Articles by Ann Schneible
Gay marriage is 'ideological colonization,' says Vatican spokesman
Jan 16, 2015 / 13:32 pmRemarking on Pope Francis' strong words against the threats which “ideological colonization” poses to the family, the Vatican's spokesman told journalists Friday that same-sex marriage falls within this category.
Pope's visit prompts release of more than 600 Sri Lankan prisoners
Jan 14, 2015 / 17:02 pmPrompted by Pope Francis' visit and in keeping with the ongoing theme of reconciliation, more than 600 men and women were released from prisons throughout the island nation of Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
Attentive, tireless, courageous – this is Christian life, Pope says on Epiphany
Jan 6, 2015 / 17:24 pmLike the Magi who followed the star from the East, Christians are called to follow the light of the Gospel attentively, tirelessly, and courageously, said Pope Francis during his Epiphany Angelus address.
A cardinal's hat for Archbishop Mamberti, new head of the Signatura
Jan 6, 2015 / 00:03 amMonths after being named to replace Cardinal Raymond Burke as head of the Apostolic Signatura, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti will be among those joining the College of Cardinals during February's consistory.
Pope: This New Year's, embrace gratitude, reject slavery of sin
Dec 31, 2014 / 13:44 pmAt the year's end, Pope Francis reflected on Christ’s saving presence within time, cautioning against nostalgia for the slavery of sin, and encouraging gratitude that leads to repentance.
Pope Francis: Christ's birth more powerful than history of sin
Dec 24, 2014 / 14:59 pmThe birth of Jesus – a light that shattered the world's darkness on Christmas night – witnesses to God's love for mankind amid a history marked by “violence, wars, hatred and oppression,” Pope Francis said.
UK youth create Advent video calendar
Dec 21, 2014 / 13:00 pmMade for Glory, a by-the-youth, for-the-youth faith initiative in the UK, has been releasing a video for every day of Advent. Each video features a reflection from one of several young people based upon that day’s Gospel reading. So far, they've produced 25 videos for their virtual Advent calendar.
Scriptures come to life for Irish families through Jesse Box
Dec 21, 2014 / 04:02 amA new initiative out of Ireland is using Biblical dioramas to engage parents and children in Scripture. The Jesse Box, says one of its creators Sebastian Kraszkiewicz, aims “to help pass the faith to the children and to encourage family liturgy.”
Catholic Radio bringing voice to voiceless in Uganda
Dec 19, 2014 / 08:35 amA small community radio station in rural Uganda, running almost entirely on solar power, is spreading the Gospel and giving “voice to the voiceless” in regions of conflict and suffering.
Tea and cake for Pope Francis as he celebrates 78th birthday
Dec 17, 2014 / 09:45 amShouts of “Tanti auguri” – or, “Happy Birthday!” – filled St. Peter's Square Wednesday morning as Pope Francis circled around throngs of pilgrims on his popemobile during the weekly general audience.
Pope Francis to media: People are more valuable than 'hits'
Dec 15, 2014 / 14:54 pmCatholics working in media would do well to remember that communications is about informing people – not collecting “hits,” Pope Francis told representatives from the Italian station TV2000.
No such thing as gloomy-faced saints, Pope Francis says
Dec 14, 2014 / 08:43 amChristian joy is borne out of nearness to Christ, said Pope Francis during his Angelus address for the third Sunday of Advent, adding that “gloomy-faced” saints are a contradiction.
Palestinian nuns among newly advanced causes for sainthood
Dec 11, 2014 / 00:08 amPope Francis on Saturday approved the advancement in the causes for sainthood of eight men and women, including two Palestinian nuns and an 20th century Italian wife and mother.
Pope calls victims to be 'prophetic voices' against nuclear war
Dec 10, 2014 / 10:44 amIn a message to an international gathering on the impact of nuclear weapons, Pope Francis called on victims to be “prophetic voices” against the potential for destruction of persons and the planet.
For Francis, Mary teaches us to share with others the graces we receive
Dec 8, 2014 / 10:48 amIn his Angelus address for the feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, Pope Francis said because everything we have received is “a gift freely given by God,” we too must “become a gift for others.”
A silver lining from World War I? Restored ties between UK, Holy See
Dec 7, 2014 / 16:02 pmA Mass was said on Wednesday at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls to mark 100 years of restored diplomatic relations between Britain and the Holy See, a relationship first broken amid the English Reformation.
Pope Francis decries persecution of Iraqi Christians in video message
Dec 6, 2014 / 09:36 amIn a video message delivered to the displaced Iraqi Christians on Saturday, Pope Francis decried the suffering experienced by those persecuted for their faith, while expressing his gratitude for their witness.
This 82-year-old cardinal says he'll face jail for democracy
Dec 4, 2014 / 04:02 amOne of several leaders of Hong Kong's Occupy Central movement to surrender to police after months of pro-democracy protests, Cardinal Joseph Zen has said he is ready to go to jail.
Pope opens Year for Consecrated Life with call to joyful witness
Nov 30, 2014 / 15:19 pmAt the opening of the Year for Consecrated Life, Pope Francis issued a challenge to consecrated men and women, inviting them to lives of courage, communion, and joy.
God never forgets his children, Pope Francis tells young refugees
Nov 30, 2014 / 08:04 am“Dear young people, do not be discouraged.” Pope Francis made this appeal during an encounter with young refugees in Istanbul, urging them to remember that God never forgets his children.