Pope Francis expressed shock and offered prayers after a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Germany killed five people, including a child.
Pope Francis delivered Christmas messages at the Vatican, warning against gossip, while the Holy See announced he is experiencing cold symptoms.
German bishops expressed horror after a car attack at Magdeburg Christmas market left five dead and more than 200 injured.
At a meeting Dec. 13–14 in Wiesbaden, delegates discussed drafting the composition of a body that initially was proposed to be a synodal council.
The pope emphasized the unique power of music to foster unity and communion, drawing parallels to the first Christmas.
During the “cordial talks,” both parties “reiterated the condemnation of all forms of terrorism” while emphasizing the importance of protecting Jerusalem’s special status.
Pope Francis marked the Immaculate Conception by visiting to two of Rome’s most important Marian sites, followed by an unexpected stop.
The pope also encouraged everyone to “open our hearts and minds to the Lord Jesus, born of Mary Immaculate” as the Church prepares for Jubilee 2025.
Pope Francis celebrated the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception with the news cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica, calling Christians to imitate Mary.
“Today, sadness and mourning give way to joy, celebration, and praise,” the Holy Father wrote in his message to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris.
The pope highlighted that the term “cardinal” symbolizes a “hinge,” emphasizing their vital role as in holding the Church together.
“I am with my heart, and I would say with my whole body, for a synodal vision,” Archbishop Ignace Bessi Dogbo of Abidjan said.
Pope Francis on Sunday addressed cosmic upheavals, modern anxieties, and current conflicts while emphasizing hope and spiritual vigilance.
The letter was delivered by Cardinal Kurt Koch during his visit to Istanbul for the patronal feast of the Orthodox Church.
The State Department said discussions between Blinken and the pope focused on ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine amid a broader European diplomatic tour.
“Think of the Ukrainian children and young people who suffer at this time without heating in a very harsh winter,” the pope said on Nov. 27, addressing youngsters gathered around him in St. Peter’s Square.
“Next week, with Advent, the Chinese translation will also begin here publicly,” the pope said on Nov. 27 during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square.
At the Vatican, Pope Francis celebrates Christ the King Sunday, urging young Catholics to embrace authentic faith and lasting Christian love.
The journey includes Mass at Place d’Austerlitz and meetings with local clergy under Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo.
Father Max Josef Metzger, executed by Nazis in 1944 for promoting peace and Christian unity, was beatified Sunday in Freiburg, Germany.