Articles by Courtney Mares
Carlo Acutis to be first millennial saint: Pope Francis recognizes miracle for canonization
May 23, 2024 / 06:22 amThe Italian computer-coding teenager who died of cancer in 2006 is known for his great devotion to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Bishop of Shanghai defends China’s religious freedom record at Vatican conference
May 22, 2024 / 13:14 pmThe controversial Chinese bishop was a featured speaker at a Vatican conference beside Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Pope Francis praises historic council in China as ‘an authentic synodal journey’
May 21, 2024 / 13:57 pmIn a video message to a conference in Rome, the pope noted that Chinese Catholics have endured “times of patience and trial” in the past century.
Pope Francis names Bishop Joseph Williams as coadjutor bishop of Camden, New Jersey
May 21, 2024 / 09:06 amWilliams, 50, has served as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis since 2022.
Pope Francis to travel to Luxembourg and Belgium in September
May 20, 2024 / 14:06 pmThe pope will make a one-day stopover in Luxembourg on Sept. 26 before visiting the Catholic universities of Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve Sept. 26–29.
Pope Francis on Pentecost: The Holy Spirit’s work in us is powerful
May 19, 2024 / 08:15 amSpeaking in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope explained that the Holy Spirit’s “work in us is powerful, as symbolized by the signs of wind and fire.”
Italian actor Roberto Benigni to join Pope Francis for World Children’s Day
May 16, 2024 / 11:49 amOn the second day of the event, Benigni, best known for his Oscar-winning film “Life Is Beautiful,” will give a short speech at the end of Pope Francis’ Mass.
Chiara Corbella’s beatification cause to take a step forward in June
May 16, 2024 / 10:08 amThe Diocese of Rome announced Wednesday that it will hold the closing session of the diocesan phase of her cause for beatification on Friday, June 21.
A look at the bishop of Hong Kong’s recent visit to mainland China
May 15, 2024 / 14:17 pmChow led a 10-person delegation of Catholics from Hong Kong to the southern Chinese cities of Guangzhou, Shantou, and Shenzhen in April.
What has the Vatican already said about discerning Marian apparitions?
May 14, 2024 / 13:52 pmOfficials from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith discussed problems that could come up in examining apparitions in November 1974.
How to obtain a plenary indulgence during the 2025 Jubilee
May 13, 2024 / 14:43 pmThe decree provides Catholics with the opportunity to gain indulgences by making pilgrimages, prayerfully visiting churches, or practicing works of mercy.
Pope Francis on Mother’s Day: Let us pray also for mothers in heaven
May 12, 2024 / 10:45 amOn Mother’s Day, Pope Francis entrusted all mothers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking everyone to remember to also pray for all the mothers who have gone to heaven.
Pope Francis proclaims 2025 Jubilee papal bull: ‘Hope does not disappoint’
May 9, 2024 / 13:54 pmThe papal bull declares that the Jubilee will officially begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024.
Why Tom Brady and Garth Brooks will be at the Vatican this weekend
May 7, 2024 / 12:30 pmTom Brady, Garth Brooks, and other celebrity guests will meet Pope Francis in an audience on May 11 as participants in the World Meeting on Human Fraternity.
Vatican to publish new document on Marian apparitions next week
May 7, 2024 / 09:02 amCardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will unveil new norms for discernment regarding “apparitions and other supernatural phenomena.”
Could Edith Stein be declared the next doctor of the Church?
May 6, 2024 / 11:12 amPope Francis received an official request from the superior general of the Discalced Carmelites, Father Miguel Márquez Calle, on April 18.
Pope Francis: Let us thank the Lord for our friends
May 5, 2024 / 09:30 amThe pope reflected on the gift of friendship during his Regina Caeli address on May 5.
Pope Francis tells world’s parish priests: The Church could not go on without you
May 2, 2024 / 12:41 pmPope Francis published a letter on Thursday addressed to all parish priests in the world with his advice for building a missionary Church.
Pope Francis to speak at event on Italy’s record-low birth rate
May 2, 2024 / 09:00 amPope Francis will address “The General State of the Birth Rate” conference on May 10 at the Conciliazione Auditorium close to the Vatican.
Discover the hidden chapel in Rome where St. Catherine of Siena died
Apr 29, 2024 / 04:00 amLocated around the corner from the Pantheon, the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena sits within the high altar of the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.