2019 is Pope Francis’ sixth anniversary as pope, his 83rd birthday and his 50th anniversary as a priest as well as a year confronted with the clerical abuse crisis.
Pope’s 2019: Preaching the Gospel globally, dealing with scandals
Author wrote ‘The Two Popes’ nonfiction book, then fictional screenplay
Catholic screenwriter Anthony McCarten focuses on the two pontiffs, but also on the struggles of young Jesuit Father Jorge Bergoloio, the future Pope Francis, in Argentina during the South American nation’s “dirty war” years.
USCCB president urges special prayers for pope’s 50 years as a priest
The Catholic faithful across the United States are being invited to pray for Pope Francis as he celebrates 50 years as a priest.
Vatican unveils Nativity scene, lights Christmas tree
The Vatican unveiled the Nativity scene and lit the Christmas tree with energy-saving lights in St. Peter’s Square during a late afternoon ceremony Dec. 5.
Pope saddened by deadly protests in Iraq
Pope Francis said after the Angelus Dec. 1 he was concerned and saddened following two months of protests in Iraq that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.
Call me ‘Father’: Pope’s priestly vocation is his favorite gift
Pope Francis will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood Dec. 13, 2019.
Pope returns part of relic of Jesus’ crib to Holy Land
Pope Francis gave the relic fragment to the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, which oversees the main churches and shrines associated with the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Pope prays for Albania after earthquake leaves dozens dead
Pope Francis led prayers for the people of Albania after the country was struck by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake.