IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Prayer has the power to awaken hope in men and women, even in the face of death and destruction, Pope Francis said. People often feel unworthy to turn to God when they are in need “as if it were …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Anna Capizzi NEW YORK (CNS) — This year’s New York Encounter drew a crowd of 10,000 for a three-day cultural gathering of presentations, exhibits and performances centered on the theme “Reality has never betrayed me.” What struck first-time participant Giovanna Maiello was the “bridge …

IMAGE: CNS/Maria Grazia Picciarella, pool By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican confirmed its trust in the papal commission investigating the forced resignation of the Order of Malta’s former grand chancellor following a letter by the order’s grand master to discredit the group. In a statement released …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Being a real Christian does not mean being a saint, but giving witness to Jesus in word and, especially, deed, Pope Francis told members of a parish on the eastern edge of Rome. Spending more than three hours Jan. 15 at …

IMAGE: CNS/Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas thanked Pope Francis for his support of the country’s new embassy to the Holy See. “This is a sign that the pope loves the Palestinian people and loves peace,” Abbas told the pope Jan. 14 before …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Jonathan Luxmoore OXFORD, England (CNS) — Catholic and Orthodox leaders have pledged to stand together against fundamentalism and terrorism, as well as resisting forces working to erode and destroy religious belief in Europe. “Terrorist violence against people considered unbelievers or infidels is the extreme degree of …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Lucas Jackson, Reuters By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic panelists gathered to discuss “Faithful Priorities in a Time of Trump” said it is difficult to get over some of the words the president-elect said during the campaign — and even before he was a candidate. But as …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Under certain circumstances and after long prayer and a profound examination of conscience, some divorced and civilly remarried Catholics may return to the sacraments, said the bishops of Malta. With “an informed and enlightened conscience,” a separated or divorced person …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Mike Blake, Reuters By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Despite the apprehension over policies that could be enacted by a Republican-led Congress acting in accord with a Republican president in Donald Trump, the U.S. Catholic bishops remain hopeful that Congress will pass an immigration reform bill. “This is …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis asked young people to tell him, their bishops and pastors about their hopes and struggles and even their criticisms. In preparation for a meeting of the Synod of Bishops focused on youth, the pope wrote a …