Hannah Brockhaus

Hannah Brockhaus

Hannah Brockhaus is Catholic News Agency’s senior Vatican correspondent. After growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, she earned a degree in English from Truman State University in Missouri. In 2016, she moved to Rome, Italy, where in her spare time she enjoys reading and going on adventures with her husband and son.

Articles by Hannah Brockhaus

Don’t let fear keep you from welcoming the stranger, Pope says

Jan 14, 2018 / 04:45 am

At a special Mass Sunday for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis said that while it is normal to be afraid of the unknown, we can’t let this direct how we respond to newcomers in our midst, who should be treated with respect and generosity.

Youth to be Vatican’s focus in 2018, Cardinal Parolin says

Jan 11, 2018 / 10:17 am

In an interview published Thursday, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that for the Vatican, the new year will be marked by its attention to the lives of young people ahead of the 2018 Synod of Bishops.

Be intentional about silence during Mass, Pope Francis says

Jan 10, 2018 / 04:00 am

Pope Francis said Wednesday that moments of silence in the Mass should be intentional times of prayer, recollection and communion with God, rather than being viewed as times to just be quiet or not speak.

Vatican releases Pope's liturgical schedule for January, February

Jan 9, 2018 / 06:34 am

Earlier this week the Vatican published Pope Francis’ liturgical schedule for the months of January and February, including his lineup of celebrations for the start of Lent, which this year begins Feb. 14.

Pope Francis: The world needs stable families, relationships

Jan 8, 2018 / 06:44 am

In a speech to diplomats on Monday, Pope Francis said that the stability of the family is integral for the future, and that such stability is created when founded upon the faithful and lasting relationship of a man and woman.

Pope Francis: Sin separates us from both God and neighbor

Jan 3, 2018 / 03:03 am

On Wednesday, Pope Francis emphasized how sin breaks our relationship with God and with our community, which is why at the beginning of every Mass we pause to recognize our sinfulness and ask for forgiveness.

Pope on New Year’s Day: Devotion to Mary is a must

Jan 1, 2018 / 03:55 am

At the start of the new year, Pope Francis said that having a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary isn’t just something that is nice or good to do, but is an obligation in the life of a Christian.

Our response to the gift of Jesus? – ‘Thank you,’ Pope says New Year’s Eve

Dec 31, 2017 / 09:20 am

At Vespers for the close of 2017, Pope Francis said that the only adequate response to God’s gift of His Son Jesus is one of profound gratitude for the many graces we’ve been given, particularly in the last year.

Narni: Italy's inspiration for the magical realm of C. S. Lewis

Dec 28, 2017 / 15:01 pm

The magical realm of Narnia is the setting of C. S. Lewis’ beloved children’s book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. There, four children discover a land of talking animals, mythological creatures, the White Witch, and “the Great Lion:” Aslan.

Gingrich officially begins term as new US ambassador to Vatican

Dec 22, 2017 / 05:00 am

Newly-appointed American Ambassador to the Holy See, Callista Gingrich, presented her letters of credential to Pope Francis in a meeting Friday morning, officially marking the beginning of her duties.

We all need God’s mercy, cardinal says at Law’s funeral

Dec 21, 2017 / 12:00 pm

At the funeral of Cardinal Bernard Law on Thursday, Cardinal Angelo Sodano said that every one of us is imperfect, but that we must give ourselves over to the loving mercy of God the Father.

Pope to Roman Curia: Be faithful to the Petrine office

Dec 21, 2017 / 09:01 am

In a speech before the start of the Christmas break Thursday, Pope Francis exhorted Curia members to carry out their work and service to the Church in faithfulness to the sacred authority of the Petrine office.

Pope Francis and bishops respond to Law’s death as funeral plans finalized

Dec 20, 2017 / 09:01 am

The Vatican announced Wednesday that the funeral Mass of Cardinal Bernard Law, the former archbishop of Boston who died Dec. 20, will be held Thursday.

Pope: All of Mass is important – don’t be late!

Dec 20, 2017 / 07:19 am

Pope Francis on Wednesday stressed the importance of getting to Mass on time, noting that every piece is important, especially the opening Sign of the Cross, where we prepare as a community to worship God together.

Polish cardinal, "Rosary Priest" among sainthood causes moving forward

Dec 19, 2017 / 04:06 am

Pope Francis on Tuesday recognized the heroic virtue of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, the former Metropolitan Archbishop of Warsaw, as well as Patrick Peyton, an Irish priest known for his promotion of the Rosary.

Meet the woman who helped revive Catholic art after the Reformation

Dec 18, 2017 / 03:01 am

Baroque Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi is hailed as a ‘feminist icon’ based on her portrayal of the female ‘hero,’ who through violence enacts symbolic revenge against men, and her supposed defiance of Counter-Reformation taboos.

Meet the man who holds the keys to the Pope's Museums

Dec 16, 2017 / 03:20 am

“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus told St. Peter, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.

Pope Francis: Music opens our hearts to the true meaning of Christmas

Dec 15, 2017 / 10:41 am

Music and art are especially suited to helping us more deeply comprehend the true meaning of the mystery of Christmas, said Pope Francis in remarks on Friday.

Vatican communications department will soon unveil new website

Dec 13, 2017 / 11:02 am

Pope Francis and his Council of Cardinals met this week to continue discussions on reform of the Roman Curia and unveiled a new communications system for the Secretariat for Communications.

Pope Francis: Think 'being good' is enough? It’s not. Go to Mass

Dec 13, 2017 / 03:20 am

According to Pope Francis, a Christian can’t just be a good person and skip Mass on Sundays, because it is the Eucharist that provides the nourishment needed to truly live the Gospel well in our daily lives.