Pope Benedict ordains new priests to spread the “joy of Christ”

VATICAN CITY, April 27 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVIVatican City, Apr 27, 2008 / 11:20 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday presided over a Mass of ordination at St. Peter's Basilica, telling the ordinands to spread the Gospel so that all might experience the “joy of Christ.”

Sowing the joy of the Gospel is the mission of the Church, Pope Benedict says

VATICAN CITY, April 27 (CNA) - Appearing in the window of his study shortly after a Mass in which he ordained 29 deacons to the priesthood, Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday told the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square that the mission of the Church is to "sow in the world the joy of the Gospel."

Music infuses hope into the human soul, says Pope Benedict

VATICAN CITY, April 25 (CNA) - This week the Italians took their turn at showing their affection and respect for the Pope by hosting a classical music concert in honor of his third anniversary and birthday. Benedict XVI thanked the choir and the orchestra for sharing the gift of music with people. Music, he said, has a spiritual value because it can “infuse hope into the human soul.”

Do not let darkness stifle your hope, says Pope

YONKERS, NY, April 19 (CNA) - Before a youth rally of an estimated 25,000 people, Pope Benedict XVI spoke on hope and freedom, stressing the “journey of hope” made manifest in the lives of the saints.  However, he also addressed the “darknesses” that treat people as “mere objects” and manipulate, distort, and tarnish truth, perception of reality, and the imaginations and aspirations of youth.  He further reflected on both the true nature and the distorted conceptions of freedom.

Pope Bendict XVI U.S. Papal Visit LIVE

Apr. 16, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Over 10,000 people were on hand as President George W. Bush formally welcomed Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) to the US in a ceremony held in the Rose Garden outside the White House on April 16.

The crowd-- believed to be the largest ever assembled at the White House for such a ceremony-- joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to the Holy Father, who turned 81 today. After a formal ceremony that included an exchange of talks and several musical presentations, the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" again as the Pope and the President made their way to the Oval Office for a private discussion.

In their speeches, both the Pope and the President alluded to the strength of religious belief in the US and the influence of natural law in the foundation of the American republic. Both men cited the Declaration of Independence, with its invocation of "the laws of Nature and of Nature's God."

President Bush, in his welcoming address, told the Pontiff that he had come to "a nation of prayer." He assured the Pope that "millions of Americans have been praying for your visit and millions will be praying with you this week."

Catholics call on Raul Castro to reveal his political agenda

HAVANA, April 11 (CNA) - The Archdiocese of Havana’s magazine, Espacio Laical, has called on Raul Castro to unveil his political agenda and to allow Cubans to participate in the reforms he has begun since his election as president of Cuba.

CNA director to provide analysis of Pope’s visit for NY Times

NEW YORK, April 12 (CNA) - The Director of Catholic News Agency, Mr. Alejandro Bermudez, will be contributing to a New York Times blog covering of the papal visit of Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Benedict requests prayers for "spiritual renewal" in U.S. visit

VATICAN CITY, April 13 (CNA) -After his Sunday Regina Caeli prayers, Pope Benedict XVI addressed in English those gathered in St. Peter’s Square, asking them to pray that "spiritual renewal" would result from his upcoming apostolic journey to the United States.

The American Successor to Joseph Ratzinger

Pope Benedict XVI won't be pressure into making appointments. But there was a time when he had to.

Praise The Lord Who Lifts Up The Poor -

It is so easy to step over or around the poor, hungry and homeless. They are always with us but we may chose to make them invisible. Jesus lifted up the poor and promised them his kingdom. We have made a committment to open our eyes and our hearts and hopefully you will, too. "Then the righteous will answer him, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you?

D.C. children to sing “Happy Birthday” to Pope

WASHINGTON DC, April 10 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate his 81st birthday next Wednesday during his trip to the United States.  That day, a group of children from a Catholic school will sing “Happy Birthday” to him, 630 WMAL reports.

Pope to pray terrorists “turn to the way of love” in Ground Zero visit

VATICAN CITY, April 11 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI will pray for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and for the conversion of “those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred” during his visit to Ground Zero, according to prayers released by the Vatican.

Pope memorabilia in high demand

NEW YORK, April 11 (CNA) - As Pope Benedict XVI, prepares to touch down in the U.S. next Tuesday, New Yorkers are gobbling up Pope-related merchandise, NBC reports.

Pope’s visit a chance to see American Catholic “treasures”

WASHINGTON DC, April 5 (CNA) - The Canadian Press has published an outline of historic Catholic locations in New York City and Washington, D.C. to provide background for Pope Benedict XVI’s April visit.

Pope Benedict to visit with Jewish leaders in New York City and D.C.

WASHINGTON DC, April 5 (CNA) - During his April visit to the United States Pope Benedict XVI will visit a New York synagogue led by a rabbi who survived the Holocaust, CBS News reports.

Catholic website drawing thousands back to faith

PHOENIX, April 7 (CNA) - In less than three weeks, 3,000 Catholics returned to the Church in the Diocese of Phoenix due to the effort of a new lay apostolate, CatholicsComeHome.org.  The program consists of a website and commercials aired on local television that effectively portray the truth and goodness of the Catholic Church.

John Paul II was “a sign and witness of the Resurrection of Christ,” says Pope

VATICAN CITY, April 2 (CNA) - Recalling with emotion the passing of Pope John Paul II three years ago today, Pope Benedict said April 2 will remain imprinted on the mind of the Church as the day when the Servant of God departed from this world.

Magdi Christian Allam attributes conversion to Benedict XVI

BUENOS AIRES, April 1 (CNA) - In an interview with the Argnentinean daily La Nacion, Italian journalist Magdi Christian Allam, the Muslim convert baptized by Pope Benedict XVI during the Easter Vigil, said the Pope played a key role in his conversion despite the fact that prior to his baptism he had never met the Pontiff.

Opus Dei are open to everyone, says the prelature's vicar general, Monsignor Fernando Ocriz.

ZENIT spoke to Monsignor Ocriz for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Opus Dei as a personal prelature -- the only one in existence at present.

Vatican: Muslims now outnumber Catholics

VATICAN CITY, March 31 (CNA) - Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism as the world's largest religion, L’Osservatore Romano reported on Sunday.

Pope Benedict’s prayer intentions for April published

VATICAN CITY, April 1 (CNA) - The Vatican’s press office released Pope Benedict XVI’s prayer intentions today for the month of April.