On the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ Pope Francis said that the church of the perfect and pure is a room where there isn’t a place for anyone; the church with open doors that celebrates around Christ is, on the other hand, a large hall where everyone, the righteous and sinners, can enter. By Carol Glatz/CNS.

The Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican this year was limited to 200 congregation members due to the COVID-19 lockdown. In his homily, Pope Francis said Jesus calls on all Christians today to “overcome barriers, banish prejudices” and to recognise the Lord “here in our Galilees, in everyday life.” By Junno Arocho Esteves and Cindy Wooden.

A catechist always must teach what the church teaches and that includes the vision and teachings of the Second Vatican Council. It must focus on leading people to a personal relationship with Christ and building a community of believers where the talents of each person are valued and where all go out to share the Gospel and serve the poor, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis kisses a figurine of the baby Jesus as he arrives to celebrate Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in this Dec. 24, 2019, file photo. The pope will celebrate the traditional Christmas Eve Mass with a small congregation, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Rome so people can get home without breaking Italy’s 10 p.m. COVID-19 curfew.