The pope, who turned 88 Dec. 17, mostly uses a wheelchair and presides over rather than concelebrates most public liturgies. Still, this year he had the longest trip of his papacy and opened the Holy Year 2025 on Dec.

By AC Wimmer Despite health challenges that led to a canceled trip to Dubai for COP28, Pope Francis maintained an ambitious travel schedule in 2024 that saw him draw large crowds in Asia and make his first-ever visit to Corsica as well as visiting Belgium and Luxembourg. Asia-Pacific journey draws historic crowds

Pope Francis opens the Holy Year 2025, continues calls for peace, and addresses global challenges, emphasizing love, hope, and dialogue amid crises

The year 2024 was marked by inspiring events for the Catholic Church—worldwide, such as the Synod, the reopening of Notre Dame, and the pope's trip to Corsica. We take a look back at 12 of these major dates.

Asia, like Africa, is a growth area for the Catholic church. In Georgetown University’s ranking of attendance at mass, Lebanon (69%) and the Philippines (56%) placed third and fourth. Although the number of Asian candidates for the priesthood fell by 9% from 2013 to 2022, this was less than the dizzying 31% drop in Europe.

Pope Francis lights a candle at the small statue of the Madonuccia (Ajaccio's patron saint) in Ajaccio, as part of his trip on the French island of Corsica, on December 15, 2024. [AFP] Pope ...

Never, never this,” Francis said about mobile phones at the family table. “Talk, listen to each other, this is the dialogue that is good for you and that makes you grow!”

During Sunday prayer on Dec. 15, Pope Francis referred to Russia and Ukraine as "brothers ... Peace to the whole world," the pope said during a visit to the French island of Corsica. As a precursor to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin repeatedly ...

The ceremony, which began in 1947 with a single Aer Lingus plane, adapted to modern times by moving from its Christmas Day slot while maintaining its spiritual significance.

In a four-page letter, the pro-armed struggle separatist movement “Nazione” reached out to Pope Francis, who is scheduled to visit Corsica December 15, urging him to “contribute to genuine ...

Pope Francis "was saddened to learn" of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's death, the Vatican's secretary of state said Monday. "The pope offered "heartfelt condolences" while recalling Carter's "firm commitment,

Wildly popular with young people for their dizzying array of flavours, including apple, watermelon and cola, the time is up for disposable e-cigarettes in Belgium -- the first EU country to ban them.