Pope: Let us be ‘protectors’ of creation, not allowing omens of destruction and death to accompany our world’s journey

Vatican City, 19 March 2013 (Vatican Information Service) – Following is the complete text of the homily that Pope Francis gave during the Mass inaugurating his Petrine ministry. Beginning with the image of St. Joseph, the “protector,” the Pope stressed that the vocation to protect creation and humanity concerns everyone. He urged all to not be afraid of goodness or even of tenderness.

St. Dominic’s 7th graders correctly picked new pope before cardinals did

The next time there is a papal election, it might be just as well to skip the white smoke/black smoke suspense and endless speculation on who will be elected pope. Just call up St. Dominic School in Northeast Philadelphia and find out what the seventh-grade kids think.

Pope pledges renewed ties to Jewish community

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis said he plans renewed cooperation to further Catholic-Jewish relations and hopes to contribute to a world where all people live in harmony with the “will of the creator.” In a message to Chief Rabbi Riccardo di Segni of Rome, the pope said he “profoundly hopes to be able to […]

U.S. interfaith leaders congratulate pope, look forward to leadership

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Here are excerpts of statements by U.S.-based leaders of non-Christian faiths about the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as the new Pope Francis. — Muzammil H. Siddiqi, religious director, Islamic Society of Orange County (Calif.), and chairman, Islamic Shura Council of Southern California: “Please convey my best […]

Pope begins ministry with biblical symbols, signs of universal ministry

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Although attempts were made to simplify the ceremony, Pope Francis officially inaugurated his ministry as pope and bishop of Rome in a liturgy filled with biblical symbolism and signs of the universality of his mission. (See a photo gallery with scenes from the pope's first week in his new ministry.)

After conclave, cardinals get caught up, get to know new pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While the cardinal electors were intensely praying and choosing the next pope, they were utterly unaware of the huge crowds waiting outside braving the rain and whether the smoke really worked, said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York. He said later at a dinner with Pope Francis, "We toasted him and then he toasted us and he said, 'May God forgive you'" for having elected him pope, which "brought the house down" with laughter.

Latin Americans say pope’s election is recognition of global South

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CNS) -- Latin Americans said the election of the first pope from the region is recognition of the role the global South plays in the church's future. Pope Francis, the 76-year-old Argentine who served as archbishop of Buenos Aires as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, comes as both a surprise and a source of hope for Latin American Catholics.

Jesuits surprised that first of their brethren is elected pope

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Jesuit brethren of the new Pope Francis were as surprised as anyone when Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was announced March 13 as the first Jesuit to be elected pope. Jesuit Father Gerard Stockhausen, executive secretary of the Jesuit Conference USA, told Catholic News Service that when Cardinal […]

New pope’s initial schedule released

Coming events for Pope Francis include a closed Mass with the cardinals March 14, a briefing for journalists March 16 and the formal papal installation Mass March 19.

New pope ‘figure of unity’ for all Catholics, says US Bishops’ president

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, congratulated the newly elected pope, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who took the name Francis. Pope Francis “stands as the figure of unity for all Catholics wherever they reside. The bishops of the United […]