In the main speech read by Msgr Pierluigi Giroli, Pope Francis said that “the prideful (person) is one who thinks he or she is much more than he or she really is.

As Russia’s war against Ukraine enters its third year, several church institutions recapped their aid effort over two years of conflict, showing millions of people have been saved thanks to the Catholic Church.

In a brief papal document released on 17 February, the Holy Father said that “these study groups are to be established by mutual agreement between the competent dicasteries of the Roman Curia and the General Secretariat of the Synod, which is entrusted with coordination.”

Pope Francis celebrated the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021 and decreed that it be observed each year on the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents.

Dressed in purple vestments to mark the Lenten season, Pope Francis said Lent is a chance for Christians to ensure their relationship with God “is not reduced to mere outward show.”

An illustration by Mauro Pallet “Maupal” is seen in this poster released during a news conference about Pope Francis’ Lent 2024 message at the Vatican on Thursday 1 February 2024. Lent 2024 begins on 14 February, Ash Wednesday, and concludes on Holy Thursday 28 March. Photo: CNS/Lola Gomez By Carol Glatz Lent is a time to free oneself from slavery and take action to free others suffering...

Parish representatives came together in July 2018 as part of formation sessions for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia. As part of the Synod of Bishops, groups of Catholics will gather and reflect on the question of “enhancing the differentiated co-responsibility in the mission of all members” and provide feedback. Photo: Jamie O’Brien. By Contributor Catholics around Australia are ...

By Carol Glatz A woman pushing a patient in a wheelchair is seen in this screen grab from a video from The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network. In the video, Pope Francis says people who are terminally ill and their families should always receive the care and assistance they need. For the month of February, the network is asking Catholics to pray for those who are terminally ill. Photo: CNS/The...

An Adobe AI generated image of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd taking care of a lamb. By Justin McLellan While artificial intelligence can be a formidable tool to facilitate communication and exchange information, it cannot provide the uniquely human wisdom needed to promote the good of people and their communities, Pope Francis said. "No doubt, machines possess a limitlessly greate...

Pope Francis talks to visitors during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall for at the Vatican on 24 January 2024. Photo: CNS/Lola Gomez. By Carol Glatz With little fanfare, Pope Francis officially opened the Year of Prayer after Mass for the church's celebration of Sunday of the Word of God. "Today we begin the Year of Prayer; that is, a year dedicated to rediscov...