Ann Schneible

Shakespeare's Hamlet swings by the Vatican

They’ve performed for school children in Cambodia and refugees in Jordan. They’ve visited nearly 200 countries in the last two years, and now, they’ve performed at the Vatican as well.

Pope: It's not enough to follow the letter of the law with a closed heart

Speaking at morning Mass at the Santa Marta residence, Pope Francis decried those who close themselves to God's truth, and condemn repentant sinners and the innocent alike in the name of following the “letter of the law.”

Pope sends condolences after deadly fire in India

Pope Francis has sent his condolences to the victims and relatives of a fireworks accident on Sunday that killed at least 100 people and injured hundreds of others in India's Kerala state during celebrations of the local Hindu New Year.

Pope Francis calls for release of kidnapped priest

Pope Francis on Sunday issued an appeal for the release of kidnapped Salesian priest, Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, and all persons being held captive in conflict regions.

Pope: When giving to the poor, look them in the eyes

In Saturday's address for the monthly Jubilee of Mercy general audience, Pope Francis said almsgiving is not just about the money; it is about being attentive to the actual needs of the person asking for help

Pope Francis meets with SSPX superior general

Both the Vatican and the Society of St. Pius X have confirmed that this weekend Pope Francis met with the priestly society's superior general, Bishop Bernard Fellay, at the Vatican.

You can’t receive mercy without sharing it, Pope says

Receiving God’s mercy ignites in us the drive to become “instruments of mercy,” especially to the weakest and the marginalized, Pope Francis said Saturday at a vigil for the feast of Divine Mercy.

Pope: Easter message brings hope to victims of terrorism, persecution

In his Urbi et Orbi message for Easter, Pope Francis encouraged victims of terrorism and Christian persecution to find hope in the Lord’s resurrection.

Pope's Way of the Cross remembers migrants, persecuted Christians

Following the yearly Good Friday tradition set by his predecessors, Pope Francis presided over the Stations of the Cross at Rome's Colosseum, where such issues as migration and the persecution of Christians were remembered.

Mercy will save the world: papal preacher's Good Friday meditation

Remembering this week's deadly terror attack in Brussels, the papal preacher centered his Good Friday reflection on mercy's role in saving the world.

In Tulsa's diocese, no one is turned away from end-of-life care

The latest initiative of the Tulsa, Oklahoma diocese is not only offering practical care for the region's homeless and under-privileged communities – it's bringing a message of hope in the face of death.

Pope's Instagram launches with appeal for prayer

The official Instagram account of Pope Francis launched on Saturday with a simple request for his followers: “Pray for me.”

Pope announces Palestinian as winner of international teaching prize

A Palestinian school teacher on Sunday became the recipient of a US$1m international award for her work with children – and it was Pope Francis who announced the winner.

In the face of suffering, let's entrust ourselves to God – Pope Francis

Speaking days after the death of a homeless man on the streets of Rome, Pope Francis during Mass on Monday reflected on the challenge of trusting in God in a world where the innocent suffer.

Pope mourns 'tragic loss of life' after attack in Turkey

Pope Francis sent his condolences to the president of Turkey where a terrorist attack Sunday left dozens dead.

Pope praises grandparents who transmit the faith

The Catholic Church grew faster than the global population in past decade

The number of Catholics has increased at a faster rate than the rest of the population, newly released statistics by the Vatican reveal.

Women's day at the Vatican underscores the power of mercy

The concept of mercy is not easy for Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, a Filipina activist who has suffered a series of trials through her life, including imprisonment with her own children.

Pope Francis lauds fidelity of Ukrainian Greek-Catholics

Pope Francis met with leaders of the Permanent Synod of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church (UGCC) on Saturday, praising their people's “tireless witnesses of hope” in Christ amid decades of hardships.

Pope's retreat reflects on the Gospel's 'raw' questions

Pope Francis and members of the Curia embarked Sunday on their annual Lenten retreat, which this year centers on the theme: “Le nude domande del vangelo” – “The raw questions of the Gospel.”