Pope Francis has written to a group of parents of LGBTQ persons, responding to their criticism of a Vatican document that condemned gender theory and gender-affirming surgeries. He told them he received their critique with an "open heart."
Explore the social justice and spiritual journey of Church of St. Francis Xavier, where inclusion, compassion and social outreach thrive, from celebrating LGBTQ lives to serving the homeless.
"Tradition is living" and not stagnant, Pope Francis wrote, and it must continually shape and take root in every part of the world and in every culture.
The diocesan priest named in a controversy over damage to a Vatican II altar in Cleveland was on leave from the priesthood for a decade following allegations of sexual abuse, before being reinstated to ministry in 2012.
Advances in technology and AI raise fundamental questions: When do assistive technologies cross a line and become something else? What does this imply about human nature, human dignity and being created in God's image?
Pilgrims passing through the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica during the Holy Year 2025, going to confession, receiving Communion and praying for the intentions of the pope can receive an indulgence, but so can inmates in prison and those who work to defend human life or assist migrants and refugees.
"I renew my appeal for a general exchange of all the prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, assuring the willingness of the Holy See to favor any effort in this regard, especially for those who are gravely injured and ill," Pope Francis said after praying the "Regina Coeli" in St. Peter's Square May 12.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for "swift action" and "generous acts of charity" to mitigate effects of flooding that has so far left more than 250 people dead and a trail of property damage.
I have taken a fresh look at our concept of the Earth as humanity's common mother and home. Some of my favorite women saints have inspired me with new levels of awareness and understanding.
One year ago St. James the Apostle Church in Coolidge stood in a sea of concrete, asphalt and gravel. Waves of heat streamed off sunbaked surfaces that blinded parishioners as they dashed from their cars to the shelter of the church.
While the forces of a market economy may obstruct people from advancing social justice, society cannot remain mute in the face of unjust labor practices and exploitative economic structures, Pope Francis said.
Catherine Ricketts' The Mother Artist: Portraits of Ambition, Limitation, and Creativity is an excavation of the many questions, frustrations and, ultimately, gifts of a culture that welcomes mothers who make art.
Catherine Ricketts' The Mother Artist: Portraits of Ambition, Limitation, and Creativity is an excavation of the many questions, frustrations and, ultimately, gifts of a culture that welcomes mothers who make art.
The founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, Venerable Mary Lange, was raised in Cuba before coming to America. A 2021 film explores the Oblates' work there after Lange's death.
Louise Archambault's film "Irena's Vow" tells the true story of Irena Gut, a devout Polish Catholic who risked her life by hiding 12 Jews in the basement of a Nazi major's residence where she was a housekeeper.
Through her encounters with migrants fleeing violence and extortion, and crossing the border between the U.S. and Mexico, Sr. Clara Malo Castrillón found parallels with the Book of Tobit, written 2,000 years ago.
"We may have an inspiration or insight during prayer or in the course of the day," writes Sr. Lissy Maruthanakuzhy. "Let us not dismiss it … Stop and try to act on it. It might be the Holy Spirit leading us."
It was clear to me as I was with them, that the sisters cultivated hope that strengthened their resiliency, a kind of elasticity of spirit, a suppleness to spring back after being knocked down or crushed, not allowing pain to overwhelm and overshadow hope.
In Haiti's capital city, "they are literally in hell," says Sr. Jaqueline Picard. The effects of rampant gang violence in Port-au-Prince reach the rural communities where she and other Religious of Jesus and Mary serve.
