Articles by AC Wimmer
Pope Francis welcomes jubilee pilgrims: ‘Begin again with hope’
Jan 11, 2025 / 07:15 amThe virtue of hope holds a divine strength: In his first Saturday Jubilee 2025 audience, Pope Francis reflected on hope through the lens of St. John the Baptist.
Pope Francis sends prayers, condolences as Los Angeles battles wildfires
Jan 11, 2025 / 06:15 amAs wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles neighborhoods, Pope Francis expressed his spiritual closeness to those affected by the tragedy.
Pope Francis names Polish priest as new bishop for Western Australia diocese
Jan 6, 2025 / 10:15 amThe Perth-based priest brings decades of parish ministry and psychotherapy experience to his new role leading a diocese 1.5 times larger than England.
Bullying in schools ‘prepares for war, not peace,’ Pope Francis tells Catholic educators
Jan 4, 2025 / 08:58 amThe pontiff repeatedly emphasized his message against bullying, having participants pledge “No bullying!” during the audience.
Pope Francis to teaching sisters: Leave ‘vinegar faces’ behind, embrace joy
Jan 4, 2025 / 07:00 am“Many times in my life I have encountered nuns with a vinegar face, and this is not friendly, this is not something that helps to attract people,” the pope said.
PHOTOS: Holy Door opens at Rome’s Marian marvel as new cardinal highlights hope at St. Mary Major
Jan 1, 2025 / 16:17 pmThe distinctive dong of an ancient bell accompanied the opening of the Holy Door at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major on Jan. 1.
Vatican sets funeral for Cardinal Amato as Pope Francis praises ‘faithful servant’
Jan 1, 2025 / 08:33 amPope Francis praised the late cardinal’s “priestly spirit” and theological preparation, highlighting his decades of service.
In New Year’s Angelus, pope ties debt forgiveness to peace
Jan 1, 2025 / 07:30 amIn his first Angelus address of 2025, Pope Francis called for debt relief for the world’s poorest nations and renewed his appeals for peace.
Pope Francis preaches peace, protection of life in New Year’s homily
Jan 1, 2025 / 06:35 am“Protecting life, caring for wounded life, restoring dignity to the life of every ‘born of woman’ is the fundamental basis for building a civilization of peace,” Francis said.
Pope Francis remembers Jimmy Carter’s ‘firm commitment’ to peace, reconciliation
Dec 30, 2024 / 10:25 amThe former president died on Dec. 29 at age 100 after entering hospice care in February 2023.
13 Catholic missionaries and pastoral workers reportedly killed worldwide in 2024
Dec 30, 2024 / 05:00 amThe Vatican’s missionary agency documented that five pastoral workers were killed in Africa, five in America, and two priests died in violent attacks in Europe.
Lateran Holy Door opens as Rome’s jubilee journey continues
Dec 29, 2024 / 09:00 amCardinal Baldassare Reina, Pope Francis’ vicar for the Diocese of Rome, described the event as “a gesture that renews our profession of faith in Christ.”
Pope Francis: Family dialogue defeats digital distraction
Dec 29, 2024 / 08:00 am“Never, never this,” Francis said about mobile phones at the family table. “Talk, listen to each other, this is the dialogue that is good for you and that makes you grow!”
Pope Francis prays for South Korea air crash victims and families
Dec 29, 2024 / 07:45 am“My thoughts go to the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic air accident,” the pope said.
Pope Francis’ 2024 travels: historic visits to Southeast Asia, Oceania, Belgium, and Corsica
Dec 28, 2024 / 10:00 amDespite health challenges, Pope Francis embarked on ambitious travels in 2024, visiting Southeast Asia and Oceania, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Corsica.
Pope Francis: How to be ‘pilgrims of hope’ during 2025 Jubilee Year
Dec 28, 2024 / 09:00 amPope Francis called on Catholics to become “pilgrims of hope” in a BBC podcast, emphasizing that “hope and kindness touch the very heart of the Gospel.”
Will Pope Francis visit Ukraine in 2025?
Dec 27, 2024 / 11:25 amMajor Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, said “Pope Francis sometimes likes to make surprises.”
Pope Francis prays for victims as death toll in German Christmas market attack reaches 5
Dec 21, 2024 / 15:34 pmPope Francis expressed shock and offered prayers after a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Germany killed five people, including a child.
Pope Francis warns against gossip, celebrates family life in Vatican Christmas messages
Dec 21, 2024 / 10:30 amPope Francis delivered Christmas messages at the Vatican, warning against gossip, while the Holy See announced he is experiencing cold symptoms.
German bishops respond to deadly Magdeburg market attack, call for prayer and peace
Dec 21, 2024 / 07:30 amGerman bishops expressed horror after a car attack at Magdeburg Christmas market left five dead and more than 200 injured.