The caring gaze
On September 19, 1870, troops of the new Kingdom of Italy surrounded the city of Rome, which at the time was ruled by Blessed Pius IX, styled by his loyal people Il Papa Re, the Pope-King. Pius had refused entry...
Tagged: Pope Francis
How We Need Pope Francis
The situation could not be more mysterious. Pope Francis is currently in Gemelli Hospital, trying to recover from the complex chronic bronchitis he has been suffering from. A slight improvement was followed by a bronchospasm. The Pope is following medical...
Continued Prayers for Pope Francis
After showing some improvement over the last few days, Pope Francis experienced two episodes of respiratory insufficiency today, renewing the sense of concern over his medical condition. The Holy See Press Office reported the following during their second update of...
Join worldwide Rosary for Pope Francis following health setback
Vatican News reports: The Holy Father, this afternoon, after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm. This caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and...
The Three Enemies of Daily Obedience
On October 22, 1939, less than two months after the German invasion of Poland, C.S. Lewis (the author of The Chronicles of Narnia) gave a talk on how to face the challenge of daily responsibilities during times of conflict. The...
Vatican Official: Every Pope is a Gift for Every Moment in History
Pope Francis is currently at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital receiving treatment for double pneumonia. Rumors about his health and the exercise of his ministry are on the rise. How is the Roman Curia experiencing this moment? How does the Vatican see...
The Testament of Pope Francis
The preaching of St. Peter Julian Eymard on the Institution of the Eucharist has deeply left its mark on me. I have returned to one particular homily many, many times through the years, even copying it out in my own...
Rosary for Pope Francis
Join a worldwide Rosary for Pope Francis beginning at 9pm Rome time (8pm London, 3pm Eastern US, noon Pacific US, 7am Sydney, 4am Manila) — less than half an hour from now. If you’ve forgotten how to pray it, here’s...
U.S. Betrayal of “Martyred” Ukraine
Three years ago today, Russia invaded Ukraine in an act of unjustified warfare. If, like me, you are also American, let’s repeat that simple factual statement for those members of our government who deny it: three years ago today, Russia...
On immigration: A pastor’s call for compassion
Recently, Pope Francis wrote to the United States bishops about the issue of immigration. His letter garnered both support and criticism among Catholics. Without a doubt, immigration is a politically charged, emotional issue. I am not a politician; however, as...
The Pope in the Hospital: A Lesson in Hope
The key words here are “patience” and “hope”— Christian virtues, no doubt.
UPDATE: Pope Francis in Critical Condition
Early this evening (UTC +1 – Rome time), the Associated Press reported that our Holy Father Pope Francis is in critical condition. Shortly thereafter, CNN reported a statement from the Vatican, that “[t]his [Saturday] morning Pope Francis presented with an...
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