The Oxford Handbook of Deification, states the publisher, “provides the first treatment of deification that is truly encyclopedic in scope.” With three co-editors, forty-six contributors, and forty-four chapters, the 738-page-long volume is an impressive and thorough […]
In a Jan. 29, 2025, report, the leadership of the aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales said the situation in Goma has worsened due to escalating conflict, underscoring the need for a heightened humanitarian response. / Credit: … […]
Pope Francis delivers his Angelus address from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square on Feb. 2, 2024, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. / Credit: Vatican Media
CNA Newsroom, Feb 2, 2025 / 07:30 am (CNA).
In a profound reflection delivered during Sunday’s Angelus prayer, Pope Francis emphasized how Jesus Christ reveals the ultimate criterion by which all history is judged: love.
“Whoever loves lives, whoever hates dies,” the pope told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Feb. 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Drawing from the Gospel of Luke (2:22-40), which recounts Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, the pontiff focused on three significant aspects of Christ revealed through Simeon’s prophecy: salvation, light, and a sign of contradiction.
“God is present among His people — not because He dwells within four walls, but because He lives as a man among men,” Francis explained, highlighting the radical newness of this moment in salvation history.
The pope noted how Mary and Joseph were “deeply moved and astonished” as Simeon identified Jesus through these three significant words: salvation, light, and a sign of contradiction.
Explaining the first aspect, Francis emphasized that Jesus embodies universal salvation, calling it “an awe-inspiring truth emphasizing that God’s redemptive love is fully embodied in one person.”
Regarding the second characteristic, the pope described how Jesus illuminates the world “much like the rising sun, dispelling the darkness of suffering, evil, and death” which continues to afflict humanity today.
Finally, addressing Jesus as a sign of contradiction, Francis explained how Christ reveals the deeper truths of human hearts, with history ultimately judged by the criterion of love.
Concluding his reflection, the pope encouraged the faithful to examine their spiritual expectations, asking: “What am I waiting for in my life? What is my greatest hope? Does my heart desire to see the face of the Lord?”
He then invited all to pray together that Mary “may accompany us through the lights and shadows of history on our journey to the Lord.”
Servant of God Antonio “Nino” Baglieri. / Credit: Courtesy of Salesians of Don Bosco
ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 2, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).
The Salesians received the news that the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints has validated the diocesan investig… […]
Pope Francis presides over First Vespers for the World Day for Consecrated Life in St. Peter’s Basilica, surrounded by bishops, priests, and religious men and women. Vatican City, Feb. 1, 2024. / Credit: Anhelina Martsisheuskaya/CNA
CNA Newsroom, Feb 1, 2025 / 17:00 pm (CNA).
Pope Francis urged consecrated men and women to become “bearers of light” in today’s world through their faithful witness of the evangelical counsels as he celebrated First Vespers for the World Day for Consecrated Life in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Speaking to thousands of religious on Saturday evening, the pope outlined how poverty, chastity, and obedience can transform society through God’s love, drawing from the biblical theme “See… I have come to do your will, O God” (Heb 10:7).
The World Day for Consecrated Life, celebrated annually on Feb. 2, takes on special significance this year as the Church prepares for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life scheduled for October 2025. The celebration coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and is marked by the symbolism of light.
In his homily, the pope emphasized how evangelical poverty liberates religious from worldly attachments, enabling them to become “a blessing for others” by embracing “simplicity, generosity, sharing and solidarity.” He warned against the dangers of “selfishness, greed, dependence, and violent use” of material goods.
“What a balm it is for the soul to encounter religious women and men capable of a mature and joyful relationality of this kind!” Francis said during the evening prayer service. He compared consecrated persons to a “Bride before her Spouse… surrounded by his light.”
The Holy Father noted that consecrated chastity, rooted in the Trinity, offers a powerful witness in a world often marked by “superficial relationships and selfish affectivity.” Religious communities must provide ongoing formation to help members fully live this gift without “unhealthy expressions of dissatisfaction,” he added.
Regarding obedience, Francis highlighted its role as an “antidote to isolated individualism” in an age dominated by ceaseless words and images but little listening. This counsel fosters “active listening” and helps people discover their purpose in “God’s greater plan,” he said, particularly in families, workplaces, and social networks.
The pope concluded by calling consecrated men and women to return to the origins of their vocation through renewed Eucharistic adoration. “We are too practical, we want to do things, but…adore,” he urged. “There must be the capacity for adoration in silence.”
Catholics worldwide are invited to pray Sunday for vocations to consecrated life.
Pope Francis speaks during his general audience on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. / Credit: Vatican Media
Rome Newsroom, Feb 1, 2025 / 16:09 pm (CNA).
Pope Francis urged Ukrainian youth on Saturday to pers… […]
Being a multi-tasker by nature (and habit), I often turn on the telly for some mindless entertainment while I do some writing or editing. For fourteen years, however, on Friday nights at ten, I have […]
Readings: Mal 3:1-4 Psa 24:7, 8, 9, 10 Heb 2:14-18 Lk 2:22-40 The Gospel of Luke contains many details and stories about the infancy of Jesus not found elsewhere. Today’s Gospel reading is one such […]
Emergency service members respond to a plane crash in a neighborhood near Cottman Avenue on Jan. 31, 2025, in Philadelphia. The plane, a medical transport jet carrying a child patient, crashed after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport… […]
The exhibition “En Route” at the Vatican Apostolic Library features historical artifacts and contemporary artistic interpretations. / Credit: Iacopo Scaramuzzi
CNA Newsroom, Feb 1, 2025 / 09:00 am (CNA).
As pilgrims make their way to Rome durin… […]
© Catholic World Report