Author Archives: Francis X. Rocca

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) — At his last major event in the Philippines, Pope Francis told a crowd of millions gathered in a Manila park to protect the family “against insidious attacks and programs contrary to all that we hold true … Continue reading →

(CLICK HERE for updated version of this story, with video of the pope’s remarks) TACLOBAN, Philippines — Fourteen months after Typhoon Haiyan devastated much of the central Philippines, Pope Francis braved a tropical storm to encourage survivors in their ongoing … Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) — Appealing to the traditional values of Filipino Catholic families, Pope Francis made one of his strongest calls as pope against movements to recognize same-sex unions as marriage. “The family is also threatened by growing efforts on … Continue reading →

UPDATED VERSION: Pope says respect for religion should limit freedom of expression ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Commenting on recent killings by Islamist terrorists at a Paris newspaper, Pope Francis condemned killing in the name of God, … Continue reading →

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CNS) — Canonizing Sri Lanka’s first saint, who ministered to Catholics under persecution three centuries earlier, Pope Francis proclaimed what he called the “fundamental human right” of religious freedom. “Each individual must be free, alone or in … Continue reading →

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CNS) — Arriving in Sri Lanka, a country recovering from two and a half decades of ethnic and religious civil war, Pope Francis said reconciliation would require exploring, not ignoring, its painful recent history. “The process of healing … Continue reading →

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Underscoring the geographical diversity of his selections, Pope Francis named 15 cardinal electors “from 14 nations of every continent, showing the inseparable link between the church of Rome and the particular churches present in the world.” … Continue reading →