Why I chose ‘Francis’
As you know, there are various reasons why I chose the name of Francis of Assisi, a familiar figure far beyond the borders of...
The Church embraces all humanity
I would like to reflect in particular on the meaning of the word “catholic,” a word which indicates an essential feature of the Church...
The oil of consolation and the wine of hope
On 11 February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the papacy. The full text is reprinted here.
Dear Brothers,
I have convoked you to...
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
You are gathered in Rome for the Order’s World Consultation which takes place every five years to reflect on the situation...
The Day of Confraternities and Popular Piety
In the Gospel we heard a passage from the farewell discourses of Jesus, as related by the evangelist John in the context of the...
Christ’s life was one of sacrifice, not popularity
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This Sunday’s Gospel (cf. Jn 6:51–58) is the concluding part and culmination of the discourse given by Jesus in the Synagogue...
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
At the end of its Constitution on the Church, the Second Vatican Council left us a very beautiful meditation on Mary...
Chiara Lubich
“The Focolare Movement is an international movement inspired by the Gospel that works for unity in all spheres of life. For over sixty years...
Habemus Papam
Dear Brother Cardinals,
The period of the conclave has been a momentous time not only for the College of Cardinals, but also for all the...
Education in the New Evangelization
The Year of Faith has encouraged a broad acceptance of new types of evangelization. These include the utilization of various new media and technologies...
