IMAGE: CNS photo/Orbis Books By ALTAMONT, N.Y. (CNS) — Father Joseph Girzone, who became far more prominent in retirement than during active ministry because of his “Joshua” series of novels, died Nov. 29 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn in in Altamont. He was 85. A funeral Mass will be celebrated …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden BANGUI, Central African Republic (CNS) — Pope Francis ended his visit to the violence-torn Central African Republic with cries for peace and pleas for a mercy that seeks and grants forgiveness. In a country where political and ethnic rivalries also have split the population …

IMAGE: EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Vatican trial against two Italian journalists, a Spanish monsignor and two others was postponed for one week after the court allowed one of the defendants to change lawyers. On what was to be the criminal trial’s first day of …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden BANGUI, Central African Republic (CNS) — Put down the weapons of war and work for justice, Pope Francis urged the people of the Central African Republic. “Even when the powers of hell are unleashed, Christians must rise to the summons, their heads held …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden BANGUI, Central African Republic (CNS) — Despite serious security concerns for Pope Francis and for those who would come to see him, the pope landed in Central African Republic Nov. 29 saying he came as “a pilgrim of peace.” “Unity in diversity is a …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden KAMPALA, Uganda (CNS) — As Pope Francis encouraged Ugandan Christians to draw inspiration from the 19th-century Ugandan Martyrs, he carried with him graphic images of the horrors the 45 Anglican and Catholic martyrs endured. The pope made an early morning visit Nov. 28 to …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden KAMPALA, Uganda (CNS) — Witnessing to what is true, good and beautiful — even if that witness is motivated by different faiths — brings people together and strengthens a nation, Pope Francis said. Arriving in Uganda from Kenya Nov. 27, Pope Francis was greeted …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) — The wealth of residents of the poorest neighborhoods ringing big cities around the world will never be quoted on the stock exchange, even though their wealth gives life and joy to millions of people, Pope Francis said. The pope began …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) — The international community is facing a stark and serious choice, “either to improve or to destroy the environment,” Pope Francis said, referring to the Paris Climate Conference. “It would be sad, and I dare say even catastrophic, were special interests …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) — Respect, unity and service are the foundations of a strong family, a solid democracy and a healthy response to the gift of faith — any faith, Pope Francis told the people of Kenya. Meeting ecumenical and interreligious leaders, celebrating a …