IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians always have hope, no matter how bleak, bad or uncertain the journey, because they know God is always by their side, Pope Francis said. In fact, “even crossing parts of the world (that are) wounded, where things are not …

IMAGE: CNS photo/TED.com By Keanine Griggs VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While searching for a connection today often means looking for Wi-Fi, Pope Francis said real connections between people are the only hope for the future. “How wonderful would it be if the growth of scientific and technological innovation would come …

By Tim Puet COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNS) — A priest’s “office hours” are unlimited and the priesthood is not solely focused on administrative work, the apostolic nuncio to the United States told students at the nation’s only Vatican-affiliated seminary. “It’s important to say this to young seminarians: Don’t prepare yourselves to …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Mohamed Abd El Ghany, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Praying that God would protect Egypt from all evil, Pope Francis told the nation’s people that a world torn apart by indiscriminate violence needs courageous builders of peace, dialogue and justice. “I hope that this visit …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Carrie McClish, Catholic Voice By Carrie McClish OAKLAND, Calif. (CNS) — A new shiny truck is bringing food to senior citizens in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood and nearby communities. A year in the making, the Mercy Brown Bag Program has expanded, with the truck visiting several locales and offering …

IMAGE: CNS photo/EPA By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Despite the ongoing risk of terrorism, Pope Francis planned to travel to Egypt as a sign of being close to the people there, said Greg Burke, Vatican spokesman. Heightened security is part of the “new normal” in many countries, but …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Mercy is a true form of knowledge that allows men and women to understand the mystery of God’s love for humanity, Pope Francis said. Having experienced forgiveness, Christians have a duty to forgive others, giving a “visible …

IMAGE: CNS/Reuters By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — The Christian church today needs believers who witness each day to the power of God’s love, but it also needs the heroic witness of those who stand up to hatred even when it means giving up their lives, Pope Francis said. At …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — With religious persecution against Christians on the rise worldwide, it is important for other Christians to stand in solidarity with them, said Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington. Christians in the United States and elsewhere must raise their voices on …

IMAGE: CNS/Nancy Wiechec By Chaz Muth WASHINGTON (CNS) — American Catholics will have an opportunity to become modern-day missionaries during the weekend of April 29-30 by simply dropping money in a collection plate. That is the weekend the Catholic Home Missions Appeal is being conducted as a second collection in …