Bishops’ Conference President Supports Anglican Archbishops’ Housing Report
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, has welcomed the publication of Coming Home – tackling the housing crisis together.
Vatican cardinal reflects on the value of penance in a time of pandemic
The penance called for in the Christian life, and accentuated during Lent, can help us make sense of the sacrifices we have been called on to make during the coronavirus pandemic, a Vatican cardinal has said.
From Pius XI to Pope Francis: A history of Spiritual Exercises at the Vatican
For nearly 100 years, popes have set aside time for an annual retreat and meditation on spiritual exercises.
Pope Francis and the Roman Curia began a weeklong Lenten retreat Sunday, but for the first time since the Second Vatican Council, this retreat is not taking place as a time of communal prayer due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis on Divine Mercy anniversary: ‘Let us ask Christ for the gift of mercy’
Pope Francis urged Catholics to ask Christ for the “gift of mercy” in a letter marking the 90th anniversary of the first appearance of Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska today.
Pope Francis honours sacrifice of medical workers who died in coronavirus pandemic
Pope Francis on Saturday expressed his gratitude for the sacrifice of medical workers, especially those who have died in the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis: Christian life ‘is a battle against the spirit of evil’
Like Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert, Christians must be prepared to battle evil, knowing that “with faith, prayer, and penance,” the victory is assured, Pope Francis said this morning.
Pope Francis accepts Cardinal Robert Sarah’s resignation from divine worship congregation
Pope Francis today accepted the resignation of Cardinal Robert Sarah as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Pope Francis advances causes of nuns who died in Ebola outbreak
Pope Francis has recognized the heroic virtue of three Italian religious sisters who died from Ebola in Africa during the 1995 outbreak.
Pope Francis appoints new archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica
Pope Francis today named Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, O.F.M. Conv., to succeed Cardinal Angelo Comastri as archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica and vicar general for Vatican City State.
Priest challenges Scotland’s coronavirus ban on public worship
Scotland’s coronavirus-related ban on public worship goes too far and churches that follow appropriate precautions should be allowed to open for in-person worship like in other parts of Europe, a Scottish priest has said in a challenge to the government.
Vatican expects deficit of £43 million in 2021
The Vatican said today that it expects to record a deficit of around $60 million in 2021 amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis gives Roman Curia 17th-century text as Lenten reading
Pope Francis has given each member of the Roman Curia a book to include in their spiritual reading for their Lenten retreat this year.
Poland’s Catholic Church holds day of prayer for abuse survivors
Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland, pictured June 22, 2016. Credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk. Poland’s Catholic Church today will observe a day of prayer for abuse survivors. …
Holy Week 2021: Vatican issues guidelines for Catholics amid ongoing COVID-19 restrictions
The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued guidelines on Wednesday for the celebration of Holy Week this year in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Cardinal says Vatican employees could lose jobs for refusing COVID-19 vaccine
In a decree issued earlier this month, the cardinal who heads the Vatican City State said that employees who refuse to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when deemed necessary for their work could face penalties up to termination of employment.
Bishop John Arnold spearheads Catholic efforts to go carbon neutral
The Diocese of Salford has launched a new research project that Bishop John Arnold hopes will spearhead the efforts of the Catholic community in England and Wales to tackle the current ecological crisis by paving the way to a sustainable, carbon neutral future.
Europe’s Bishops to pray for victims of the Covid-19 Pandemic
England and Wales will come together to pray on 2 March 2021
Bishops from all over Europe, through their Bishops’ Conferences, will join together during Lent to celebrate a series of Masses and pray for the victims of Covid-19. The continent has suffered over 770,000 deaths from the virus.
Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: Lent is a journey from slavery to freedom
The 40 days of Lent are an opportunity to turn from the slavery of sin to the freedom found in reconciliation with God, Pope Francis said today, Ash Wednesday.
CAFOD’s Lent Appeal in Lockdown
As our Catholic community adapts to lockdown and worshipping at home, with restrictions on mingling in church, CAFOD’s Family Fast Day parish collections will look different this Lent.
‘Do Not Resuscitate’ orders – people with learning disabilities
Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of the Bishops’ Conference Department for Social Justice, has issued a statement expressing distress that people with learning disabilities have been given Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) orders during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.