Articles by Ann Schneible
Pope to sick children: Don’t be afraid to ask God 'Why?'
May 30, 2015 / 11:16 am“Why do children suffer?” Pope Francis asked this of a group of children with serious illnesses or disabilities and their parents, some of whom had been told to abort their babies because of their condition.
Pope: abortion, euthanasia, abandonment of migrants are 'attacks against humanity'
May 30, 2015 / 08:20 amA civilization whose technological advancements do not seek to protect the most vulnerable, from conception until natural death, fails to live up to its responsibility, Pope Francis said.
'Mother of Mercy' beatification in Kenya draws tens of thousands
May 27, 2015 / 15:02 pmMassive crowds attended Saturday's beatification of early twentieth-century Italian missionary, Sister Irene Stefani, who was known as “mother of mercy” to the Kenyan people she cared for.
What does Pope Francis miss most? Walking in the streets, eating pizza at restaurants
May 25, 2015 / 13:02 pmIn a recent interview with an Argentine newspaper, Pope Francis said he misses the “tranquillity of walking in the streets” and that he's always been “callejero” – a man of the city.
A 'reality check' for Ireland's Church – gay marriage vote both challenge and invitation
May 25, 2015 / 09:03 amThe Christian message can't be shaken by a national vote, but Ireland’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage is forcing Catholic leaders to rethink how they have been keeping the faith alive among the nation's young people.
Thousands of people are trapped in the ocean right now – here is Pope Francis' response
May 25, 2015 / 03:03 amPope Francis has strongly called on the international community to help the scores of migrants who are currently trapped after attempting to cross the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
Respect creation – this is a must for every single Christian, Pope Francis says
May 24, 2015 / 09:14 amPope Francis used Sunday's feast of Pentecost – the descent of the Holy Spirit – as an occasion to remind Christians of their duty to care for and respect the earth.
Vote to legalize gay marriage poses uncertain future for Ireland
May 22, 2015 / 11:32 amAs Ireland goes to the polls to vote on whether to legalize same-sex marriage, one Church official warns that the new law could bring yet-unforeseen consequences for future generations.
Beware of 'white-gloved' terrorism, Pope tells Middle East nuns
May 18, 2015 / 16:00 pmOne day after canonizing the first two Palestinian saints since the early days of Christianity, Pope Francis met with a group of sisters from the Holy Land – urging them to pray for peace against “white-gloved terrorism” and persecution.
Want more religious vocations? Improve your family life, nun says
May 18, 2015 / 13:51 pmAs the Church brings the needs of the family to the forefront with the upcoming Synod this fall, one Dominican sister says it is no surprise that Pope Francis should also dedicate this year to the consecrated life.
For Arab Christianity, new women saints give encouraging example
May 17, 2015 / 17:38 pmThe Catholic Church’s celebration of the canonization of two new women saints from Palestine on Sunday helps recognize both women’s important role in Arab culture and Arabs’ important role in Christianity.
Pope Francis shares the secret of the saints: life in Christ's love
May 17, 2015 / 09:11 amPope Francis canonized the Church’s four newest saints on Sunday, praising their loving witness to Jesus Christ’s Resurrection.
Population control won't solve climate change, Caritas official says
May 16, 2015 / 05:04 amControlling populations is not the answer in fighting poverty and protecting the environment, says a leading official for the Catholic aid federation, Caritas Internationalis.
Pope Francis: Fear and joylessness are signs of bad spiritual health
May 15, 2015 / 10:40 amIn his daily homily on Friday Pope Francis said that Christian communities become “sick” when they live in fear and fail to be joyful – even when times are difficult.
Martyrdom serves Christian unity, Pope Francis tells Coptic Orthodox patriarch
May 11, 2015 / 23:02 pmIn a message sent Sunday to the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Francis said advances toward reconciliation are strengthened by the martyrs and that Christians must unite to confront shared global challenges.
On Monday, a little boy asked Pope Francis: 'What is peace?'
May 11, 2015 / 12:31 pmThis question was part of a special question and answer session with the Bishop of Rome touching on a wide range of themes – from the link between greed and war, to arguments with siblings, and the role of religion in promoting peace in the world.
Pope Francis: Get ready to be martyrs – even in the little things
May 11, 2015 / 10:31 amPope Francis centered his homily for Monday's daily Mass on the “scandal of the cross,” saying Christians should turn to the Holy Spirit in preparing for martyrdom – great or small.
March for Life in Rome draws 40,000 participants
May 10, 2015 / 15:01 pmOne of tens of thousands of people to take to the streets of Rome for this year's March for Life, Mary Rathke is living proof that those conceived in rape deserve life, and not abortion.
Pope Francis sends a hug to moms worldwide for Mother's Day
May 10, 2015 / 08:28 amOn Sunday, Pope Francis extended a special greeting to all those around the world who are celebrating Mother's Day, after offering advice on loving to the point of laying down one's life.
Pope Francis on marriage: It's not about the dress or photos. It's about the mission.
May 6, 2015 / 09:10 amMarriage is more than the wedding ceremony, the flowers, the dress, the photos, Pope Francis said in his weekly general audience: it is a participation in the Church's mission.