Pope Francis

Pope opens Synod General Assembly with Mass in St Peter’s Square

In his homily during Mass for the Solemn Inauguration of the Second Session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis emphasizes the need for hearts open to dialogue and the importance of the harmony that comes from the Holy Spirit.

Pope Francis’ homily for the opening Mass of the General Assembly of the Synod focused on the images of “voice, refuge, and a child”… Read more »

Pope’s October prayer intention: ‘For a shared mission’

Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of October “for a shared mission,” and calls on all faithful in whatever vocation they may have to do their best to contribute to a sense of co-responsibility in the Church.

Pope Francis’ monthly prayer intention for October is for “a shared mission.”

The Pope invited the Church to pray for this intention in this month’s The Pope Video, which is entrusted to the entire Catholic Church through the  Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network… Read more »

“Too many people are being killed in the Middle East every day” – Pope Francis

  King Baudouin Stadium (Brussels)

I thank the Archbishop for his kind words. I express heartfelt gratitude to Their Majesties the King and Queen, as well as to Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, for their presence and hospitality in these days.

Likewise, I extend my gratitude to all who, in many ways, have worked together to organize this Visit. In a special way, I thank the elderly and the sick who have offered their prayers… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: True greatness can be found in caring for the weakest

  Saint Peter's Square

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

Today the Gospel of the liturgy (Mk 9:30-37) tells us about Jesus who announces what will happen at the culmination of His life: “The Son of man”, says Jesus, “will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He is killed, after three days He will rise” (v… Read more »

Pope at Audience: I saw living and joyful faith in Asia and Oceania

  Saint Peter's Square

Today I would like to begin with some good news: I would like to present two suicidal people to you: these two are getting married next Saturday! A round of applause for them!

It is beautiful to see when love leads us on to form a new family: this is why I wanted to present these two to you, to give thanks to the Lord… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Everything changes when you truly know the Lord

  Saint Peter's Square

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

The Gospel of today’s Liturgy tells us that Jesus, after asking the disciples what the people thought of Him, directly asks them: “But who do you say that I am?” (Mk 8:29). Peter answers on behalf of all the group, saying. “You are the Christ” (v. 30), that is, you are the Messiah. However, when Jesus starts to talk about the suffering and death that await Him, the same Peter objects, and Jesus harshly rebukes him: “Get behind me, Satan!” – He says Satan – For you are not on the side of God, but of men” (v… Read more »

Pope at Mass: Love is the centre of the Gospel

  “Singapore Sports Hub” Stadium

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Cor 8:1). Saint Paul addresses these words to the brothers and sisters of the Christian community at Corinth. In his letters to this community, which was rich in many charisms (cf. 1 Cor 1:4-5), the Apostle often recommends that it cultivate communion in charity.

Let us listen to those words of Paul as together we thank the Lord for the Church in Singapore, which is also rich in gifts, a Church that is vibrant, growing and engaged in constructive dialogue with the various other Confessions and Religions with which it shares this wonderful land… Read more »

Pope at Mass in Timor-Leste: Children show us the importance of ‘smallness’

“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 »

Pope to Papua New Guinea Catholics: God is close to those who feel distant

  Sr John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

The first words the Lord addresses to us today are, “Be strong, do not fear!” (Is 35:4). In this way, the prophet Isaiah addresses all those who have lost heart. He likewise encourages his people and, even amid difficulties and suffering, invites them to raise their eyes to a horizon of hope and to a future where God is coming to save us… Read more »

Pope to Indonesian authorities: ‘Interreligious dialogue fosters mutual respect’

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 »