VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Here are short biographical sketches of the 17 churchmen Pope Francis announced he would induct into the College of Cardinals Nov. 19. […]
Pastors and peacemakers: Pope names 17 new cardinals
Pope offers red hat to priest whose story moved him to tears
The story of how an Albanian priest endured decades of imprisonment, torture and forced labor during his country’s communist crackdown against the church brought Pope Francis to tears.
Albanian church awaits beatification of 38 communist-era martyrs
A priest who was shot for baptizing a child and a religious novice who died after she was tortured in a sack are among 38 Albanians to be beatified as martyrs Nov. 5, doubling the number of Catholics declared blessed from communist rule in Eastern Europe.
Mary’s life is a lesson in trusting God, pope says
Imitating Mary’s life of humility and gratitude, men and women in the church must place complete trust in God’s will and not in material possessions or intellectual prowess, Pope Francis said.
Off the beaten path: Pope looks far afield for new cardinals
Choosing new members of the College of Cardinals, Pope Francis once again looked to countries and particularly to dioceses that were not and never had been represented in the body that advises the pope and bears responsibility for electing his successor.
Where policy, religion fail, sports can lift spirits, say speakers
Wherever public policy, communities and even religions may have failed, sports and recreation are ready and set to lift wounded spirits and build cooperation and peace in the world, said a number of speakers at a Vatican conference.
Congo church suspends mediation bid amid rising tension
The pope expressed concern about the crisis during a 20-minute meeting with Kabila at the Vatican Sept. 26, a week after security forces dispersed opposition protesters in Kinshasa, killing 49 and injuring and arresting hundreds more. A Vatican statement said both sides had underlined the need for “a respectful and inclusive dialogue” among politicians, civil society representatives and religious communities.
Pope names successors to retiring Alaska archbishop, Arlington bishop
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz of Anchorage, Alaska, and appointed Bishop Paul D. Etienne of Cheyenne, Wyoming, to be his successor. Pope Francis also accepted the resignation of Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington, Virginia, and named as his successor Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, North Carolina.