Pope Francis

Pope welcomes Ukrainian President Zelensky to Vatican for second time

11/10/2024

Pope Francis welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Vatican for the second time, following their bilateral meeting during the G7 in Puglia, Italy, in June.

As the war in Ukraine continues to claim countless lives, Pope Francis has met for the second time in the Vatican with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The 35-minute-long encounter took place in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Friday morning… Read more »

Pope at Audience: The Holy Spirit expands and unites the Church

Pope Francis highlights the Holy Spirit's role in expanding the Church's mission to all peoples while fostering unity from within.

09/10/2024   Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

In our itinerary of catechesis on the Holy Spirit and the Church, today we will refer to the Book of the Acts of the Apostles.

The account of the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost begins with a description of some preparatory signs – the rush of wind and the tongues of fire – but finds its conclusion in the affirmation that “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4)… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Children are God’s greatest blessing

06/10/2024   Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, good Sunday!

Today, in the Gospel of the liturgy (cf. Mk 10:2-16), Jesus speaks to us about marital love. As they have already done on some other occasions, some Pharisees ask him a provocative question about a controversial issue: a husband’s divorce from his wife. They would like to drag him into a quarrel, but he does not let them… Read more »

Pope calls for October 7 to be day of prayer and fasting for peace

03/10/2024

Pope Francis says that “in this dramatic hour of our history, while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations,” the Christian community is reminded of its call to “put itself at the service of humanity”.

Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for on October 7, the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war… Read more »

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

02/10/2024

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’

01/10/2024

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

29/09/2024   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

22/09/2024   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

18/09/2024   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

15/09/2024   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 »