Archbishop says people returning to confession because of pope

The head of the Vatican office promoting new evangelization said that while he does not like the terms "Francis effect" or "Francis b...

Marian statue connects pope's native city of Buenos Aires with Sardinia

Pope Francis' native city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has a centuries-old connection with the Italian island...

Holy Spirit leads to truth amid relativism, Pope counsels

As he looked ahead to Pentecost, Pope Francis spoke about the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding Christians to know Jesus, who is the Truth, in an...

Church movements bringing 50,000 more than Vatican expected

The attendance response to a Pentecost weekend event for Church movements has exceeded the Vatican’s expectations by 50,000 people.

Cardinal O'Brien leaving Scotland for penance, prayer By David Uebbing

Cardinal Keith P. O’Brien will be spending several months in penance and prayer outside of Scotland after meeting with Pope Francis, according...

Pope canonizes hundreds of Italian martyrs

Pope Francis on Sunday canonized hundreds of fifteenth century Italian martyrs who died rather than renounce their Christian faith.

Stay focused on human life, Pope tells pro-life marchers

Pope Francis greeted the thousands of people who had gathered this morning in Rome to protest against abortion, praising efforts to secure legal pr...

Pope tells sisters the church needs them, they need the church

Pope Francis told 800 superiors of women's orders from around the world that the Catholic Church needs religious women and that religious women nee...

Cardinal says both sides in LCWR case must be open to dialogue

A day after the Vatican issued a statement saying the congregations for doctrine and for religious were united in wanting a reform of the U.S.-base...

Pope says evangelists build bridges, not walls

Like Jesus, who dined with Pharisees and sinners, and St. Paul, who preached to idol worshippers, true evangelizers build bridges that lead unbelie...

Sisters encouraged, grateful Pope met with them

Sister Alice Matilda Nsiah says that Pope Francis’ decision to meet with her and other superiors general on Wednesday left them encouraged, g...

God's living water satisfies deepest desires, Pope reflects

The Holy Spirit is the “living water” that fulfills our lives because he tells us “we are loved by God,” Pope Francis procla...

Pope Francis marks Argentina's Our Lady of Lujan feast

Pope Francis commended Argentina to the protection of its patron saint Our Lady of Lujan, bringing white flowers to her statue and pausing in praye...

Pope to sisters: living with Jesus outside Church is absurd

Pope Francis told leaders of women’s religious orders today that their vocations can only be recognized within the fold of the Church

Vatican, US sign anti-money-laundering memo

The Vatican continued its efforts to update its financial standards by signing an agreement with the United States to allow the two countries to ex...

Without evangelization, Church is barren, says Pope

If the Church does not have the “apostolic courage” that led Saint Paul to evangelize, she becomes a “stalled Church … with...

In Brazil, pope to meet slum-dwellers, politicians, world's youth

Pope Francis will meet slum-dwellers and powerful politicians, pay homage at a Marian shrine and celebrate with participants at World Youth Day whe...

How a postage stamp delivered one boy a dream of being a Swiss Guard

One young man's dream of becoming a Swiss Guard began with a postage stamp.

Pope says Christians must learn to patiently endure trials, each other

Patience in the midst of trials and patiently putting up with other people are marks of Christian maturity, Pope Francis told ushers and other staf...

Vatican doctrine office confused by cardinal's LCWR comments

The Vatican’s doctrine congregation has released a statement saying the media misreported a cardinal’s remarks about the ongoing reform ...

Good Christians don't whine about suffering, Pope says

Reflecting on how St. Paul endured pain for Christ, Pope Francis said that good Christians do not complain about their trials but endure them with ...

Cardinal says dialogue was missing from Vatican's look at LCWR

The Vatican-ordered revision of the statutes of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious will continue, but it must be accompanied with a real ...

Pope celebrates diversity of popular piety, unity of church

Pope Francis celebrated popular piety as a means of transmitting the faith and cultivating it in ordinary Catholics but said such piety must be pra...

Elderly face danger of 'covert euthanasia,' pope says in book

While the fight to preserve life is often centered on abortion and capital punishment, the future Pope Francis also warned against a more subtle fo...

Cardinal says dialogue was missing from Vatican's look at LCWR

The Vatican-ordered revision of the statutes of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious will continue, but it must be accompanied with a real ...

Pope sends Dallas auxiliary bishop to El Paso

Pope Francis has appointed Spanish-speaking Bishop Mark J. Seitz to lead the El Paso diocese in western Texas, placing him just across the border f...

Pope suggests daily Holy Spirit review

Pope Francis said people should ask themselves what the Holy Spirit did in them at the end of each day.

Benedict XVI needs new coat of arms, designer says

The cardinal who designed Pope Benedict XVI's coat of arms says he needs a new one now that he is no longer the pontiff.

Pope moves queen, Italian laywoman closer to sainthood

Pope Francis has approved miracles attributed to a Sicilian queen and a 20th-century Italian laywoman, placing them one step closer to sainthood.

Pope remembers child abuse victims, offers prayers

At the end of Mass, Pope Francis noted that the Day of Child Victims of Violence is observed today and assured all those who “have suffered an...

Pope uses Latin American experience to guide confraternities

Drawing on the experience of the Latin American Church, Pope Francis called on groups dedicated to specific saints to grow in their faith, help uni...

Pope Francis welcomes Benedict back to Vatican

Benedict XVI has returned to the Vatican after moving to the papal summer household outside of Rome to not interfere with the papal election.

Pope: Unemployment, slave labor go against God's plan, human dignity

Pope Francis called for an end to slave labor and human trafficking as well as greater efforts to create dignified work for more people.

Pope warns against work that enslaves man

Marking the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, Pope Francis said at his General Audience this week that work should serve man and contribute to his ...

Pope tells young to 'swim against the tide; it's good for the heart'

Administering the sacrament of confirmation to 44 people, including two teenagers from the United States and two from Ireland, Pope Francis encoura...

Pope: Confession is not like dry cleaners, but is encounter with Jesus

Going to confession isn't like heading off to be tortured or punished, nor is it like going to the dry cleaners to get out a stain, Pope Francis sa...

Last step to confirmation by pope was nerve-wracking, U.S. teens say

Both Brigid Miniter and Anthony Merejo said the last step -- literally the last step -- they took to their confirmation was the one that made them ...

Poverty linked to respect for life in Pope's book

In his newly translated book, Pope Francis proposes a Christ-centered understanding of human dignity that yields a comprehensive respect for life r...

Bishop Rey reflects on Pope's liturgy, evangelization connection

Pope Francis understands the important role the liturgy plays in the New Evangelization and combines it with his own style to communicate the grace...

Confessional not a 'dry cleaner,' says Pope

Pope Francis said the Sacrament of Confession does not work like a dry cleaner but is a moment in which Jesus imparts his peace.

Pope stresses workers' dignity after Bangladesh factory collapse

Pope Francis offered condolences and prayers, along with calls for worker safety, after a factory collapsed and killed more than 350 people in Bang...

Pope confirms young people, calls them to be 'steadfast'

At a Mass where he confirmed 44 young people, Pope Francis encouraged the youth of the world to persist in their faith even in the midst of obstacl...

Human evolution: Science, faith explore the mysterious emergence of man

Evolutionary science is still grappling with understanding how the human species, with its unique capacities for language, culture, abstract reason...

Pope Francis' first encyclical might be out this year, says spokesman

Pope Francis may publish his first encyclical this year, the Vatican spokesman said.

Vatican official says July trip to Brazil being tailored to new pope

Visiting Rio de Janeiro, the chief organizer of papal trips confirmed Pope Francis will participate in the key events of World Youth Day July 23-28...

Preach the Gospel with courage, humility, pope says at Mass

Christians should pray for great courage and great humility as they respond to the call of Jesus to share his Gospel with the world, Pope Francis s...

Church must evangelize humbly, Pope Francis reflects

Christians are called to do the great work of evangelizing to the ends of the world in a spirit of humility rather than an attitude of conquering, ...

Prepare for Last Judgment by serving the poor, pope says at audience

Christians believe they are saved by God's grace, but they also know they will be judged at the end of time on how they used the talents God gave t...

Church is driven by Holy Spirit, not officials or militants: Pope

The church is driven by the Holy Spirit and God's love, not by bureaucrats or militants, Pope Francis said in his morning homily.

Pope urges Christians to remember final judgment

Christians should not be frightened of the final judgment but should let it affect how they live, Pope Francis told the 100,000 p...

Theologian: Same-sex civil unions discriminate against married couples

After a Vatican official stated that the Church could support same-sex civil unions, a Swiss theologian is saying that if they are equated with mar...

Pope to welcome 70,000 youths, confirm 44

Pope Francis will be receiving over 70,000 young people when he offers the Sacrament of Confirmation to 44 of them this coming weekend.

Church is a love story: Pope Francis

The Church is not merely “a human enterprise,” but rather “a love story,” said Pope Francis, and the faithful must remember ...

Newly translated book shows Pope, rabbi in dialogue

The first book by Pope Francis to be translated into English was co-authored by an Argentine rabbi and illustrates the Pope's commitment to inter-r...

Jesus not found outside the Church, Pope preaches

Pope Francis said that people cannot be fully united to Jesus outside of the Church during a Mass to commemorate Saint George, the saint he is name...

Pope ordains new priests, talks about learning to hear Jesus' voice

Before ordaining 10 men to the priesthood, Pope Francis prayed privately with them in the sacristy and entrusted them to Mary's care.

Pope speaks on dangers of being 'climbers' and 'good-sense Christians'

Following Jesus isn't complicated, but it may take courage and it always requires recognizing that human beings aren't God, Pope Francis said in tw...

Vatican official says Archbishop Romero's sainthood cause 'unblocked'

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family and the official promoter of the sainthood cause of the late Archbis...

No room for self-promoters in God's kingdom, Pope says

Pope Francis warned that some people, even in the Church, are “social climbers” that try to promote themselves, instead of seeking to gl...

St. George's feast becomes Vatican holiday this year

St. George's feast day falling on April 23 means Vatican employees will have the day off to celebrate the saint their boss, Pope Francis, is named ...

Papal stargazer, graffiti artist, rabbi hit stage for religious rights

A Kuwaiti princess, a Jesuit astronomer, a British-born rabbi, a...

Ask Jesus what he wants and be brave, Pope tells youth

Just after ordaining 10 men to the priesthood, Pope Francis called on young Catholics to ask Jesus “what he wants from you and be brave!”

Minister with constant joy, Pope Francis counsels new priests

Pope Francis ordained 10 men as priests this morning, reminding them that they should carry out their ministry with “constant joy and genuine ...

Pope's Curia reform council reflects Church diversity

The eight cardinals Pope Francis has chosen to advise him on church governance and reform of the Curia come from a variety of backgrounds and count...

Without evangelization Church becomes babysitter, Pope warns

If Catholics do not proclaim Jesus with their lives, then the Church becomes “not the mother, but the babysitter,” Pope Francis cautione...

Failure to evangelize makes 'mother church' a 'baby sitter': Pope

All of the baptized and not just the clergy are called to spread the Gospel, even in times of persecution, Pope Francis said in his morning homily ...

Best defense against sin, temptation is Jesus: Pope

Surrounded by the devil's temptations and being susceptible to sin, people can always find help, support and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, Pope Fran...

Financial decisions key factor in Pope's reform drive

One month into his papacy, Pope Francis has made his first episcopal and administrative appointments and has met with heads of state and the faithf...

Jesus' Ascension means we are never alone: Pope

Pope Francis proclaimed “we are never alone” and that Jesus is our defender, as he reflected on the Ascension during his Wednesday gener...

Rejecting Holy Spirit's work in Vatican II is 'foolish': Pope

The work of the Holy Spirit at the Second Vatican Council is not yet finished, Pope Francis said, because many in the Church are unwilling to fully...

Pope Francis assures Iran, Pakistan quake victims of prayers

Pope Francis is praying for the victims of the earthquake that killed 35 and injured 100 in Iran and Pakistan.

Christian credibility undermined by hypocrisy: Pope

The credibility of Christianity is undermined by pastors and faithful who preach one thing and do another, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis: Catholics still need to enact teachings of Vatican II

While some Catholics would like to undo the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, others basically are trying to build a monument to it rather tha...

Pope urges Bostonians to combat evil with good

Pope Francis is praying for those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing and encouraging them not to be overcome by evil but fight it with good.

Advisory group will not weaken Pope's power, analyst explains

Although some have worried Pope Francis’ creation of a group of cardinals to advise him means he is giving up some of his papal authority, an...

On 86th birthday, Benedict praised as deeply humble

As Benedict XVI celebrates his 86th birthday on April 16, the author of a new book on the legacy of the retired pontiff says his humility largely i...

Benedict XVI receives birthday greetings from Pope Francis

Pope Francis made a phone call on the morning of April 16 to wish a happy 86th birthday to his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

Sacrifice necessary for Christian life, Pope teaches

Pope Francis delved deeper into the readings for the Third Sunday of Easter, highlighting proclamation, witness and worship as essential to the fai...

Growing presence demands increased responsibilities, say Latino leaders

Aware of the sign of the times, the Catholic Church is reaching out and assigning greater responsibility to the growing Latino Catholic population,...

To understand Bible, one must understand its nature, pope says

The Catholic faith is not centered simply on a book -- the Bible -- but on Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh, Pope Francis said

St. Paul's Basilica: monument to a church of evangelization

In a short speech just a few days before the conclave that elected him pope, then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio told his fellow cardinals that the...

North American College breaks ground for $7 million expansion

Fresh soil on compact dirt, a small pile of rubble, incense, gold-trimmed liturgical vestments and the sound of dozens of young men singing "H...

Pope personally thanks State department for overtime

The last month of papal transition meant that the employees of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State worked long hours, so Pope Francis decided ...

Vatican honors boy for courage during trachea transplant

During the Second International Adult Stem Cell conference at the Vatican, a boy who had his windpipe replaced with one grown usin...

Pope thanks U.S. foundation for fight against poverty, work for peace

In a written greeting to members of the U.S.-based Papal Foundation, Pope Francis said he was "deeply grateful" for their work against po...

Vatican office looks at challenges facing couples from different faiths

Catholics need to know that marrying someone from a different Christian community or, even more so, from a different religion will create extra cha...

Pope thanks foundation for fighting material, spiritual poverty

Pope Francis told members of The Papal Foundation that their contributions are helping combat “the many forms of material and spiritual pover...

God's love is source of salvation, dignity, hope, pope says at Mass

God's love is the source of salvation, true dignity and hope, Pope Francis said in a brief homily at his morning Mass.

Being Christian means acting, loving like Christ, pope says at audience

A Christian isn't a person who simply follows some commandments, but is a person who tries to think like Christ, "act like him, love like him,&...

Pope celebrates Mass with America's highest-ranking Latino bishop

The Pope celebrated Mass with Archbishop José H. Gomez, the highest-ranking American bishop of Hispanic origin, on the feast of the Lord&rsq...

World misses God but it can see your joy, Pope tells audience

Pope Francis urged Catholics to serve humanity by showing “the joy of being children of God” to the world, since it &l...

Meekness sows harmony in church; gossip sows division, pope says

Christians need to recover the value of meekness, particularly when they are tempted to speak ill of one another or gossip about each other, Pope F...

Pope, U.N. head meet, discuss crises in Syria, Korean peninsula

Recognizing the important role each other plays on the global stage, Pope Francis and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met at the Vatican April 9...

Margaret Thatcher a 'staunch family champion,' ambassador says

After Pope Francis praised the Christian ethics of the late Baroness Margaret Thatcher, the British ambassador to the Holy See emphasized her stron...

Pope to visit Rome center for undocumented refugees

A priest in Rome says Pope Francis personally called him to say he will visit the Astalli Center, a local facility run by the Jesuits, that helps t...

Rio archbishop invites Pope to visit poor neighborhood

The archbishop of Rio de Janeiro proposed an agenda for Pope Francis' visit to Brazil this summer for World Youth Day which includes a trip to an i...

Canada's bishops issue 'call to action' on environment

The Canadian Catholic bishops' justice and peace commission is encouraging reflection and action on recent church teaching on the environment.

At Rome's cathedral, Pope Francis celebrates God's patience

Celebrating his first Mass in the cathedral of Rome, Pope Francis called on Christians to trust in God's endless patience and mercy.

Pope names head of Franciscans to Vatican office overseeing religious

In his first appointment to the curia, Pope Francis named the superior of the Franciscans as secretary of the Vatican office that oversees the worl...

Pope considering Secretariat of State overhaul

A top official who works at the Secretariat of State says Pope Francis is thinking about streamlining his department by combining it with another V...

Pope calls for courage to accept God's mercy

Pope Francis took possession of his cathedral as Bishop of Rome and spoke about how God’s mercy and patience should challenge everyone to fin...

Pope appoints top Franciscan to Vatican's religious life department

Pope Francis made his first appointment within the Roman Curia this morning, choosing his friend, Franciscan Father José Rodríguez Ca...

Pope: We are part of those who believe without seeing

On the Feast of Divine Mercy, Pope Francis emphasized that when Jesus said “blessed are those who do not see and yet believe,” he also ...

Pope urges doctrinal office to act 'decisively' against sex abuse

Pope Francis reaffirmed the importance of responding decisively to the problem of the sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy and called on...

Master of metaphor: Pope Francis can weave a vivid tale

Metaphors are used extensively in the Bible and they pop up just as often in Pope Francis' talks and teachings.

St. John Lateran: Symbol of church's coexistence with secular power

Since his first public remarks on the night of his election March 13, Pope Francis has impressed many observers with a marked preference for descri...

Pope reflects on wonder as invitation to know God

Awe and wonder at an encounter with Christ are the first steps in deepening a spiritual life that leads to ultimate peace in the Lord, said Pope Fr...

Pope Francis confirms strong stance against clerical abuse

Pope Francis has reaffirmed the Vatican process established by Benedict XVI for handling instances of sexual abuse by priests.

Safeguarding creation expected to be major theme at WYD in Rio

When hundreds of thousands of young Catholics gather with Pope Francis in Rio de Janeiro in the summer, reflections on safeguarding the environment...

Pope expresses his closeness to victims of flooding in Buenos Aires

Affirming his closeness to his "beloved Argentine people," Pope Francis offered his prayers for the victims of recent flooding in Buenos A...

Pope's hug embraced everyone with disabilities, dad says

The father of a boy with special needs, whose iconic hug from Pope Francis has captured the world's attention, says that the Pope in that instant h...

Story of Pope's desire to visit Sicily emerges

Some might call it fate, but through a series of providential connections, Bishop Michele Pennisi discovered that Pope Francis wants to visit Sicil...

Pope prays for flood victims, urges aid for survivors

The Pope is praying for the 54 people who have died in flooding that hit two cities in Argentina and is also appealing for aid to those made homele...

Pope reflects on wonder as invitation to know God

Awe and wonder at an encounter with Christ are the first steps in deepening a spiritual life that leads to ultimate peace in the Lord, said Pope Fr...

Archbishop Sample exhorts Portland to focus on Jesus

Archbishop Alexander Sample was installed as head of the Archdiocese of Portland, Ore. on Tuesday, using his homily to encourage ...

Colorado miracle spurs German nun's beatification

The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration are thrilled at the approved beatification of their German founder, Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel,...

Homebody, soccer fan, tango-lover: Some papal pastimes revealed

Here are a few of Pope Francis' favorite things, which he revealed in a series of interviews granted while he was archbishop of Buenos Aires.

Women's love makes them privileged witnesses of Christ: Pope

Women have a privileged role in the church because of their ability to pass on the faith through love, Pope Francis said.

Constant complaining keeps one from noticing Jesus' presence: Pope

Complaining frequently and stewing over disappointments can easily become an obsession that blocks one's view of Jesus' presence i...

Pope's spring calendar filled with liturgies, Year of Faith events

Releasing the calendar of Pope Francis' liturgical celebrations for April and May, the Vatican confirmed he would keep the Year of...

Pope Francis to visit Rome's basilicas before Pentecost

Pope Francis will be praying or celebrating Mass at all four of Rome’s major basilicas between now and Pentecost, as well as holding four pub...

Pope Francis prays at John Paul II's tomb on anniversary

Pope Francis spent a “long time” kneeling in silent prayer before the tomb of Blessed John Paul II on April 2, the eighth anniversary o...

Women communicate God's look of love, Pope says

During his second Wednesday general audience, Pope Francis said that women’s main role in the Church is to communicate God’s love.

Pope Francis asks for 'gift of tears' to see Risen Christ

During his brief homily at an April 2 Mass at the chapel of St. Marta’s Residence, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to pray to God for the...

Pope urges Catholics to let grace transform, work through them

Catholics must allow the grace of their baptism and of the Eucharist to transform their lives and make them instruments of God's grace in the world...

Pope recites St. Peter's Gospel professions of faith at apostle's tomb

Kneeling before the tomb of St. Peter, Pope Francis repeated the three professions of faith the Gospels report the apostle making: "Lord, you ...

Pope: Confession is place to experience mercy, grace

In his first seven homilies, Pope Francis repeatedly talked about mercy and grace, recounting anecdotes about asking God for forgiveness and ensuri...

Can't chant, can't speak English? Pope says it's because he's tone-deaf

After a musically proficient and polyglot Pope Benedict XVI, it came as a surprise to many that Pope Francis doesn't sing or chant at Mass or speak...

Pope Francis prays at St. Peter's tomb

Pope Francis made a private visit to the tomb of St. Peter on the afternoon of Easter Monday to spend time in prayer before the remains of the firs...

Teens in LA prison thank Pope for example of love

After hearing about Pope Francis' Holy Thursday Mass where he washed the feet of juvenile detainees, imprisoned youth in Los Angeles wrote letters ...

John Paul II seen in Pope Francis, Vatican official reflects

On the eighth anniversary of Blessed John Paul II’s death, the Vatican official in charge of overseeing his canonization process says that pe...

At Easter Pope calls Christians to be channels of mercy, justice, peace

With Jesus' resurrection "love has triumphed, mercy has been victorious," Pope Francis said in his first Easter message "urbi et orb...

Pope on Easter: Let Christ transform us into agents of mercy

After celebrating his first Easter Sunday Mass as pontiff in a packed St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Pope Francis urged the faithful to let the...

Welcome Jesus as a friend, Pope encourages at Easter Vigil

Pope Francis called on Christians to let the risen Jesus enter their lives and to welcome him with trust as a friend during the Church's most holy ...

Papal preacher urges Church to remove barriers to the Gospel

On Good Friday, papal preacher Father Raniero Cantalamessa urged Catholics to seize “this moment in which a new time is opening for the Churc...

Vatican: Pope washing women inmates' feet a 'beautiful' gesture

In response to controversy, the Vatican's spokesman has praised Pope Francis' “simple” act of love for including two w...

Thousands pray Way of the Cross with Pope

Pope Francis presided over the Way of the Cross at the place where early Christians were martyred, recalling the Passion of Christ.

Pope Francis says good priests bring joy, comfort to those in need

Pope Francis called on the world's priests to bring the healing power of God's grace to everyone in need, to stay close to the marginalized and to ...

Pope washes feet of 12 young detainees to serve them 'from the heart'

Pope Francis told young inmates that, just as Jesus came to help and serve others, he, too, was at their service as a priest and bishop.

Pope calls for end to Central African Republic violence

Pope Francis appealed for an “immediate halt to violence and looting” in the Central African Republic after a coup toppled the country&r...

Holy Week is time to bring Christ to forgotten, Pope teaches

Pope Francis said Holy Week is a time for moving beyond a “dull or mechanical” way of living the faith and to bring the joy of Christ to...

Pope Francis to offer hope by washing young inmates' feet

Prison chaplain Father Gaetano Greco told CNA that the Pope’s visit “will make them see that their lives are not bound by a mistake, tha...

Self-absorption is root of evils within church, future pope said

Evils within the church are caused by a self-centeredness and "theological narcissism" that forget to share Christ with people outside of...

Holy Week is time to follow Jesus in search of lost sheep, pope says

Holy Week is a time to follow Jesus out of one's parish or group and out of one's comfort zone to go with him in search of the lost sheep, Pope Fra...

Supreme Court warned of harm over marriage redefinition

Redefining marriage to include same-sex couples could adversely affect families and society at large, the lawyer defending California's gay marriag...

Good Friday stations pray for Christian unity in Middle East

A Syrian Christian who fled the fighting in his country believes that the Good Friday Stations of the Cross at the Coliseum will help promote Chris...

Argentine press claims Pope Francis will visit country in December

Two of Argentina's leading newspapers reported today that Pope Francis will visit the country this year during the first half of December.

Pope plans to live in Vatican workers' residence

Pope Francis said this morning he will stay at Saint Martha’s residence instead of moving to the Apostolic Palace, according...

Pope sends Passover greeting, asks for prayers

In keeping with tradition, Pope Francis sent a message to the Jewish community in Rome, wishing them a good Passover and requesting prayers.

From Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, world's Christians mark Jesus' entry

The winding road from the Mount of Olives to the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem was alive with music and song in many languages as global pil...

Pope Francis to live in Vatican guesthouse, not papal apartments

Pope Francis has decided not to move into the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, but to live in a suite in the Vatican guesthouse where he h...

Pope Francis wishes Jewish community happy Passover, asks for prayers

A few hours before Rome's Jewish community was to begin its Passover observances, Pope Francis sent a brief note praying that God would bless them ...

Pope Francis meets retired Pope Benedict, says 'we're brothers'

With a warm embrace, a helping hand, shared prayer, a long discussion and lunch together, Pope Francis spent several hours with retired Pope Benedi...

Pope on Palm Sunday: Christ's passion leads to joy

Pope Francis celebrated his first Palm Sunday Mass as pope March 24, telling an overflow crowd in St. Peter's Square that Christ's death on the cro...

Pope plans full Easter schedule with a twist

Pope Francis will celebrate a full schedule this Holy Week, including washing the feet of youth detainees and leading the Stations of the Cross at ...

Pope Francis urges Christians to have joy over Cross

Pope Francis declared on Palm Sunday that Christians must not be sad or discouraged but filled with joy because Jesus conquered evil and every sin ...

Pope Francis delights Palm Sunday crowd

Although his remarks were few before praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis pleased the crowd of 250,000 by spending almost ...

Pope Francis and Benedict XVI meet as 'brothers'

Pope Francis met with Benedict XVI on Saturday for the first time since his selection, an historic visit that took place in a fraternal atmosphere.

Pope Francis to visit Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo

The newly-elected Pope Francis is set to have lunch with his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict, in a first for the modern day Catholic Church.

Pope chooses silver ring, pallium style in keeping with predecessor

With his fisherman's ring and the pallium -- the main symbols of the Petrine office -- Pope Francis chose st...

Table time: Pope discusses, prays, dines with Orthodox representatives

Pastors and theologians involved in ecumenical dialogue emphasize the importance of "table time" -- sharing meals -- along with serious t...

Pope Francis changes Holy Thursday plans to celebrate Mass in prison

Pope Francis has decided to celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper in a Rome juvenile detention facility and wash the feet of some o...

Vatican security scrambling, yet prepared for pope's love of the scrum

Pope Francis' style of breaking away from his security detail and diving toward the crowds means his protec...

Pope says religions must cooperate to remind humanity God exists

For the good of all people, the care of the poor and the future of the Earth, religions must cooperate in reminding modern men and women that God e...

Poll shows most American Catholics happy with Pope Francis

A new survey shows that U.S. Catholics are overwhelmingly content with the election of Pope Francis, with 73 percent of Catholics expressing happin...

Pilgrims rise early to get spot to welcome Pope Francis

Michael Vazquez of Windermere, Fla., woke up at 4:30 a.m. just to be sure he and his friends got to St. Peter's Square on time for the inauguration...

Pope begins ministry with biblical symbols, signs of universal ministry

Although attempts were made to simplify the ceremony, Pope Francis officially inaugurated his ministry as po...

Changes in style send clear message from Pope Francis

Pope Francis had been pope for less than six days when he was formally installed March 19, but he had alread...

Pope's favorite soccer team to give him honorary jersey

Pope Francis' favorite soccer team in Argentina plans to send him a personalized jersey with his name on it.

Pope sends love to Argentina before inauguration

After asking Argentinians not to come to Rome and give to the poor instead, Pope Francis called a large gathering to tell them he loves them and ne...

Pope says world religious leaders united by truth, beauty

Pope Francis told world religious leaders that the desire to search for truth, beauty and goodness is what keeps them all united.

Rome's mayor 'touched' by Pope's simplicity

The mayor of Rome said that the simple humility of Pope Francis “really touched” his heart after the Mass that officially began the Petr...

Pope Francis will attend World Youth Day, officials confirm

The president of the Brazilian bishops’ conference, Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis, has confirmed that Pope Francis will travel to Brazil ...

Francis' papal symbols linked to past Popes

When Pope Francis was installed as Bishop of Rome today, the two major symbols of the authority he received were connected to previous Popes.

Inauguration Mass due for Pope Francis in Vatican

Up to a million people are expected at the Vatican to attend the inauguration Mass for Pope Francis.

Portenos paint Pope Francis as kind, outspoken, good administrator

Oscar Justo, 60, begs for bills and coins from a perch next to St. Joseph Parish in Barrio de Flores, the neighborhood where Pope Francis was born.

In Buenos Aires slum, church counters drugs, evangelicals

Mass at the Christ the Worker Parish is celebrated on a cement soccer pitch. There, parishioners sit on portable pews and relax on the embankment o...

Archbishop says authenticity, simplicity mark his mentor, Pope Francis

For the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, "authenticity and simplicity" characterize the man who mentored him as a young bishop and ...

Pope Francis' inauguration brings world to Rome

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to converge on St. Peter’s Square March 19 for the installation of Pope Francis, including large ...

Pope Francis will shake up more than Vatican schedules

All the Vatican officials will continue in their positions “until otherwise provided” while Pope Francis takes time for “reflectio...

Nobel prize winner says Pope not connected to Argentine dictatorship

In response to accusations against Pope Francis, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights defender said the new Pontiff has no ties to the dicta...

YouTube video celebrates Pope Francis

A YouTube video produced by the grassroots political organization Catholic Vote is celebrating the election of Pope Francis to “give glory to...

Pope Francis could renew Catholicism in Americas, says Knights' chief

Just as Pope John Paul II influenced many in Poland, the rise of an Argentinian to the papacy is set to dramatically change the lives of many Chris...

Pope tells Argentinians to help poor instead of coming to Rome

Pope Francis told the Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina to ask his countrymen not to travel to Italy for the ceremony that will begin his pontificate.

Wikileaks shows US Vatican embassy profiled Pope Francis in 2005

Leaked U.S. State Department cables published by Wikileaks show that the U.S. Vatican Embassy saw the future Pope Francis as a contender for the pa...

Pope to journalists: 'I love you so much and I thank you for everything'

Pope Francis told thousands of journalists today he loved them and thanked them for their recent work.

Weigel thinks Pope Francis embodies Church's future

Catholic author and scholar George Weigel believes that Pope Francis embodies the type of Catholicism that is needed for the Church to thrive in th...

Pope Francis cracks two jokes in first Angelus, winning more hearts

The new Pope's spontaneity was revealed again today when he cracked two jokes after his very first Angelus prayer in front of thousands.

Sangti Papa baru beradorasi Ekaristi

Satu pembaharuan berlaku semasa pemilihan Sangti Papa! Paus baru berpeluang untuk memuja Yesus di dalam Ekaristi sebelum keluar menampilkan diri ke...

White smoke: Cardinals elect new pope on fifth ballot

To the delighted surprise of many, clouds of white smoke poured from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel March 13, indicating a pope had ...

Pope Francis: Choosing a Jesuit as a reformer -- on many levels

The church has turned to religious orders for popes at various times over the centuries, often when in need of a reformer, and suc...

Canadian cardinals cite Pope Francis' holiness, concern for poor

Canadian Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, speaking of newly elected Pope Francis, said he was "always struck by that man, who is a holy man, a m...

Pope Francis starts first day with Marian prayer, bill paying

Pope Francis began his first full day as pope with an early morning act of Marian devotion -- and by paying the bill at the clergy hotel where he h...

US cardinals describe Pope Francis as ideal choice for modern times

Two U.S. cardinals described Pope Francis as an ideal choice to lead the church in the modern world. "He is the perfect choice for this moment ...

Catholic organizations welcome selection of Pope Francis

Leaders of organizations established to put the Catholic faith into practice and to establish a more just society welcomed Pope Fr...

Voice of new pope will be 'important throughout church,' says Massgoer

Church bells pealed above the weekday afternoon din in Manhattan to announce the election of the new pope March 13. At St. Patrick's Cathedral, Msg...

Argentine priests in Washington cheer choice of countryman as pope

For any Catholic living west of the Atlantic Ocean or in the Southern Hemisphere, it must seem impressive to have someone from that particular regi...

Sequestered by conclave, cardinals missed births, rain, cellphones

While the cardinal electors were intensely praying and choosing the next pope, they were utterly unaware of the huge crowds waiting outside braving...

Without Christ crucified, Church a 'pitiful' organization: Pope Francis

The day after he was elected, Pope Francis emphasized that every believer – including bishops, cardinals and Popes – must proclaim Jesus...

Youthful Denver rally cheers on Pope Francis

After the election of Pope Francis, a crowd of enthusiastic young Catholics gathered in Denver Wednesday afternoon to show their support with praye...

Pope Francis visits ancient basilica in Rome on first full day as pontiff

In his first morning as supreme pontiff and leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, Pope Francis visited the ancient Roman basilica dedi...

Crowd in St. Peter's Square joyously welcomes Pope Francis

Cheers of "Francesco! Francesco! Francesco!" resounded throughout the square as he greeted the exuberant crowd in Italian and blessed them...

Argentina's Cardinal Bergoglio elected pope, chooses Francis

The election March 13 came on the second day of the conclave, on the conclave's fifth ballot. It was a surprisingly quick conclusion to a conclave ...

Pope Francis to have busy schedule in coming days

The Vatican has announced Pope Francis' schedule for the coming days, which will begin with Mass on Thursday, March 14 in the Sistine Chapel togeth...

US political leaders welcome Pope Francis with joy

American politicians offered prayers and congratulations upon hearing the news that Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, SJ, had been elected as the Successor...

White smoke from Vatican chimney, new Pope to be announced

White smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on March 13 indicated that the
College of Cardinals had chosen a new Pope.

Pope Francis: Cardinals went to end of world to find me

Pope Francis began his first words to the Church by saying that the cardinals “went to the end of the world” to find the new Bishop of R...

New Pope lived simple life in Argentina

Pope Francis lives very simply, brings a pastoral approach to his ministry, and is a man of prayer, according to the Vatican&rsquo...

Dark of night, chill of rain could not keep curious, faithful away

It was a cold and rainy night, but that cliche didn't stop tens of thousands of people from pouring in to St. Peter's Square to keep their eyes on ...

Black smoke, no Pope yet

Black smoke rose from the chimney atop the Vatican's Sistine Chapel at 7:42 p.m. local time on March 12, signaling that the College of Cardinals ha...

Vatican details how new smoke signals are produced

Varying chemical compounds have replaced wet straw and pitch to produce the Vatican smoke signal that is used to communicate the result of conclave...

In digital age, Vatican sticks with smoke, bells to announce results

Though the Vatican has become increasingly savvy with more modern forms of communication, it's still sticking with more primitive methods -- swirli...

Cardinals end pre-conclave meetings, hear report on Vatican bank

During their last meeting before entering the conclave to elect a new pope, the world's cardinals heard a report on the Vatican bank and continuing...

Over 50,000 send messages of gratitude to Benedict XVI

A book containing more than 50,000 messages of gratitude to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has been delivered to the Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, who is ...

Toward Conclave, chimney stack fitted on Sistine Chapel roof

This morning the iconic "chimney stack" was placed on the Sistine Chapel's roof a visual sign that the Conclave is near, the beginning of...

Voting for New Pope to begin March 12

Cardinal electors assembled in Rome will begin voting for the next pope March 12.

Main reason for conclave date revealed

An overwhelming majority of the College of Cardinals agreed on holding the conclave March 12 because the Sistine Chapel and St. Martha House needed...

Kini saya hanyalah penziarah, ini ziarah terakhir saya di dunia

Saya bukan lagi Paus bagi Gereja Katolik. Kini, saya hanyalah penziarah yang memulakan ziarah terkahir di bumi ini. Tetapi dengan sepenuh hati saya...

New Pope will have wait to move in

No one knows who the new Pope will be, but it can be said with certainty that he will be temporarily staying in a new apartment after he is elected.

The Pope we need now

“I hope we get a nice pope,” a good Catholic woman told me soon after Benedict XVI announced his resignation.

Vatican post office sells over 150k Vacant See sets

The Vatican is now selling special stamps and envelopes that are made only when there is no Pope.

Book on Benedict XVI's final speeches planned

A book on all of Benedict XVI’s speeches from the moment he announced his resignation until his last day as pontiff will be published March 1...

Profile of future Pope begins to take shape

On their third day of pre-conclave meetings the cardinals are beginning to develop the profile of what the next Pope needs to look like.

Cardinals contemplate insider, outsider papal candidates

“We are not ready to enter the conclave,” Cardinal Francis George of Chicago plainly told the Italian newspaper La Stampa today, adding,...

Benedict XVI's cobbler fondly remembers retired Pope

The man who is known around the world as “the Pope’s shoemaker” expressed sadness at the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI but also ...

Cardinals will be informed of Vatileaks background

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley said he trusts the cardinals taking part in the papal election will be informed on the necessary background ...

Argentinian cardinal says God spoke through Pope Benedict

Cardinal Estanislao Esteban Karlic, the retired archbishop of Parana, Argentina, said that God used Benedict XVI’s resignation from the papacy...

Harapan Asia untuk bakal Sangti Papa

Fr Nithiya Sagayam, OFM Cap, Setiausaha eksekutif Pejabat Pembangunan Insan Sidang para Uskup Asia (FABC) menyatakan harapan umat ...

Bagaimana sidang pemilihan Paus berlangsung?

Pengganti Paus Benediktus XVI akan diumumkan tidak lama lagi melalui sidang sulit iaitu pengundian secara rahsia bakal Sangti Papa yang berlangsung...

Future Popes will mirror Benedict XVI, says cardinal

An Australian cardinal said that future popes are likely to follow in the footsteps of Benedict XVI.

Pendekatan Benediktus XVI dengan Islam

Persaraan Paus Benediktus XVI sering dikaitkan dengan beberapa ‘kegagalan’. Dikatakan antara kegagalan tersebut ialah gagal menjalin hu...

Pope says he is going from humble servant to simple pilgrim

Benedict XVI, who began his papacy describing himself as a "humble servant in the Lord's vineyard," described his retirement as a time of ...

Today's cardinal-electors slightly older than group in 2005 conclave

The group of cardinals preparing to enter a conclave to elect a new pope is slightly older -- by four months -- than the group that elected 78-year...

In farewell to cardinals, Pope Benedict pledges obedience to next pope

The Clementine Hall is traditionally the place where cardinals bid farewell to popes at the end of a pontificate, but usually when the pope in ques...

Vatican Post Office issues stamp for Pope's resignation

The Vatican’s post office is issuing a special cancelation stamp to mark the end of Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy.

Pope leaves Vatican for Castel Gandolfo

Pope Benedict XVI has left the Vatican by helicopter and will soon arrive in the town of Castel Gandolfo where he will live for two months.

Pope's last words: Thank you for your friendship and love

After the 15-minute helicopter trip to Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI offered a word of thanks to the thousands of people who traveled there to...

US leaders voice thanks, support for Pope Emeritus

American Catholic political officials and commentators have solemnly expressed their appreciation and prayers for Pope Benedict XVI as his resignat...

Pope Benedict XVI says goodbye to the Vatican

Pope Benedict XVI left Vatican City for the last time Thursday. He will return — not as Pope Benedict XVI, but as pope emeritus — a reti...

Pope confident God will guide Church in days ahead

Pope Benedict XVI told the 150,000 people who came to his final general audience that he is filled with trust and peace as he prepares to resign, b...

Looking back eight years later...

Expectations for Pope Benedict’s papacy were never high, probably even among conservatives who were relieved to see a close collaborator of J...

The life of Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI

April 16, 1927: Joseph Ratzinger is born in Marktl Inn, Bavaria.

Departure of Pope Benedict XVI

In the middle of the 12th century, Pope Eugenius III, overwhelmed by the pressures of his office, sought the counsel of Bernard of Clairvaux, a fel...

Pope Benedict’s act of Humility

The last pope to resign did so more than seven hundred years ago, which is a long time even by church standards.

Pope Benedict’s unprecedented abdication

Several popes have given up their office – of their own accord or by force – in the nearly 2,000 years of the Catholic Church’s hi...

Pope Benedict XVI Farewell: Thousands expected in St Peter's Square

More than 50,000 people are expected to gather in St Peter's Square later today for Pope Benedict XVI's final general audience.

Pope Benedict XVI to hold final audience at Vatican today

Pope Benedict XVI, who will be called "pope emeritus" when he steps down as the head of the Catholic Church, will hold a final general au...

Pope Benedict's new name revealed

The Holy See press office revealed today that Pope Benedict XVI will retain his papal name but will be called Pope Emeritus.

Next Pope can still be 'Pontifex' on Twitter

The Vatican has dispelled claims that Pope Benedict XVI's “Pontifex” Twitter account will be shut down permanently, clarifying that it &...

Young people across globe thank Pope in video

A group of young people from Madrid have posted a two-minute video online with international messages thanking Pope Benedict XVI for his service to...

Pope Benedict chooses his new wardrobe

Pope Benedict has decided what he will wear once he is no longer Pope – a simple white cassock, and brown shoes given to him in Leon, Mexico.

Changing rules, pope allows cardinals to move up conclave date

In his last week as pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI issued new rules for conclaves, including a clause that allows the College of Cardinals to move u...

Cardinal Wuerl: Confronting secularism a priority for next Pope

The man cardinals choose as the next pope must be someone with the requisite energy and mastery of modern communications media to promote a revival...

Young, new Philippine cardinal has extensive international ties

At 55, Cardinal Luis Tagle of Manila, Philippines, is one of the youngest and newest members of the College of Cardinals, but he is also one of the...

Vatikan umum hari-hari terakhir pelayanan Bapa Suci Benediktus

Semasa memberikan taklimat kepada para pemberita pada Februari 13 lalu, Fr Federico Lombardi, pengarah pejabat akhbar Vatikan, memberikan beberapa ...

Doakan saya dan bakal Sangti Papa

Semasa memimpin Misa Kudus terakhirnya sebagai Paus di Basilika Sto Petrus sempena Hari Rabu Abu pada Feb 13 lalu, Bapa Suci Benediktus menyeru sel...

Pope Benedict says he is not 'abandoning the Church'

Around 120,000 pilgrims heard Pope Benedict XVI deliver his last Angelus address, in which he said that “the Lord called me to ‘climb th...

Protestant scholar lauds Benedict's ecumenical strides

Pope Benedict has been a leader devoted to ecumenical efforts, according to a professor of Christian history and ecumenism at Fuller Theological Se...

Pope will change rule for conclave date tomorrow

Pope Benedict XVI will issue a motu proprio on Feb. 25, clearing the way for the College of Cardinals to choose a date in early March to begin the ...

New Pope will handle Pius X Society decision

The effort to reach an agreement between the Church and the Society of St. Pius X will be passed on to the next Pope, Father Federico Lombardi said.

Pope Benedict saw Jews, Muslims as allies in defending belief in God

In trying to help people understand how belief in God is a natural part of life and provides grounding for the values that protect human dignity an...

Catholic leaders say Pope will be remembered for marriage defense

Two leaders from one of the world’s largest pro-life groups think Pope Benedict XVI will be remembered for defending traditional marriage and ...

Benedict XVI's crowds slightly larger than John Paul II's

The streets of Rome are beginning to fill with pilgrims coming to see Benedict XVI for one last time, bringing to mind the crowds that flocked to h...

Pope considering changes to papal election rules

Pope Benedict XVI is considering modifying the laws that govern how a Pope is elected, given the circumstances created by his res...

Young Catholics recall Pope's profound outreach

As Pope Benedict XVI prepares to conclude his duties as Holy Father, young Catholics are recalling his marked efforts to renew the faith of the you...

Pope's brother says resignation is beneficial to Church

Pope Benedict XVI’s older brother explained that the pontiff’s decision to resign is good for the Body of Christ because he had become t...

Cloistered nun believes monastic life will extend Pope's reach

Pope Benedict’s decision to dedicate himself to a life of prayer will enable him to impact people who might not have listened to him while he...

Mother who cooked for Pope recalls his paternal care

A woman who helped cook for the Pope during his visit to Spain in 2011 said the Holy Father looked at those who prepared his meal the way that she ...

Conclave may take place earlier than expected

The Vatican's spokesman announced today that the coming conclave to elect Pope Benedict XVI's successor might be convened in shorter order than pre...

Pope: Lent is spiritual battle

Pope Benedict XVI used his second to last Angelus to tell thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square that Lent is a “spiritua...

Pope Benedict XVI: A Pastor, Scholar, Pontiff

Before he became pope, he was well-known as the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, an office that was formerly called the I...

Pope's resignation a great witness of spiritual freedom

Fr Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, commented there and on Vatican Radio on Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation of the p...

Papal resignation freely made and with due manifestation

Fr Federico Lombardi, commenting on the Pope’s resignation said, “The phrase: ‘well aware of the seriousness of this act, with ful...

Historian notes precedents for Papal resignation

Though it hasn’t happened in about 600 years, there is precedent for a papal resignation. And the Church has the resources and the experience ...

Pope Benedict XVI: The fourth oldest Pope in the history

Joseph Ratzinger was born April 16, 1927, in the Bavarian town of Marktl am Inn, the third and youngest child of a police officer, Joseph Sr., and ...

Malaysian Bishops applaud Pope’s courage, humility

As an individual, Pope Benedict is a brilliant and refined leader. He is intellectually capable of expressing in understandable terms the teachings o...

Pope Benedict's last Mass will be on Ash Wednesday in St. Peter's

Amid the buzz created by the Pope’s announcement that he will retire, it could be easy to miss the fact that his last Mass will be on Ash Wed...

Pope shows signs of aging, but Vatican reports no illness

From the moment he was elected pope at the age of 78 in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI has kept a schedule that appeared light compared to that of Blessed...

Youth gather to pray for Pope, recall his loving guidance

A group of young adults at the Vatican called Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign “humble” and “brave,” adding that...

American bishops thank Pope for service, love of Church

Numerous American bishops voiced their gratitude to Pope Benedict for his nearly 8 years of service as Bishop of Rome, noting the pontiff's constan...

Pope Benedict XVI plans life of prayer after retirement

After Pope Benedict XVI retires at the end of February he will dedicate himself to a life of prayer and study in a Vatican-based monastery.

Pope cites waning strength as reason for resignation

Pope Benedict XVI told a gathering of cardinals Feb. 11 that he no longer has the strength to carry out ministry and will resign on Feb. 28.

Politicians react to Pope's retirement with surprise, thanksgiving

Political leaders in the United States offered their prayers and respect upon learning of Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to retire at the end of...

Pope's resignation invokes sadness, gratitude from US bishops

The U.S. bishops voiced sorrow over the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, as well as appreciation for his eight years of leadership an...

Papal resignation is rare historical event

On Feb. 11, Pope Benedict made it public that he will step down from his role as head of the Catholic Church, raising a number of questions about h...

Pope Benedict XVI announces his retirment

Pope Benedict XVI announced today that he will resign from his duties as Pope on February 28th, 2013.

Muslim youths call at St Peter's Church

Twenty-five youth volunteers from the Melaka PERKIM Branch and 60 Thai, Singaporean, Indonesian and Malaysian students from the International Islamic University Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur called at Malaysia’s oldest Catholic edifice of St Peter’s Church (built in 1710) at Pengkalan Rama over the May 18-19 weekend.