (CELRA) who are meeting in Rome for their plenary assembly, in his prepared remarks the Pope warned that “the conflict, instead of finding a fair solution, seems to be becoming chronic, with the risk of spreading and igniting the entire region.”

“The conflict [in the Holy Land], instead of finding a fair solution, seems to be becoming chronic, with the risk of spreading and igniting the entire region.”

The situation, the Holy Father noted, has resulted in countless deaths, massive destruction, and widespread suffering, fostering sentiments of hatred and resentment that could lead to future tragedies… Read more »