Ann Schneible

Pope Francis makes surprise visit to birthplace of the Nativity scene

Pope Francis made a surprise visit Monday to the Italian hill town of Greccio where, centuries earlier, St. Francis created the first nativity scene.

Mercy is stronger than violence and injustice, Pope says

Christmas joy is the antidote to skepticism, Pope Francis says

The joy we receive from Christ’s birth has the power to counteract doubt and indifference, in a world that is “merciless to the sinner and lenient to the sin,” Pope Francis said during Midnight Mass for Christmas.

How one skeptical scientist came to believe the Shroud of Turin

The Shroud of Turin has different meanings for many people: some see it as an object of veneration, others a forgery, still others a medieval curiosity. For one Jewish scientist, however, the evidence has led him to see it as a meeting point between science and faith.

How does God show mercy to us? Through the Church, Pope says

The Church is the “living sign” of God's love and mercy in the world, Pope Francis said during his Wednesday general audience. He reflected on the universality of communion as demonstrated by the global scale of the Jubilee of Mercy.

There's no 'vocation to laziness', Pope Francis tells young people

Pope Francis on Monday met with an Italian initiative aimed at offering support to unemployed and underemployed youth, saying their responsibility is to help young people rediscover the “vocation” of work in the context of their human dignity.

Pope celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe, confirms Mexico trip

Pope Francis officially announced the date he would venerate the shrine of Our Lady Guadalupe in Mexico during his homily for the Marian feast at the Vatican.

Pope Francis venerates Immaculate Conception statue in Rome

Pope Francis venerated the statue of the Immaculate Conception in Rome’s Piazza di Spagna, continuing the tradition set by his predecessors in the late 1900s.

It’s time to rediscover God’s mercy, Pope says at Jubilee launch

Pope Francis has officially commenced the Jubilee of Mercy, calling those who pass through the newly-opened Holy Door to rediscover God’s mercy and experience the mystery of his love.

What challenges do women face at work? The Vatican takes a look

A two-day Vatican workshop over the weekend explored the unique challenges faced by women as they balance work with family life, and what true equality for women looks like in the workplace.

The Year of Mercy: What's it all about?

One of the central aims of the Jubilee of Mercy will be to reorient the Sacrament of Confession back to the center of the Church's pastoral life, explained one official involved in organizing the year-long event.

Pope: Conversion is for believers and non-believers alike

In his Angelus address for the second Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis spoke against the presumption that the need for conversion applies only to non-believers, and that Christians are somehow exempt.

Yesterday's martyrs, today's priests: The legacy of the Venerable English College

While the days are long past that to be a Catholic priest in England is a capital crime, the legacy of the nation's Rome-based seminary – where centuries earlier 44 men trained for the priesthood before returning home to be martyred – has not been forgotten.

Pope calls Central African Christians, Muslims to unite against violence

Christians and Muslims must unite against acts which “disfigure the Face of God” by promoting peace, Pope Francis told Islamic representatives on the final day of his visit the war-torn Central African Republic (CAR).

Pope to Central African Christians: Be artisans of renewal in your country

During the final Mass of his first visit to Africa, Pope Francis called the Christians of the Central African Republic (CAR) to be missionaries in their nation, bringing renewal amid suffering, and hope for eternal life.

Like the martyrs, witness to Jesus with your life, Pope tells Ugandans

Marking his first full day in Uganda with Mass to celebrate the nation’s martyrs, Pope Francis said the call to be missionary disciples falls on all of us, whether at home or abroad, with our families or among our enemies.

Pope Francis sends greetings to Africa ahead of this week's trip

Pope Francis sent two video messages Monday ahead of his tri-nation visit to Africa, speaking his intent to bring “consolation and hope” to the region while serving as a “minister of the Gospel.”

Pope sends condolences after deadly terrorist attack in Mali

Pope Francis condemned the “senseless violence” of Friday’s terrorist attack on a hotel which has killed at least 22 people in Mali, and prayed for the “conversion of hearts.”  

Pope Francis: While worldly kingdoms dominate, Christ’s kingdom liberates

In a world which employs “weapons of fear” and manipulation, the strength of Christ’s kingdom is founded in truth and love, Pope Francis said in his Sunday angelus address, during which he also remembered today’s persecuted Christians. 

Pope to Church: Don't act like you're on lockdown

Pope Francis Wednesday centered his weekly catechesis on the upcoming Year of Mercy, urging the Church not only to keep its doors open, but to go out to those who may not have the strength to enter.