Clarifies Nature of Ecumenism in Visit to Luther’s Convent ERFURT, Germany, SEPT. 23, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says that ecumenism isn’t an exercise in negotiation, in which benefits and drawbacks are weighed in search of a consensus. “A self-made faith is worthless,” he says. The Pope stated this today at an ecumenical celebration at the [...]

Ancona Speeches on Bread and Wine Seen as True Solutions ROME, SEPT. 13, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The editor of the Vatican’s semi-official daily newspaper says that Benedict XVI went to the root of unemployment during his one-day trip to Ancona on Sunday. The Pope was at the Italian seaport town to close the 25th National Eucharistic [...]

The Environmental Condition That Most Favors Contemplation CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 13, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the Italian-language catechesis Benedict XVI gave during the Aug. 13 general audience at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters! In every age, men and women who have consecrated their [...]

Imitate St. Francis, Pope Benedict tells young people Assisi, Jun. 18, 2007 (CWNews.com) – Pope Benedict XVI encouraged young people to imitate St. Francis, during a Sunday-afternoon meeting in Assisi on June 17. Recognizing the “special attraction” that the figure of St. Francis has for the young, the Holy Father recalled that the great saint [...]

The Church has granted to members of the Secular Franciscan Order (under the jurisdiction of the Order of Friars Minor) the following plenary indulgences: May 16th St. Margaret of Cortona Aug 25th St. Louis, King Sept. 4th St. Rose of Viterbo Oct. 4th St. Francis of Assisi Nov. 19th St. Elizabeth of Hungary Nov. 29th [...]