Catholics facing difficult political choices must study the issues, pray about the election and then vote according to their consciences, Pope Francis said.
When political choice is tough, pray and vote your conscience, pope says
Gay, transgender people deserve pastoral care, pope says
Catholics who are homosexual, confused about their sexuality or convinced they were born in the wrong body deserve the same attentive pastoral care as anyone else, Pope Francis said.
Dialogue, respect for differences are key to progress, pope says
Twenty-five years after Azerbaijan, a predominantly Shiite Muslim nation, proclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union, the pope said strong civic institutions and lasting economic growth would come only when attention is paid to the poorest sectors of society and only as long as the nation’s multicultural identity is seen as a national treasure.
Pope sees ‘global war’ against marriage, urges church help for couples
Pope Francis said a global war against marriage is underway and Catholics must respond by helping couples stay strong and by providing pastoral care to those experiencing difficulty.
With love and regret, pope tells Argentina he can’t visit this year or next
In a heartfelt letter to his homeland Sept. 30, Pope Francis told his fellow Argentines that he will not be able to visit this or next year because of obligations in Asia and Africa.
Pope, Georgian patriarch pledge to witness to Gospel as brothers
Paying honor to the steadfast faith of Orthodox Christians in Georgia, Pope Francis nevertheless urged them to draw closer to other Christians and work together to share the Gospel. Georgian Orthodox Patriarch Ilia II, who recently has been cautious in his relations with leaders of other churches, greeted Pope Francis when he arrived at the Tbilisi airport Sept. 30 and welcomed him to the patriarchal palace after the pope’s meeting with the Georgian president.
Pope urges dialogue to end Georgian-Russian territorial stalemate
Subtly acknowledging Georgia’s ongoing territorial dispute with Russia, Pope Francis urged greater efforts to sow peace throughout the Caucasus region.
Books look at poor from hands-on, historical perspectives
Jesuit Father Sean Salai provides a lot of information in “What Would Pope Francis Do?” — a relatively short but well-written book that is particularly suitable for young Catholics. Six thematic chapters (on longing, closeness, dignity, weariness, tenderness and Mary) reflect on Pope Francis’ teachings from his 2013 exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”).