Pope Francis
Francis (Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio,17 December 1936) is the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic Church, in which capacity he is Bishop of Rome and absolute Sovereign of the Vatican City State. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technician and nightclub bouncer before entering the seminary. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969, and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and was created a Cardinal in 2001 by Blessed Pope John Paul II. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March. He chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis is the first Jesuit Pope, the first Pope from the Americas, the first Pope from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European Pope since Pope Gregory III in 741, 1272 years earlier.
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April 20, 2025:
JD Vance and Pope Francis put drama to one side as they finally meet US VP JD Vance briefly with Pope Francis on Sunday to exchange Easter greetings, after they got into a long-distance tangle over the Trump administration’s migrant deportation plans - amid talks the Pope may have snubbed the VP. Vance’s motorcade entered Vatican City through a side gate and parked near Francis’ hotel residence while Easter Mass was being celebrated in St. Peter’s Square. Francis, who has greatly cut back his workload to recover from a near-fatal case of pneumonia, delegated the celebration of the Mass to another cardinal. (Irish Star 4/20/25) READ MORE>>>>> NOTED: Pope Francis is one of many parties that Vance has gotten into an altercation with since he was sworn in as VP. His list of targets thus far includes the UK, France, China, and random accounts online who he has accused of having "low IQs". JD Vance Meets Pope Francis After 'Snub' Claims From Critics Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Francis on Sunday morning in a brief private meeting. The meeting followed a summit with Vatican officials on Saturday—but not the Pope himself until now—which prompted some to suggest the vice president had been "snubbed" by the head of the Catholic Church. (MSN 4/20/25) READ MORE>>>>> NOTED: Vance met with secretary of state Cardinal Pietro Parolin and foreign minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher in the Apostolic Palace on Saturday. According to the vice president's office, Vance and Parolin "discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities around the world, and President Trump's commitment to restoring world peace." Pope Francis meets with US Vice President JD Vance Pope Francis held a private meeting Sunday morning at the Vatican with US Vice President JD Vance, the Holy See announced. Vance, a devout Catholic who had clashed with the Pope over the immigration policies of President Donald Trump's administration, met with Francis at his Vatican residence and congratulated each other on the feast of Easter, the Vatican said in a statement. NOTED: The Pope responded to the theological concept Vance used to defend this approach in an open letter to American Catholic bishops in February, where he called Trump's plan a "major crisis" for the United States. US’s Vance pays flash visit to Pope Francis United States Vice President JD Vance exchanged Easter greetings with Pope Francis on Sunday in Vatican City as part of his Rome visit, after a dispute over U.S. deportation policies. The meeting followed Vance’s political tour in the Italian capital, having met with top government officials including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani. (4/20/25 Politico) READ MORE>>>>> NOTED: Vance’s motorcade remained in the Vatican for 17 minutes altogether, according to media reports. ALSO TO NOTE: Vance, who was baptized into Catholicism in 2019, has faced criticism from Pope Francis and other members of the clergy over the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. "If it is true, it will be a disgrace," Francis said of the policy shortly before Trump's inauguration. "It makes the poor wretches who have nothing to pay the unpaid bill. It won’t do. This is not the way to solve things." Parolin himself blasted Trump's ethnic cleansing plan for Gaza as making "no sense." Pope assures spiritual closeness to LA fire victims In a message sent through his Secretary of State to the archbishop of Los Angeles, José Gómez, Pope Francis assures his "spiritual closeness" to all those affected by the fires. "Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss. He likewise prays for the relief efforts of the emergency service personnel and imparts his blessing to all as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord." Some 180,000 people have been evacuated. The death toll is currently limited to 11 though it is thought it could rise as more victims are discovered. The disaster caused the cancellation of US President Joe Biden's visit to Rome, where he was due to meet Pope Francis on January 10. President Biden, 82, will hand over power to Donald Trump on January 20. . (Aleteia 1/11/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
January 28, 2023: Mother Jones reported: In an interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis has become the first Roman Catholic pontiff to denounce laws that criminalize homosexuality.
“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” the 86-year-old pontiff told the AP on Tuesday. Laws that criminalize homosexuality, Francis said, are “unjust,” and the Catholic Church “must” seek to end them. February 2, 2023: New York Times reported: In Congo, a Pope and a Nation Revitalize Each Other. Francis has been slowed by age. But his enthusiastic welcome in Africa has proved a shot in the arm and provided a reminder of the papacy’s global reach.
March 23, 2023: Religion Unplugged reported: The Episcopal priest who first documented links between U.S. evangelicals and an anti-gay bill in Uganda, the Rev. Kapya Kaoma, says that the “only person who can make a difference now in Africa is Pope Francis.”
May 10, 2023: Sight Magazine reported: In late March of this year, the Vatican formally – and somewhat surprisingly – repudiated the centuries-old ‘Doctrine of Discovery’, based on papal dictates of the 15th century that justified the domination of newly “discovered” lands and peoples by European Christian explorers. The repudiation, which came in a statement from a bureaucratic office, not Pope Francis himself, said the doctrine had been “manipulated” by colonisers “to justify immoral acts against Indigenous peoples that were carried out, at times, without opposition from ecclesial authorities.” |
Pope Francis apologizes for using a homophobic slur during a meeting with bishops
Pope Francis has apologized for using an anti-gay slur during a meeting with bishops. The 87-year-old pontiff reportedly made the homophobic remark in a closed-door meeting last week as he told Italian bishops that gay men shouldn’t be allowed to train for the priesthood. “The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who felt offended by the use of a term, as reported by others,” the Vatican said in a Tuesday statement. (CNN 5/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Pope Francis has apologized for using an anti-gay slur during a meeting with bishops. The 87-year-old pontiff reportedly made the homophobic remark in a closed-door meeting last week as he told Italian bishops that gay men shouldn’t be allowed to train for the priesthood. “The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who felt offended by the use of a term, as reported by others,” the Vatican said in a Tuesday statement. (CNN 5/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
President Of Latvia Responds To Pope's Statement: We Cannot Capitulate To Evil
Commenting on Pope Francis' controversial statement on negotiations in the Russian war against Ukraine, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said that it is not allowed to capitulate to evil. He wrote about this on the social network X, Ukrinform reported. “One must not capitulate in face of evil, one must fight it and defeat it, so that the evil raises the white flag and capitulates”, he wrote. As reported, in an interview with the Swiss broadcaster RSI, the Pope called for negotiations in the Russian war against Ukraine, noting that "the one who has the courage to raise the white flag will be stronger." (Menafin 3/11/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Commenting on Pope Francis' controversial statement on negotiations in the Russian war against Ukraine, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said that it is not allowed to capitulate to evil. He wrote about this on the social network X, Ukrinform reported. “One must not capitulate in face of evil, one must fight it and defeat it, so that the evil raises the white flag and capitulates”, he wrote. As reported, in an interview with the Swiss broadcaster RSI, the Pope called for negotiations in the Russian war against Ukraine, noting that "the one who has the courage to raise the white flag will be stronger." (Menafin 3/11/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Pope Backed by Thousands of Christians Over Bishop Strickland Removal
Thousands of Christians have signed a petition thanking Pope Francis for removing Joseph Strickland as the bishop of Tyler, Texas. In a brief statement on Saturday, the Vatican said Francis had removed Strickland from the pastoral governance of Tyler, Texas, and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator.
(Khaleda Rahman/Newsweek 11/14/23)
Read More>>>>>
Thousands of Christians have signed a petition thanking Pope Francis for removing Joseph Strickland as the bishop of Tyler, Texas. In a brief statement on Saturday, the Vatican said Francis had removed Strickland from the pastoral governance of Tyler, Texas, and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator.
(Khaleda Rahman/Newsweek 11/14/23)
Read More>>>>>
Pope Francis
“This is the church we are called to ‘dream’: a church that is the servant of all, the servant of the least of our brothers and sisters; a church that never demands an attestation of ‘good behavior,’ but welcomes, serves, loves, forgives; a church with open doors that is a haven of mercy. We may have plenty of good ideas on how to reform the church, but let’s remember: to adore God and to love our brothers and sisters with his love, that is the great and perennial reform...“We are always at risk of thinking that we can ‘control God,’ that we can confine his love to our own agenda. Instead, the way he acts is always unpredictable and consequently demands amazement and adoration.... The path of idolatry is “wanting the Lord to act according to the image we have of him.”--Pope Francis 10/29/23
July 11, 2021: ABC News: Pope Francis reappears after surgery, calls for free universal healthcare
Pope Francis appeared in public for the first time since undergoing intestinal surgery a week ago, seemingly in good health.
Nov 28, 2016: CNN: Pope Francis associate: Controversial questions on communion already answered
In the following op-ed, Fr. Spadaro addresses the controversy in the Catholic Church raised by Pope Francis' document on the family, Amoris Laetitia. In it, he defends Pope Francis from criticism that he has not addressed concerns raised by his document, and says that the conclusions reached in the document were based on a consensus of voices from the bishops' Synod meeting, which Francis held in 2015. Fr. Spadaro suggests that those who criticize the Pope's document may be trying to create division rather than sincerely seek answers.
Pope Francis appeared in public for the first time since undergoing intestinal surgery a week ago, seemingly in good health.
Nov 28, 2016: CNN: Pope Francis associate: Controversial questions on communion already answered
In the following op-ed, Fr. Spadaro addresses the controversy in the Catholic Church raised by Pope Francis' document on the family, Amoris Laetitia. In it, he defends Pope Francis from criticism that he has not addressed concerns raised by his document, and says that the conclusions reached in the document were based on a consensus of voices from the bishops' Synod meeting, which Francis held in 2015. Fr. Spadaro suggests that those who criticize the Pope's document may be trying to create division rather than sincerely seek answers.
Oct 9, 2016: America Magazine: Pope Francis Looks Past Europe with Cardinal Picks
When Pope Francis places the red hat on 13 new cardinals from five continents and 11 countries on Nov. 19, he will have created 44 of the 120 electors that have the right to vote in a conclave to choose his successor. Moreover, he will have ensured that unlike past conclaves, European electors will no longer have the majority.
When Pope Francis places the red hat on 13 new cardinals from five continents and 11 countries on Nov. 19, he will have created 44 of the 120 electors that have the right to vote in a conclave to choose his successor. Moreover, he will have ensured that unlike past conclaves, European electors will no longer have the majority.
May 27, 2016: Vatican Insider: The Pope to the Orionine : continue to be “the running priests”
Francis recalls when the priests of the order founded by St. Luigi Orione were so named, because they are “in the midst of the people, with the rapid pace of those who care.” He adds: “Remain vigilant so that faith does not become ideology and charity is not reduced to philanthropy”
Francis recalls when the priests of the order founded by St. Luigi Orione were so named, because they are “in the midst of the people, with the rapid pace of those who care.” He adds: “Remain vigilant so that faith does not become ideology and charity is not reduced to philanthropy”
Apr 1, 2016: Crux: Pope breaks record on Instagram
With a simple tap, Pope Francis joined Instagram and quickly set a record for gaining 1 million followers.
Feb 14, 2016: Church Citizens Voice: Pope to Mexican leaders: Remember your young people
Pope Francis marked his first full day in Mexico by urging the nation's leaders and diplomats to protect the future of the nation's young people.
Jan 22, 2016: Vatican Insider: Pope: Don’t confuse family as willed by God and other types of union
In his address to the Roman Rota, Francis said: “The Church continues to propose marriage in its essentials not as an ideal only for the few but as a reality that, in the grace of Christ, can be experienced by all the baptized faithful”. Greater preparation is needed, a “new catechumenate”
With a simple tap, Pope Francis joined Instagram and quickly set a record for gaining 1 million followers.
Feb 14, 2016: Church Citizens Voice: Pope to Mexican leaders: Remember your young people
Pope Francis marked his first full day in Mexico by urging the nation's leaders and diplomats to protect the future of the nation's young people.
Jan 22, 2016: Vatican Insider: Pope: Don’t confuse family as willed by God and other types of union
In his address to the Roman Rota, Francis said: “The Church continues to propose marriage in its essentials not as an ideal only for the few but as a reality that, in the grace of Christ, can be experienced by all the baptized faithful”. Greater preparation is needed, a “new catechumenate”
Oct 9, 2015: Aleteia: Pope Francis: “Anesthetized Conscience is Victory for Evil One”
At morning Mass in the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, Pope Francis reflected on a gospel reading in which Jesus speaks forcefully on the influence of Beelzebul, the “prince of demons” (Luke 11:15-26), and urged diligent care and discernment for Christians in the face of eternal conflict: “temptations always return,” said the Pontiff, because “the Evil Spirit never tires.”
Sept 6, 2015: Aleteia: Pope Francis Opens Vatican to Refugee Families
'Pope Francis announced Sunday that he will give temporary housing in the Vatican to at least two refugee families and asked that every European parish, monastery, and shrine do the same, Crux reported.
Sept 5, 2015: Vatican Insider: Pope’s Twitter followers exceed 23 million
A recent analysis of the Pope’s twitter accounts in nine languages, has shown that from mid-July to today, his number of “followers” has increased by one million
Sept 5, 2015: All Christian News: Pope Francis Issues A Proclamation To Forgive The Sin of Abortion
Pope Francis has caused a stir with his proclamation that he will grant power to bishops and priests to absolve the sin of abortion.
Apr 6, 2015: Huffington Post: Pope Francis' "Urbi et Orbi" Easter 2015 Message (Full Text)
Pope Francis used his Easter Sunday message to call for an end to violence and oppression everywhere.
Mar 19, 2015: Religion News Service: Gay and transgender inmates invited to lunch with Pope Francis during prison visit
When Pope Francis pays a visit to Naples this Saturday (March 21) he will have lunch with some 90 inmates at a local prison, a contingent that will reportedly include 10 from a section reserved for gay and transgendered prisoners, and those infected with the virus that causes AIDS.
Feb 27, 2015: Aleteia: Pope Invites Artist Who Wrote Him A Letter to Be Baptized at Easter in St. Peter's
Helena Lobato tells the story of the Pope Francis' invitation
Jan 23, 2015: Religion Dispatches: Pope Decries ‘Ideological Colonization’ of Family; Islamic State Executes Gays and Others; Gay Couple Gets Long-Delayed Wedding in Mexico; Global LGBT Recap
Pope Francis drew massive crowds in this week’s visit to the Philippines, the Catholic Church’s stronghold in Asia. He drew the most attention for an off-the-cuff remark about Catholics not needing to breed like rabbits, but he also made some comments seemingly targeting moves toward marriage equality.
Jan 15, 2015: William K Wolfrum Chronicles: Catholicism must be banned and Pope put to death for anti-free-speech speech
The recent attacks on Charlie Hebdo have made one thing extremely clear – the right of free speech is one that should never be infringed upon. The heinous murders of journalists and satirists have woken up the world and forced us all to accept that we must fight for everyone’s right to speak freely. This is why I am so disappointed in the recent reaction from Pope Francis.
Jan 11, 2015: Time: Pope Francis Reaffirms Support of Public Breastfeeding
Pope Francis encouraged mothers to breastfeed their children as they wished on Sunday while he baptized 33 infants in the Sistine Chapel.
Dec 17, 2014: America Blog: Marco Rubio says Pope Francis isn’t for “freedom”
Erstwhile Catholic, Baptist and Mormon — and likely 2016 GOP presidential candidate — Marco Rubio thinks Pope Francis isn’t a friend of “freedom.”
Nov 1, 2014: USA Today: Pope Francis agitates conservative U.S. Catholics
A senior American cardinal in the Vatican says that under this pope, the Roman Catholic Church is "a ship without a rudder'' and the faithful "are feeling a bit seasick.''
Sept 21, 2014: New York Daily News: Pope Francis tells Muslims to help stop ISIS in speech to religious leaders in Albania
Francis condemned the Islamic State extremists who ‘pervert’ religion to justify violence. ‘To kill in the name of God is a grave sacrilege,’ the Pontiff told representatives of Muslim, Orthodox Christian and Catholic communities in the capital of Tirana.
Sept 20, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Creates Commission to Streamline Annulment Process
The Holy See Press Office on Saturday announced Pope Francis has decided to establish a Special Commission for the study of the reform of the matrimonial processes in canon law.
Sept 14, 2014: Time: 40 Tell Pope Francis ‘I Do’ in Vatican Mass Wedding
The Pope said marriage was "real life, not some TV show"
Aug 18, 2014: Washington Times: Pope Francis: World has to ‘stop’ attacks on religious minorities in Iraq
Speaking aboard the papal plane Monday, Pope Francis told reporters that the international community — not just one country — should “stop” the Islamic attacks on religious minorities in Iraq.
Aug 17, 2014: Catholic News Service: Pope calls on Catholics to dialogue with China, other Asian societies
Speaking at the execution site of anonymous Korean martyrs, Pope Francis told Catholic bishops and young laypeople from across Asia to evangelize their continent through dialogue and openness, even with others suspicious or intolerant of the church. But he also urged them to challenge aspects of their cultures incompatible with Christian values.
Aug 17, 2014: Catholic News Service: Pope tells Asians to witness to Christ in all aspects of life
Pope Francis told young Asian Catholic leaders to witness to Christ in everything they do. During his homily on the muddy grounds of Haemi Fortress, Pope Francis urged more than 40,000 people -- including young Catholic leaders from 22 Asian countries -- to "reflect God's love." He reminded them it was their "right and duty to take part in the life of (their) societies."
Aug 17, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Baptizes Father of Victim of Korea's Ferry Disaster
Pope Francis on Sunday baptized a father of one of the children who was killed in South Korea’s ferry disaster last April.
Aug 16, 2014: Catholic News Service: Pope meets and honors Korean laypeople, religious and disabled
Pope Francis visited a set of Korean Catholic institutions exemplifying some of his highest priorities for the church, including engagement of laypeople and dedication to the needy.
Aug 16, 2014: Aleteia: The Two Koreas are “One Family,” Pope Says
Francis calls for prayers for reunification while stressing repentance and forgiveness.
Aug 16, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Meets Members of Lay Apostolate
Pope Francis met with members of a lay apostolate at the Kkottongnae Spirituality Center on Saturday as part of his Apostolic Journey to Korea. During his address, the Pope emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone experiences the dignity of being able to provide for oneself.
Aug 16, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Calls on Religious to Live Vocation as a Gift
Pope Francis met on Saturday afternoon with Communities of Religious at the “School of Love” in Kkottongnae. Approximately 5,000 male and female religious were present for the event.
Aug 15, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Invites Koreans to Reject Inhumane Economic Models
Warning against the "allure of a materialism that stifles authentic spiritual and cultural values."
Aug 15, 2014: Aleteia: Pope to Visit Cemetery for Aborted Children in Korea
Stop at the Kkottoghnae cemetery highlights the country's secret—the world's highest abortion rate.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: The Pope's English, a Korean Car and a Mea Culpa
Francis makes a splash in Korea on his first visit to Asia.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Arrives in South Korea, as North Launches Projectiles Into Sea
“Peace not simply the absence of war, but ‘the work of justice,’” Francis says.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: "Look to Future with Missionary Zeal," Francis Urges Korean Bishops
On the first day of his historic papal visit to South Korea, Pope Francis urged local bishops to not only remember their rich history of martyrdom but to look to the future with hope and missionary zeal.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: Papal Flight to Korea: A Moment of Silence and a Greeting to China
Aboard the papal flight to South Korea today, Pope Francis led an impromptu moment of silence to pray for a photojournalist who was killed in Gaza, and thanked journalists for their work.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: The Emptiness of Korea's Youth That Francis Can Help Fill
"Koreans have very generous souls," says missionary priest. "Many will give concrete responses" to Pope.
July 9, 2014: Honor of Kings: Why is the Prophetic Movement Pandering to Pope Francis?
Recently, BreakingChristianNews.com, a sister (or sub) company of the Elijah List (owned and operated by Steve Shultz), released an article consisting of selected quotes from a “homily” preached by the pope to the victims of the sexual abuse perpetrated by the numerous perverts in the Vatican.
July 7, 2014: Charisma: Why Did Copeland, Robison Meet With Pope Francis?
James and Betty Robison, co-hosts of the Life Today television program, and Kenneth Copeland, co-host of Believer's Voice of Victory, met the Roman Pontiff at the Vatican on Tuesday. The meeting lasted almost three hours and included a private luncheon with Pope Francis.
July 3, 2014: CrossMap: TV Preachers Kenneth Copeland and James Robison Glowingly Describe Meeting with Pope to Tear Down ‘Walls of Division’
Two controversial TV preachers recently met Pope Francis in an effort to work toward tearing down the 'walls of division' between Catholics and Protestants.
June 4, 2014: Daily Beast: Cardinal O'Malley: Pope Francis Knows Immigrants Are the Future of the Church
As the United States and Europe try to cope with a flood of immigrants, many of them children, Pope Francis and Boston’s Cardinal O’Malley work for an end to ‘globalized indifference.’
At morning Mass in the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, Pope Francis reflected on a gospel reading in which Jesus speaks forcefully on the influence of Beelzebul, the “prince of demons” (Luke 11:15-26), and urged diligent care and discernment for Christians in the face of eternal conflict: “temptations always return,” said the Pontiff, because “the Evil Spirit never tires.”
Sept 6, 2015: Aleteia: Pope Francis Opens Vatican to Refugee Families
'Pope Francis announced Sunday that he will give temporary housing in the Vatican to at least two refugee families and asked that every European parish, monastery, and shrine do the same, Crux reported.
Sept 5, 2015: Vatican Insider: Pope’s Twitter followers exceed 23 million
A recent analysis of the Pope’s twitter accounts in nine languages, has shown that from mid-July to today, his number of “followers” has increased by one million
Sept 5, 2015: All Christian News: Pope Francis Issues A Proclamation To Forgive The Sin of Abortion
Pope Francis has caused a stir with his proclamation that he will grant power to bishops and priests to absolve the sin of abortion.
Apr 6, 2015: Huffington Post: Pope Francis' "Urbi et Orbi" Easter 2015 Message (Full Text)
Pope Francis used his Easter Sunday message to call for an end to violence and oppression everywhere.
Mar 19, 2015: Religion News Service: Gay and transgender inmates invited to lunch with Pope Francis during prison visit
When Pope Francis pays a visit to Naples this Saturday (March 21) he will have lunch with some 90 inmates at a local prison, a contingent that will reportedly include 10 from a section reserved for gay and transgendered prisoners, and those infected with the virus that causes AIDS.
Feb 27, 2015: Aleteia: Pope Invites Artist Who Wrote Him A Letter to Be Baptized at Easter in St. Peter's
Helena Lobato tells the story of the Pope Francis' invitation
Jan 23, 2015: Religion Dispatches: Pope Decries ‘Ideological Colonization’ of Family; Islamic State Executes Gays and Others; Gay Couple Gets Long-Delayed Wedding in Mexico; Global LGBT Recap
Pope Francis drew massive crowds in this week’s visit to the Philippines, the Catholic Church’s stronghold in Asia. He drew the most attention for an off-the-cuff remark about Catholics not needing to breed like rabbits, but he also made some comments seemingly targeting moves toward marriage equality.
Jan 15, 2015: William K Wolfrum Chronicles: Catholicism must be banned and Pope put to death for anti-free-speech speech
The recent attacks on Charlie Hebdo have made one thing extremely clear – the right of free speech is one that should never be infringed upon. The heinous murders of journalists and satirists have woken up the world and forced us all to accept that we must fight for everyone’s right to speak freely. This is why I am so disappointed in the recent reaction from Pope Francis.
Jan 11, 2015: Time: Pope Francis Reaffirms Support of Public Breastfeeding
Pope Francis encouraged mothers to breastfeed their children as they wished on Sunday while he baptized 33 infants in the Sistine Chapel.
Dec 17, 2014: America Blog: Marco Rubio says Pope Francis isn’t for “freedom”
Erstwhile Catholic, Baptist and Mormon — and likely 2016 GOP presidential candidate — Marco Rubio thinks Pope Francis isn’t a friend of “freedom.”
Nov 1, 2014: USA Today: Pope Francis agitates conservative U.S. Catholics
A senior American cardinal in the Vatican says that under this pope, the Roman Catholic Church is "a ship without a rudder'' and the faithful "are feeling a bit seasick.''
Sept 21, 2014: New York Daily News: Pope Francis tells Muslims to help stop ISIS in speech to religious leaders in Albania
Francis condemned the Islamic State extremists who ‘pervert’ religion to justify violence. ‘To kill in the name of God is a grave sacrilege,’ the Pontiff told representatives of Muslim, Orthodox Christian and Catholic communities in the capital of Tirana.
Sept 20, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Creates Commission to Streamline Annulment Process
The Holy See Press Office on Saturday announced Pope Francis has decided to establish a Special Commission for the study of the reform of the matrimonial processes in canon law.
Sept 14, 2014: Time: 40 Tell Pope Francis ‘I Do’ in Vatican Mass Wedding
The Pope said marriage was "real life, not some TV show"
Aug 18, 2014: Washington Times: Pope Francis: World has to ‘stop’ attacks on religious minorities in Iraq
Speaking aboard the papal plane Monday, Pope Francis told reporters that the international community — not just one country — should “stop” the Islamic attacks on religious minorities in Iraq.
Aug 17, 2014: Catholic News Service: Pope calls on Catholics to dialogue with China, other Asian societies
Speaking at the execution site of anonymous Korean martyrs, Pope Francis told Catholic bishops and young laypeople from across Asia to evangelize their continent through dialogue and openness, even with others suspicious or intolerant of the church. But he also urged them to challenge aspects of their cultures incompatible with Christian values.
Aug 17, 2014: Catholic News Service: Pope tells Asians to witness to Christ in all aspects of life
Pope Francis told young Asian Catholic leaders to witness to Christ in everything they do. During his homily on the muddy grounds of Haemi Fortress, Pope Francis urged more than 40,000 people -- including young Catholic leaders from 22 Asian countries -- to "reflect God's love." He reminded them it was their "right and duty to take part in the life of (their) societies."
Aug 17, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Baptizes Father of Victim of Korea's Ferry Disaster
Pope Francis on Sunday baptized a father of one of the children who was killed in South Korea’s ferry disaster last April.
Aug 16, 2014: Catholic News Service: Pope meets and honors Korean laypeople, religious and disabled
Pope Francis visited a set of Korean Catholic institutions exemplifying some of his highest priorities for the church, including engagement of laypeople and dedication to the needy.
Aug 16, 2014: Aleteia: The Two Koreas are “One Family,” Pope Says
Francis calls for prayers for reunification while stressing repentance and forgiveness.
Aug 16, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Meets Members of Lay Apostolate
Pope Francis met with members of a lay apostolate at the Kkottongnae Spirituality Center on Saturday as part of his Apostolic Journey to Korea. During his address, the Pope emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone experiences the dignity of being able to provide for oneself.
Aug 16, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Calls on Religious to Live Vocation as a Gift
Pope Francis met on Saturday afternoon with Communities of Religious at the “School of Love” in Kkottongnae. Approximately 5,000 male and female religious were present for the event.
Aug 15, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Invites Koreans to Reject Inhumane Economic Models
Warning against the "allure of a materialism that stifles authentic spiritual and cultural values."
Aug 15, 2014: Aleteia: Pope to Visit Cemetery for Aborted Children in Korea
Stop at the Kkottoghnae cemetery highlights the country's secret—the world's highest abortion rate.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: The Pope's English, a Korean Car and a Mea Culpa
Francis makes a splash in Korea on his first visit to Asia.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: Pope Arrives in South Korea, as North Launches Projectiles Into Sea
“Peace not simply the absence of war, but ‘the work of justice,’” Francis says.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: "Look to Future with Missionary Zeal," Francis Urges Korean Bishops
On the first day of his historic papal visit to South Korea, Pope Francis urged local bishops to not only remember their rich history of martyrdom but to look to the future with hope and missionary zeal.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: Papal Flight to Korea: A Moment of Silence and a Greeting to China
Aboard the papal flight to South Korea today, Pope Francis led an impromptu moment of silence to pray for a photojournalist who was killed in Gaza, and thanked journalists for their work.
Aug 14, 2014: Aleteia: The Emptiness of Korea's Youth That Francis Can Help Fill
"Koreans have very generous souls," says missionary priest. "Many will give concrete responses" to Pope.
July 9, 2014: Honor of Kings: Why is the Prophetic Movement Pandering to Pope Francis?
Recently, BreakingChristianNews.com, a sister (or sub) company of the Elijah List (owned and operated by Steve Shultz), released an article consisting of selected quotes from a “homily” preached by the pope to the victims of the sexual abuse perpetrated by the numerous perverts in the Vatican.
July 7, 2014: Charisma: Why Did Copeland, Robison Meet With Pope Francis?
James and Betty Robison, co-hosts of the Life Today television program, and Kenneth Copeland, co-host of Believer's Voice of Victory, met the Roman Pontiff at the Vatican on Tuesday. The meeting lasted almost three hours and included a private luncheon with Pope Francis.
July 3, 2014: CrossMap: TV Preachers Kenneth Copeland and James Robison Glowingly Describe Meeting with Pope to Tear Down ‘Walls of Division’
Two controversial TV preachers recently met Pope Francis in an effort to work toward tearing down the 'walls of division' between Catholics and Protestants.
June 4, 2014: Daily Beast: Cardinal O'Malley: Pope Francis Knows Immigrants Are the Future of the Church
As the United States and Europe try to cope with a flood of immigrants, many of them children, Pope Francis and Boston’s Cardinal O’Malley work for an end to ‘globalized indifference.’
May 20, 2014: The Narrowing Path: Francis the Pontiff Speaks Against the Most High
From the Berean Beacon. (Read the testimony of author Richard Bennett, a former Catholic Priest, here).
May 19, 2014: Watchman On The Web: Pope Francis to ‘Recognize Palestine’ during Israel Pilgrimage??
“Palestinian Authority (PA) and Arab Christian sources are already celebrating Pope Francis’s visit to Israel starting next Sunday, saying his choice to begin the trip directly in PA-held Bethlehem is meant to “recognize Palestine” and “oppose the occupation.”
May 17, 2014: Premier Christianity: Is the Pope a charismatic?
A year on from his inauguration, Pope Francis is showing signs of being the most charismatic Pope we’ve seen yet. What impact is he having on the UK’s Catholic charismatic movement?
May 13, 2014: Catholic News Service: Be meek, open to joy, newness offered by the Holy Spirit, pope says
Christians who are too serious and gloomy have the Holy Spirit missing from their lives, Pope Francis said.
Apr 20, 2014: Religious News Service: In his Easter message, Pope Francis prays for Ukraine, Syria
In his traditional Easter message, Pope Francis made sweeping calls for world peace, especially in troubled lands, such as Syria, Ukraine and the Middle East.
Apr 7, 2014: Belfast Telegraph: Northern Ireland has much to gain from visit by Pope Francis
The last time a Papal visit was planned to include Northern Ireland it was shelved, chiefly because of the actions of the IRA.
Apr 7, 2014: Huffington Post: Pope Francis Praises Chastity As A Strategy To Prevent The Spread Of HIV In Africa
Pope Francis has praised church workers in Africa who promote chastity as a key way to prevent the spread of HIV.
Mar 27, 2014: Eric J Lyman: WKYC: President Obama meets with Pope Francis
Mar 27, 2014: Potluck: Photo of the Day – Pope Francis Meets President Obama Edition
Oh my. He looks like he wants to be anywhere else but there. Maybe Pope Francis just got the answer as to why Catholics must choose between their faith and their business in America now.
Mar 26, 2014; Potluck: Quote of the Day – Rand Paul Edition
“He ought to explain to the Pope why he is telling businesses in America they can’t remain true to their faith and stay in business.”
From the Berean Beacon. (Read the testimony of author Richard Bennett, a former Catholic Priest, here).
May 19, 2014: Watchman On The Web: Pope Francis to ‘Recognize Palestine’ during Israel Pilgrimage??
“Palestinian Authority (PA) and Arab Christian sources are already celebrating Pope Francis’s visit to Israel starting next Sunday, saying his choice to begin the trip directly in PA-held Bethlehem is meant to “recognize Palestine” and “oppose the occupation.”
May 17, 2014: Premier Christianity: Is the Pope a charismatic?
A year on from his inauguration, Pope Francis is showing signs of being the most charismatic Pope we’ve seen yet. What impact is he having on the UK’s Catholic charismatic movement?
May 13, 2014: Catholic News Service: Be meek, open to joy, newness offered by the Holy Spirit, pope says
Christians who are too serious and gloomy have the Holy Spirit missing from their lives, Pope Francis said.
Apr 20, 2014: Religious News Service: In his Easter message, Pope Francis prays for Ukraine, Syria
In his traditional Easter message, Pope Francis made sweeping calls for world peace, especially in troubled lands, such as Syria, Ukraine and the Middle East.
Apr 7, 2014: Belfast Telegraph: Northern Ireland has much to gain from visit by Pope Francis
The last time a Papal visit was planned to include Northern Ireland it was shelved, chiefly because of the actions of the IRA.
Apr 7, 2014: Huffington Post: Pope Francis Praises Chastity As A Strategy To Prevent The Spread Of HIV In Africa
Pope Francis has praised church workers in Africa who promote chastity as a key way to prevent the spread of HIV.
Mar 27, 2014: Eric J Lyman: WKYC: President Obama meets with Pope Francis
Mar 27, 2014: Potluck: Photo of the Day – Pope Francis Meets President Obama Edition
Oh my. He looks like he wants to be anywhere else but there. Maybe Pope Francis just got the answer as to why Catholics must choose between their faith and their business in America now.
Mar 26, 2014; Potluck: Quote of the Day – Rand Paul Edition
“He ought to explain to the Pope why he is telling businesses in America they can’t remain true to their faith and stay in business.”
Feb 24, 2014: Catholic Online: Fr. Randy Sly: Pope Francis Extends a Hand of Love Across the Tiber to Pentecostal and Evangelical Protestants
At a recent meeting of Charismatic and Pentecostal ministers hosted by Kenneth Copeland Ministries, the attendees received an amazing surprise; a video greeting from the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The message was a spontaneous gesture by the Pontiff during a private meeting with Bishop Tony Palmer of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches (CEEC), an old friend of his for many years.
Feb 21, 2014: Washington Post: U.S. Cardinal Raymond Burke: Pope Francis opposes abortion and gay marriage
Cardinal Raymond Burke acknowledged that the pope has said that the church “cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods.” But in his toughly worded column in L’Osservatore Romano, the former archbishop of St. Louis blasted those “whose hearts are hardened against the truth” for trying to twist Francis’s words to their own ends.
At a recent meeting of Charismatic and Pentecostal ministers hosted by Kenneth Copeland Ministries, the attendees received an amazing surprise; a video greeting from the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The message was a spontaneous gesture by the Pontiff during a private meeting with Bishop Tony Palmer of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches (CEEC), an old friend of his for many years.
Feb 21, 2014: Washington Post: U.S. Cardinal Raymond Burke: Pope Francis opposes abortion and gay marriage
Cardinal Raymond Burke acknowledged that the pope has said that the church “cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods.” But in his toughly worded column in L’Osservatore Romano, the former archbishop of St. Louis blasted those “whose hearts are hardened against the truth” for trying to twist Francis’s words to their own ends.
Pope Francis
“A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality,” he said. “I replied with another question: ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?’ We must always consider the person.” He continued, “We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage, and the use of contraceptive methods.”--Pope Francis
“No one must say that they cannot be close to the poor because their own lifestyle demands more attention to other areas. This is an excuse commonly heard in academic, business or professional, and even ecclesial circles. None of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice" -Pope Francis
Dec 13, 2013: CBS News: Prominent gay rights magazine honors Pope Francis on his birthday
The oldest gay rights magazine in the United States named Pope Francis its "Person of the Year" as the pontiff marked his 77th birthday on Tuesday by inviting homeless people to join him for breakfast in the Vatican.
The Advocate magazine said it gave Francis the honor because, although he is still against homosexual marriage, his pontificate so far had shown "a stark change in (anti-gay) rhetoric from his two predecessors".
The oldest gay rights magazine in the United States named Pope Francis its "Person of the Year" as the pontiff marked his 77th birthday on Tuesday by inviting homeless people to join him for breakfast in the Vatican.
The Advocate magazine said it gave Francis the honor because, although he is still against homosexual marriage, his pontificate so far had shown "a stark change in (anti-gay) rhetoric from his two predecessors".
Z-News Notes: Mar 5, 2014: The Pope is getting his own magazine.The 68-page Il Mio Papa (My Pope) will hit Italian newsstands on Ash Wednesday, offering a glossy medley of papal pronouncements and photographs, along with peeks into his personal life. Each weekly issue will also include a pullout centerfold of the pope, accompanied by a quote. “It’s a sort of fanzine, but of course it can’t be like something you’d do for One Direction,” the popular boy band, said the magazine’s editor, Aldo Vitali. “We aim to be more respectful, more noble.”The magazine also hopes to transmit the down-to-earth, no-nonsense advice that Francis offers during his weekly encounters with the faithful in St Peter’s Square and elsewhere. (SOURCE: Elisabetta Povoledo: New York Times: "A New Magazine for Fans of the Vatican’s Biggest Star")
2013:
Dec 2, 2013: Rush Limbaugh blasted Pope Francis, a day after Francis released "Evangelii Gaudium" (The Joy of the Gospel), a 50,000-word statement that calls for church reform and castigates elements of modern capitalism. Limbaugh's segment was entitled "It's Sad How Wrong Pope Francis Is (Unless It's a Deliberate Mistranslation By Leftists)," takes direct aim at the pope's economic views, calling them "dramatically, embarrassingly, puzzlingly wrong."