Pope Francis shocked us all again last week, when he said in an interview that he may one day abdicate the papacy just like his predecessor, Benedict XVI. Remember our shock when Pope Benedict announced his abdication in 2013? Turns out, it may have been the start of a trend. In fact, Pope Francis said […]
The Holy Father’s Reflection on the Great Commission
In his closing Mass for World Youth Day Rio, Pope Francis commissioned not only the Catholic youth of the world, but every Catholic. He called each of us to be a missionary without borders. He referenced the Great Commission, when Jesus called us to “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and explained that “this […]
Pope Francis and the Globalization of Indifference
Immigration is a hot topic in Europe, just as it is here in the US. I recently read about a case there that touched me. The small Italian island of Lampedusa is just 70 miles from Tunisia in North Africa. This tiny island has attracted impoverished Africans seeking access into Europe where they hope to […]
Pope Francis’ “Church for the poor”
Much has been said about the humility and compassion of former Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio. In keeping with his reputation, at his inauguration Mass today, Pope Francis I began his reign by focusing on “the poorest, the weakest, the least important, those who Matthew lists in the final judgment on love: the hungry, the […]