Pope Francis' Corner

Holy Year of Mercy

The 2016 Jubilee was first announced by Pope Francis on March 13, 2015. It was declared in the Pope's April 2015 papal bull of indiction, Misericordiae Vultus (Latin: "The Face of Mercy"). It is the 27th year in history, following the ordinary 2000 Jubilee during John Paul II papacy.

Pope Francis' encyclical on climate change and caring for our common home

Learn about the Pope's message in his encyclical called "Laudato Si'"

Learn what you can do to take care of our Common Home.

Take the Goal Challenge to see how you are doing with caring for our common home

Pope Francis' Encyclical- Laudato Si'

Joy of Love: a letter about faith and family

The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia) brings together the results of the two Synods on the Family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015. The Joy of Love affirms the rich and complex reality of family life with pastoral care, speaking the language of experience and hope.

Pope Francis reaches out to married couples, parents, and children in a spirit of accompaniment, asking everyone to read slowly, paying special attention to what applies most to our different needs. The Joy of Love is truly remarkable for its practical and concrete suggestions. It also challenges us to be understanding in the face of complex and painful situations.

Enduring love

26 Sep, 2023

“Without self-giving and seeking forgiveness love does not last; it does not endure.” — Pope Francis Reflection: When was the last time you did something for someone else out of love, expecting nothing in return? Is there someone you need to ask forgiveness of or who is seeking forgiveness from you? This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese

Grace-filled joke

26 Sep, 2023

An old joke tells of a farmer standing proudly by his field of corn. A traveling preacher was passing by and said, “You know, you and the good Lord are partners in creating this field.” The farmer replied, “That may be, but you should’ve seen the place when God was the sole owner!” This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

To be first, be last

26 Sep, 2023

In reflecting on all that Jesus taught, St. James realized that we must “be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves” (Jas 1:22). James knew that we have a tendency to remain complacent and inactive, telling ourselves in our heads that we are people of faith, but then not allowing Jesus’ call to love and service to have an impact on our lives. Yet Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9:35). Every day provides an opportunity to serve others, often simply and quietly with little notice by the people around us. St. James tells us that if we do not take these opportunities and act on them, we delude ourselves into thinking we are Christians even while we fail to do as Jesus commands. For some of us, being the “last of all and the servant of all” comes naturally and easily; for others, such living is a real challenge. How is your life shaped by such humble service? In what ways do Jesus’ command and James’ wisdom provide direction, encouragement and challenge for you at this time in your life? This article comes to you from Grace In Action ( Our Sunday Visitor ) courtesy of your parish or diocese.

September 26, 2023

26 Sep, 2023

Lk 8:19-21 Jesus is told that his family has arrived. They cannot get through the crowd to see him. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach his followers that being related to him is not about blood ties. It is about those who follow him hearing and acting on God’s word. There are so many people who do not know, do not understand, or completely reject being part of a spiritual family, made in the image and likeness of God. Let us pray for them today. This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.