POPE Francis says the world economic system inevitably promotes military conflict as a way to enrich the most powerful nations. He also condemned religious fundamentalism, defended the controversial record of Pope Pius XII and said he did not worry about his personal security because, “at my age I don’t have much to lose”. Pope Francis’ words appeared in a wide-ranging ... Read More »
AS the World Cup was about to kick off, Pope Francis called on fans and competitors to celebrate the event as an opportunity to promote dialogue, respect and peace. He also warned against all forms of discrimination on the sidelines, in the stands and on the field: “Let no one become isolated and feel excluded! Watch out! ‘No’ to segregation, ... Read More »
CELEBRATING an early-morning Mass with a congregation made up of priests and bishops, Pope Francis said they regularly need to ask themselves if they love Jesus as much as when they first encountered him, and whether ministry, not administration, is still their priority. “This is the question I ask myself, my brother bishops and priests: ‘How is your love today?’ ... Read More »
BEING a good Christian demands concrete action and deeds, Pope Francis said. And, he said, the “how-to” manual was found in the beatitudes and the Last Judgment, which spelt out the consequences awaiting those who failed to help others in need. Jesus offered a guide to life that was “so simple, but very difficult”, the Pope said on June 9 ... Read More »
PRAYING for peace in the Holy Land alongside leaders of long-antagonistic nations, Pope Francis called on God to act where human efforts had failed, to end what he described as violence inspired by the devil. “More than once we have been on the verge of peace, but the evil one, employing a variety of means, has succeeded in blocking it,” ... Read More »
THOSE who insist others pray and believe exactly like they do, those who have alternatives to every Church teaching and benefactors who use the Church as a cover for business connections may call themselves Catholics, but they have one foot out the door, Pope Francis said. “Many people say they belong to the Church”, but in reality have “only one ... Read More »
THE Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, will be in Rome on Sunday, June 8, to take part in the prayer for peace in the Holy Land. During the Mass in Bethlehem on May 25, Pope Francis invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres to pray with him at the Vatican for peace in the Holy Land. ... Read More »
MEETING more than 50,000 Catholic charismatics in Rome’s Olympic Stadium, Pope Francis admitted he was not always comfortable with the way they prayed, but he knelt onstage as they prayed for him and over him by singing and speaking in tongues. “In the early years of the charismatic renewal in Buenos Aires, I did not have much love for charismatics,” ... Read More »
POPE Francis blamed a “culture of well-being” and comfort for convincing married couples that a carefree life of world travel and summer homes was better than having children. He said married couples should look at how Jesus loves his Church to learn how to be faithful, perseverant and fruitful in their vocation. About 15 married couples celebrating their 25th, 50th ... Read More »
The Catholic Leader Keeping Faith with You
