Pope Francis has made it abundantly clear over the years that he is no fan of “sourpuss” Catholics, who he calls “querulous and disillusioned pessimists” (Joy of the Gospel, No. 85). On this subject, he echoes Jesus’ own condemnation of sourpuss religious leaders who make a big show of their fasting and religious piety. “Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward” (Mt 6:16), was Jesus’ curt commentary
Marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and the start of the new year, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for a “firm commitment” to respect all human life worldwide.
A Christmas creche conveys the “message of peace and love that Jesus left us,” the pope said Dec. 7 during a meeting with the artisans, volunteers and government representatives responsible for the Christmas decorations in the Paul VI Audience Hall and in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis has accepted the request of Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur of Bogor to dispense him from becoming a cardinal as planned in December.
Popes have made a habit of exceeding the statutory limit on the number of cardinals under the age of 80, but Pope Francis is planning to set a record.
The pope announced Oct. 6 that he would create 21 new cardinals Dec. 8; fully 20 of the men named are under the age of 80 and would be eligible to enter a conclave to elect a pope.
More than two months after 5-year-old Loan Peña went missing in the northeastern Argentina town of Nueve de Julio, the church continues to promote marches to demand his captors release him.
Respecting the God-given dignity of the human person and the integrity of God’s creation “are inseparable,” said Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
There is no more fervent advocate calling for the protection and caring of the earth than the pope.
