At a time when the media seem to feed a “vicious cycle of anxiety” and a “spiral of fear,” Christians should respond with honest stories that identify problems and evil, but also inspire real solutions, Pope Francis has said this week.

All members of religious groups deserve the right to not participate in same-sex marriage ceremonies if they hold a traditional view of marriage, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) said in a submission released late last week.

In an effort to share its masterpieces with even more people around the world, the Vatican Museums has established a YouTube channel and revamped its website to offer high-resolution images and mobile-friendly information.

Students and teachers from John XXIII College, Claremont, have this week presented a gift to Pope Francis at a General Audience.

Pope Francis has last weekend invited young people to tell him, their bishops and their pastors about their hopes and struggles and even their criticisms.

When Jolimont resident Peter Saunders looks back at Pope (now Saint) John Paul II’s tour of Australia more than 30 years ago, what he remembers most prominently is the generosity and support which the Western Australian community provided to him as State Director of the visit.

The Magi had the courage to set out on a journey in the hope of finding something new, unlike Herod who was full of himself and unwilling to change his ways, Pope Francis said.

Make time to get ready for what Christmas really is about — the child born in Bethlehem signalling that “God is with us,” Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis phoned Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria on 12 December, expressing his prayers and condolences for the previous day’s terrorist attack at the Cairo cathedral that left 25 people dead.

Jesus truly transforms and heals hearts when people let him, which means recognising and being ashamed of one’s sins, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass.