Articles by Courtney Mares
Pope's letter on nativity scenes shares the story behind a beloved Christmas tradition
Dec 1, 2019 / 08:45 amPope Francis issued an apostolic letter Dec. 1 on the meaning and importance of nativity scenes, calling for this “wonderful sign” to be more widely displayed in family homes and public places throughout the world.
Pope Francis prays for Iraqi people after 45 killed in protests
Dec 1, 2019 / 06:00 amPope Francis said Sunday that he was grieved to hear of the deadly violence against protesters in Iraq and expressed his closeness to the entire Iraqi people.
Pope Francis: The Church seeks truth and healing for wounded marriages
Nov 30, 2019 / 12:00 pmPope Francis said Saturday that the Church suffers with couples who are in a “wounded marriage,” and seeks their healing in truth.
Benedict XVI reflects on 50 years of the International Theological Commission
Nov 30, 2019 / 10:38 amPope Emeritus Benedict XVI sent a message to the International Theological Commission this week reflecting on the theological contributions of the commission that he led for nearly half of its 50-year history.
Pope Francis visits a local charity in Rome with a message of solidarity
Nov 30, 2019 / 04:00 amIn a visit to Rome’s Caritas center Friday, Pope Francis emphasized the shared experience of vulnerability among Christ and the poor.
Pope Francis: Synodality is what the Lord expects of the Church
Nov 29, 2019 / 10:00 amPope Francis told the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s theological commission Friday that synodality will be key for the Church in the future.
International Conference on Christian Persecution convenes in Budapest
Nov 26, 2019 / 15:00 pmPatriarchs, cardinals, politicians, and Christians from across the globe are in Budapest this week for the International Conference on Christian Persecution.
Pastor of vibrant Arkansas parish named Bishop of Shreveport
Nov 19, 2019 / 06:00 amPope Francis Tuesday appointed Msgr. Francis Malone, pastor of an Arkansa parish known for having generated many priestly vocations, as the next bishop of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Pope Francis: The poor, unborn, and elderly are neglected in the frenzy of modern life
Nov 17, 2019 / 04:30 amOn the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis said that the poor and most vulnerable can be left behind in the frenetic haste and self-centeredness of the modern world.
Pope Francis: Women’s voices are needed in Vatican leadership
Nov 16, 2019 / 07:00 amPope Francis said Saturday that more women are needed in positions of leadership in the Vatican.
Vatican Museums opens exhibit with newly restored Renaissance Marian paintings
Nov 16, 2019 / 06:01 amThe Vatican Museums opened Thursday an exhibit of recently restored paintings of the Virgin Mary by early Renaissance painter Carlo Crivelli.
Pope Francis names Archbishop Gabriele Caccia ambassador to the United Nations
Nov 16, 2019 / 04:00 amPope Francis Saturday named Archbishop Gabriele Caccia the next Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York.
Vatican delegation in Iran discuss human rights with Muslim leaders
Nov 15, 2019 / 08:00 amA Vatican delegation traveled to Tehran this week to discuss opportunities for Catholics and Muslims to serve humanity together.
Pope Francis' message to those suffering 'at the foot of the cross'
Nov 15, 2019 / 03:45 amPope Francis told those who are sick and suffering Friday that the world needs their prayers.
Pope Francis urges dialogue in face of ongoing jihadist violence in Burkina Faso
Nov 14, 2019 / 07:10 amPope Francis urged interreligious dialogue in Burkina Faso Wednesday as ongoing violence by jihadist groups has killed more than 750 people in the West African country this year.
Record floods in Venice damage St. Mark’s Basilica
Nov 13, 2019 / 08:05 amThe crypt of St. Mark’s Basilica is left completely flooded Wednesday after Venice’s water levels hit the highest mark in more than 50 years.
Pope Francis denounces rise in anti-Semitism
Nov 13, 2019 / 04:30 amPope Francis denounced rising anti-Semitism Wednesday as an attitude that is inhumane and unchristian.
Chaldean patriarch calls for fasting, prayer amid Iraq protests
Nov 12, 2019 / 10:50 amThe Chaldean patriarch has called for three days of fasting and prayer “for an end to the chaos and violence that are bloodying” Iraq.
New York bishops to vote remotely in Rome for USCCB elections
Nov 12, 2019 / 04:45 amNew York bishops will be voting remotely from Rome Tuesday for the election of the next leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Pope Francis: Inclusive capitalism leaves no one behind
Nov 11, 2019 / 07:01 amPope Francis Monday called for the renewal and purification of economic models to be fair, trustworthy, and capable of extending opportunities to all, not only a few.