St. Francis

The Latest

Pope Francis visits the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square following vespers on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2022.

Christmas 2023 at the Vatican: Nativity to recall St. Francis’ first-ever manger scene

Oct 30, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Christmas 2023 Nativity scene at the Vatican will evoke the first-ever live manger, the Vatican said Monday. Read more

Nativity scene commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1292. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome

Dec 27, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The first known Nativity scene figurines are housed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Read more

Nativity scene commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1292. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

First known nativity scene figurines can now be seen in St. Mary Major Basilica

Dec 23, 2020

By Courtney Mares

The first known nativity scene figurines are on display this Christmas in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas. Read more

'Be antennas' to receive the word of God, Pope exhorts

Oct 4, 2013

By Elise Harris

In a meeting with priests and religious during his visit to Assisi, Pope Francis urged the professed to listen and... Read more

Pope Francis gives the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on Oct. 2, 2013.

Pope: we must 'undress' ourselves of worldliness like St. Francis

Oct 4, 2013

On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis said that Christians should follow the example of the great... Read more

St. Francis of Assisi.

St. Francis' poverty often misunderstood, priest explains

Mar 24, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

Saint Francis of Assisi's concern with poverty was secondary in his life and stemmed from his utter reliance on and... Read more