St. Peter's Square Archives

Pope Francis: summer is an ideal time to re-focus our life on God

Pope Francis said summer is a perfect time for refocusing on the essentials. “In this period, students are free from scholastic duties and many families are taking their vacation; it’s important that in the time of rest and detachment from daily concerns, they can re-energize the forces of body and spirit, deepening their spiritual path.”

St. Peter’s Square fountains being shut off due to drought

All of Vatican City’s fountains will go dry, including those in its gardens, to help save water. Earlier this month, Rome’s water agency shut off several of the city’s ubiquitous water fountains due to drought, and now some neighborhoods might be facing their water being shut off eight hours a day.

Pope to Catholics: Get out, spread faith, help cholesterol

After having just returned from a whirlwind trip to Egypt, Pope Francis lightened the mood a bit in his regular Sunday address in St. Peters’s Square when he advised people to go out to people instead of staying in an armchair. He also talked about the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

Be men and women of life, Pope Francis says Easter Monday
- Catholic News Agency, Vatican
- April 17, 2017
Pope Francis on Easter Monday said we are called to show solidarity, welcoming, and peace to people “in the midst of events that afflict the world – there are many today – in the midst of worldliness that is distant from God.” The pope also called on the Virgin Mary to intercede “in a particular way for the Christian communities persecuted and oppressed as they are today, in many parts of the world, called to a difficult and courageous witness.”
READ MORE
Pope Francis: When we want to give up, God helps us persevere
- Catholic News Agency, Vatican
- March 22, 2017
Pope Francis held his weekly general audience on Wednesday, focusing on the virtue of perseverance. He also spoke about the importance of protecting water, and urged people to take part in the “24 hours for the Lord” event taking place in parishes around the world on March 23-24.
READ MORE
Pope laments plight of child soldiers in Congo
- Associated Press, Vatican
- February 19, 2017
Pope Francis has again tried to bring light to an area of the world that doesn’t get enough attention but that is full of war and suffering. During his address to the crowd in St. Peter’s square, Francis reminded people of the plight of those living in violence happening in Congo.
READ MORE