Author Archives: Cindy Wooden

By Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Vatican July 4, and the two discussed the ongoing wars in Eastern Ukraine and in Syria, the Vatican said. Russia plays a major … Continue reading →

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the light of “a worrying negative prejudice” against the Catholic Church, Pope Francis ordered the publication of a document affirming the absolute secrecy of everything said in confession and … Continue reading →

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Blessing bands of wool that archbishops will wear around their shoulders, Pope Francis said, “It is a sign that the shepherds do not live for themselves but for the sheep.” … Continue reading →

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM ROMANIA (CNS) — Pope Francis said that he continues to visit retired Pope Benedict XVI, 92, who is like a grandfather who continues to encourage him and give … Continue reading →

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service BLAJ, Romania (CNS) — The memory and witness of Romania’s martyred bishops are a reminder that Christians are called to stand firm against ideologies that seek to stifle and suppress their cultural and … Continue reading →

Updated: 11:20 a.m. By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service SOFIA, Bulgaria (CNS) — Twelve boys and girls wearing white T-shirts and dark pants sang for Pope Francis at a refugee center on the outskirts of Sofia. Their songs were cheerful … Continue reading →

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As individuals and as a church, it can be tempting to dwell on mistakes, failures and sins that block the fullness of life, but Easter is the proclamation that the … Continue reading →