The Cross is more than jewelry

The Cross is more than jewelry – it's a call to love, Pope Francis says

by Elise Harris

On Sunday Pope Francis said Lent is a time to really contemplate the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us on the Cross, which is more than just a devotional symbol, but an exhortation to imitate the love of Christ.

What the world could learn from the witness of Egypt's Christians

By Matt Hadro

Despite being victims of harassment and violence, Egypt’s Coptic Christians have set a standard of forgiveness that everyone should imitate, the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the U.K. has said.

Catholic church guard attacked over personal feud in Bangladesh

A man acting as a guard outside a Catholic church in Bangladesh was injured in a knife attack on Friday. Local authorities attribute it to a private feud, and not terrorism.

Call for prayers, reform follow deadly fire at Guatemala girls' shelter

By Eduardo Berdejo

There is mourning in Guatemala after at least 35 girls perished in a fire at a state-run home for youth, which had attracted widespread charges of abusive conditions and mistreatment.

Divorce numbers rise among older Americans, fall among younger couples

The divorce rate has doubled for Americans over age 50, and tripled among Americans over 65, a new survey shows.

It's official: Pope Francis will visit Colombia September 6-11

by Elise Harris

The Vatican announced Friday that Pope Francis will make a six-day trip to Colombia in September with four cities on his itinerary, almost a year after the government and FARC rebels signed a major peace agreement.

Echoes of St. Benedict as Norcia monks rebuild after earthquake

By Matt Hadro

As Benedictine monks in Norcia, Italy rebuild their monastery from the rubble caused by devastating earthquakes last year, they do so in the spirit of their founder, Saint Benedict.

He's back! Pope Francis returns to Rome grateful for spiritual retreat

by Hannah Brockhaus

After spending a week in Ariccia with members of the Curia for their annual Lenten spiritual exercises, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican Friday with words of gratitude and his own brief reflection.