A collection of all the special events in which the Pope has spoken.
In the distance a snow-covered Mt Ararat was visible, its grey stones a reminder of the countless victims of the “Great Evil” (Metz Yehghern) that ruthlessly decimated the Armenian people a century ago. Pope Francis’ homage at the Tzitzernakaberd memorial in Yerevan was sealed by the heart wrenching melody of flutes. A terrifying extermination, which just hours [...]
Saturday afternoon Pope Francis visited Villa Nazareth in the Pineta Sacchetti area of Rome. Villa Nazareth was founded in 1946 for orphans and poor children in order to provide the underprivileged with educational opportunities. Today Villa Nazareth helps young people who are experiencing economic hardship but who also show great intellectual potential. It provides them with [...]
On Day Marking 11-Year Anniversary of German Pope’s Election, Pope Benedict Sends Message of Gratitude Via Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation Today marks the 11-year anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s election as Pope, and the German retired Pontiff has reached out to thank those who have given him 89th birthday wishes on Saturday. “Giving thanks for [...]
Pope Francis celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening, 24 March, at a reception centre for people seeking asylum [the Centro di Accoglienza per Richiedenti Asilo, or CARA] in Castelnuovo di Porto. Located just a short distance from Rome, the centre provides temporary lodging and services for nearly 900 asylum seekers from [...]
“THE UNIVERSAL CALL TO HOLINESS” (Lumen gentium, Chapter 5) A few days ago we have entered the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of Vatican II and the jubilee Year of Mercy. We must say that the link between the theme of mercy and the Second Vatican Council is anything but arbitrary or minor. St. John [...]
In a few moments I will have the joy of opening the Holy Door of Mercy. We carry out this act – as I did in Bangui – so simple yet so highly symbolic, in the light of the word of God which we have just heard. That word highlights the primacy of grace. Again and [...]
Dear Brothers and Sisters, good morning and Feast! Today, the feast of the Immaculate Conception makes us contemplate Our Lady who, by a singular privilege, was preserved from Original Sin from her conception. Although living in the world marked by sin, she was not touched by it: she is our Sister in suffering, but not in [...]
Pope Francis during Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24 (Gaazka photo) 1. ”The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Is 9:1). This prophecy of Isaiah never ceases to touch us, especially when we hear it proclaimed in the liturgy of Christmas Night. This is not simply an [...]
Pope Francis waves a he delivers his Christmas blessing (to the city and the world) form the central balcony at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican December 25. At St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis celebrates his first solemn Christmas midnight Mass as pontiff. Celebrating the first Christmas since his election, Pope Francis preached the [...]
Pope Francis celebrated his first Christmas as Pope, and pleaded for world peace on New Year’s Day. He also invited Pope Benedict to join him for lunch in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Peace was on Pope Francis’ heart on New Year’s Day. The “heart of humanity” seems to have “gone astray” and too many people are [...]