Pope Francis

In the spotlight: Easter triduum, U.S. Capitol violence, Iceland volcano

In the spotlight: Pope in Iraq, Nigerian kidnappings, Myanmar coup

Visiting a Baghdad cathedral “hallowed by the blood of our brothers and sisters” murdered in a terrorist attack that shook the world, Pope Francis said their sacrifice must motivate faith and a commitment to working for the common good.

“I am the pastor of people who are suffering,” Pope Francis told Catholic News Service Feb. 1 during a discussion about his Iraq trip. In a sign of his determination to travel to Iraq, the pope indicated to CNS that he would consider taking a regular commercial flight to get there if needed.

In an interview with Argentine journalist and doctor Nelson Castro, the pope said he is not afraid of death and that he expects to die in Rome “as pope, either in office or emeritus.”

Lent is a time to reconsider the path one is taking in life and to finally answer God’s invitation to return to him with one’s whole heart, Pope Francis said.

Prayer is a constant reminder that God is nearby and so, “the problems we face no longer seem to be obstacles to our happiness, but appeals from God, opportunities to encounter him,” Pope Francis said, continuing his series of audience talks about prayer.

Spotlighted this week: Indonesia earthquake, National Guard at the U.S. Capitol, and the Great Blessing of Water.