Advent

The Latest

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience Dec. 11, 2013.

Pope: Contemplate St. Joseph’s 'greatness of soul'

Dec 22, 2013

In his Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis reflected on the Christian witness of St. Joseph, who was faithful to God’s call... Read more

Pope Francis blesses a rosary for a pilgrim in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Dec. 4, 2013.

Pope: A Christian refusing to serve others is a 'pagan'

Dec 18, 2013

In his Wednesday general audience this morning, Pope Francis stressed the importance of humility and service in the Christian life.  Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience Dec. 11, 2013.

Holiness means 'letting God write our history,' preaches Pope

Dec 17, 2013

Pope Francis’ daily homily focused on the importance of allowing God to be active and present in our daily lives.  Read more

A statue of the Baby Jesus from a Nativity scene is held up for the blessing at St Peter's Square on “Bambinelli” Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013.

Church is a 'house of joy,' Pope stresses on Gaudete Sunday

Dec 15, 2013

In his Angelus address on the third Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis emphasized the joy of the Christian message and... Read more

A Navejo elder sits in her yard while water is delivered to her home in Smith Lake, NM.

Group aims to ease US water poverty with Advent campaign

Dec 5, 2013

A human rights organization is teaming up with a Catholic mission this Advent to help offer free, clean water to... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in remembrance of Bishops and Cardinals who died during the past year on Nov. 4, 2013

Schedule of Pope's Advent, Christmas liturgies released

Dec 5, 2013

By Elise Harris

The Vatican has issued the calendar of all liturgical celebrations that Pope Francis is slated to preside over during the... Read more

A view of the Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square, Dec. 13, 2012.

Christmas is more than a 'temporal celebration,' Pope reflects

Dec 2, 2013

By Elise Harris

In his daily homily on the first Monday of Advent, Pope Francis reflected on the season of Christmas, explaining that... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Nov. 27, 2013.

Pope Francis' December prayers, nativity scene plans revealed

Dec 2, 2013

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis is bringing this year to a close by offering special prayers during the month of December for children... Read more

Pope Francis begins his popemobile tour of the May 15, 2013 general audience in St. Peter's Square

Pope Francis: Advent is a journey towards horizon of hope

Dec 1, 2013

The Pope’s Sunday Angelus message for the start of Advent focused on the importance of hope during the liturgical season... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope 'deeply saddened' by Connecticut shooting

Dec 16, 2012

The Pope expressed sorrow over the Sandy Hook school shooting that massacred 20 children and offered prayers for the victims'... Read more

Archbishop Jose Gomez celebrates Mass Dec. 2, 2012 after the Marian procession of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Photo courtesy of Victor Alemán-vida-nueva.com.

Advent is a 'season of Mary,' Archbishop Gomez says

Dec 11, 2012

By Kevin J. Jones

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles is describing Advent as “a season of Mary” and a time for Catholics... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square. CNA file photo.

Christmas is more than a party, Pope explains

Dec 9, 2012

The Pope asked Catholics to prepare for Christmas amid a consumerist society by listening to the voice of John the... Read more