The Church embraces all humanity
I would like to reflect in particular on the meaning of the word “catholic,” a word which indicates an essential feature of the Church and her mission. The characteristic marks of the Church are in...
View ArticleThe oil of consolation and the wine of hope
On 11 February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the papacy. The full text is reprinted here. Dear Brothers, I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three...
View ArticleGratias Pater
Venerable and Dear Brothers, I welcome you with great joy and I offer each one of you my most cordial greeting. I thank Cardinal Angelo Sodano who, as always, interpreted the sentiments of the entire...
View ArticleHabemus Papam
Dear Brother Cardinals, The period of the conclave has been a momentous time not only for the College of Cardinals, but also for all the faithful. In these days we have felt almost tangibly the...
View ArticleWhy I chose ‘Francis’
As you know, there are various reasons why I chose the name of Francis of Assisi, a familiar figure far beyond the borders of Italy and Europe, even among those who do not profess the Catholic faith....
View ArticleThe dignity and importance of work
In the Gospel of St. Matthew, in one of the moments when Jesus returns to his town, to Nazareth, and speaks in the Synagogue, the amazement of his fellow townspeople at his wisdom is emphasized. They...
View ArticleShare with the poor
Our human family is presently experiencing something of a turning point in its own history, if we consider the advances made in various areas. We can only praise the positive achievements which...
View ArticleAssumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dear Brothers and Sisters! At the end of its Constitution on the Church, the Second Vatican Council left us a very beautiful meditation on Mary Most Holy. Let me just recall the words referring to the...
View ArticleThe Day of Confraternities and Popular Piety
In the Gospel we heard a passage from the farewell discourses of Jesus, as related by the evangelist John in the context of the Last Supper. Jesus entrusts his last thoughts, as a spiritual testament,...
View ArticleEquestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre
Dear Brothers and Sisters, You are gathered in Rome for the Order’s World Consultation which takes place every five years to reflect on the situation of the Catholic Community in the Holy Land, to...
View ArticlePope Francis’ Letter to Israel
To His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, I send cordial greetings to you, your brother bishops, and all those gathered in Nazareth as you celebrate the close of the Year of Faith in...
View ArticleLumen Fidei
16. The clearest proof of the reliability of Christ’s love is to be found in his dying for our sake. If laying down one’s life for one’s friends is the greatest proof of love (cf. Jn 15:13), Jesus...
View ArticleCelebration of the World Day of Peace (1 January 2014)
Paul VI stated that not only individuals but nations too must encounter one another in a spirit of fraternity. As he says: “In this mutual understanding and friendship, in this sacred communion, we...
View ArticleThe Way of the Cross
Dear Brother and Sisters, Thank you for having taken part in these moments of deep prayer. I also thank those who have accompanied us through the media, especially the sick and elderly. I do not wish...
View ArticleAsh Wednesday
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten journey of 40 days, which will lead us to the Easter Triduum, the memorial of the Lord’s passion, death, and...
View ArticleMary, Mother of God
In the first reading we find the ancient prayer of blessing which God gave to Moses to hand on to Aaron and his sons: “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be...
View Article
