Wisdom and Christian witness

En espanol In a few months we’ll close out the Year of Faith that began under Pope Benedict and was highlighted so beautifully in Pope Francis’ first encyclical, Lumen Fidei. In the past year — in fact, in every year now, according to the Holy See — more than 100,000 Christians are killed worldwide for reasons related to their faith. That’s the real cost of discipleship. That’s a measure of heroic character.

Seven encyclicals that shook the church

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' first encyclical, "Lumen Fidei" ("The Light of Faith"), released July 5, is the latest installment in a centuries' old papal tradition. An encyclical is considered the most authoritative form of papal writing, and though many examples are now remembered only by scholars, the messages of others have continued to resonate within the church and beyond.

Encyclical illustrates continuity of two papacies, officials say

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Presenting Pope Francis' new encyclical and acknowledging how much of it was prepared by retired Pope Benedict XVI, top Vatican officials hailed it as a unique expression of the development of papal teaching and unity in faith.

General Audience: In temple of the church there are no useless bricks

Vatican City, 26 June 2013 (VIS) – The image of the temple, to illustrate the mystery of the Church, was the theme chosen by Pope Francis for his catechesis in today's general audience.

Humans: Trash or treasure?

A good understanding of the principle of human dignity can be found in examples from new technology. Or from the straight talk of Pope Francis. Both can be equally effective. "We have begun this culture of disposal where human beings themselves are nowadays considered as consumer goods, which can be used and thrown away," the pope said in a meeting with diplomats. Two recent magazine articles demonstrated how technology can lead to either the commoditization of humans or to celebrating their individuality.

Former senior Anglican minister named to head Catholic U.K. diocese

MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- Pope Francis has appointed the most senior former Anglican in the hierarchy of the Catholic bishops of England and Wales to head the Diocese of East Anglia. Bishop Hopes, 69, served as an Anglican minister for 24 years until he became a Catholic in 1994 following the decision of the General Synod of the Church of England to allow women to be ordained as priests.

The Church is God’s call to be part of His family

Vatican City, 29 May 2013 (VIS) – The mystery of the Church will be the theme of Pope Francis' new cycle of catechesis during the Wednesday general audiences. “A mystery,” he said, “that we all live and in which we all take part.” The Pope, who will discuss this topic in light of Vatican Council II texts, began from the parable of the prodigal son that illustrates God's plan for humanity.

Helen Alvare blasts ‘sexual expressionism,’ government interference

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In dealing with several serious issues confronting the church and society today, "the only question is how you respond, not whether you should," said Helen Alvare at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, held May 9 in Washington. The response Alvare suggested to her audience: "As our leader (Pope Francis) is fearless, let us be fearless leaders."

Tens of thousands march for life in Rome

UPDATED -- VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke and U.S. pro-life leaders joined tens of thousands of demonstrators in Italy's third annual March for Life May 12, which ended with a personal greeting from Pope Francis. According to organizers, some 30,000 marched along the route from the Colosseum to Castel Sant'Angelo, a distance of nearly two miles.

Vatican says its departments collaborate, including on decision on American nuns

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Two days after the head of the Vatican office overseeing religious life said he had not been consulted by the Vatican's doctrinal office about a controversial investigation of American nuns, the two offices affirmed their "common commitment" to reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious. A Brazilian cardinal's remarks were an unusual example of a Vatican official speaking publicly about the lack of communication and coordination among Roman Curia offices, which many cardinals tried to address during the meetings before the conclave that elected Pope Francis.