Music might be changing, but not the message

Columnist John Garvey can't help but see the irony of a secular culture that loves Pope Francis' clothes and a few of his phrases, but won't tolerate religious symbols, clothing or the name of God in public expression.

Scandal, defeat come when clergy, lay refuse to let God transform them

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Priests, bishops and lay Catholics who cause scandal are living lives cut off from God, and their corruption ends up poisoning others, Pope Francis said.

On abortion and contraception, Vatican puts words in context

When Pope Francis publicly used strong language about abortion Jan. 13, his words had even more impact given the setting: not before clergy or Catholic doctors, but in a room full of ambassadors, mostly from countries where abortion is legal.

Cardinal-designate Parolin coordinates Curia, Vatican diplomacy

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In his dual roles as coordinator of the Roman Curia and chief Vatican diplomat, Cardinal-designate Pietro Parolin has said he hopes to imitate the joy and the simplicity with which Pope Francis has carried out his ministry.

Big issues, events loom in new year for Vatican

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After a year that included the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and a series of celebrated innovations by Pope Francis, it is hard to imagine 2014 at the Vatican could be nearly as eventful. Besides any surprises, here are five issues to watch at the Holy See.

Photo of the day

Pope Francis receives a letter from a child during a visit to the Bambino Gesu children's hospital in Rome Dec. 21. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters)

In world leadership, what we should ask for this Christmas

The enthusiasm over Pope Francis's pontificate and the funeral of Nelson Mandela reflect a hunger for leaders who live what they preach, who are servant leaders leading with humility and love.

‘The Hobbit’ sequel attacks worldly corruption with up-tempo action

NEW YORK (CNS) -- It seems unlikely that Pope Francis will decide to shatter yet another papal precedent by visiting a multiplex anytime soon. Should he do so, however, he'd probably approve of the underlying themes in director Peter Jackson's lively sequel "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" (Warner Bros.).

A listening heart and ‘The Joy of the Gospel’

Archbishop Charles Chaput writes in his weekly column that the joy we seek at Christmas and throughout the year can’t be had from things. It comes from the experience of love we share with God and other people. “The Joy of the Gospel,” the first major text written by Pope Francis, distills and expresses that simple truth with uncommon beauty. Read it. Pray over it. Then make it a part of your life.

Dioceses solicit Catholics’ views in preparing for synod on family

The Philadelphia Archdiocese and Harrisburg Diocese are among a handful around the country that have online ways for everyday Catholics to put in their two cents' worth about the discussions bishops from around the world will have with Pope Francis at a synod Oct. 5-19, 2014.