Pope Francis has sent a telegramme of condolences to the Archbishop of Berlin in which he says he is praying for the dead and injured in Monday’s attack on a Christmas market in Germany’s capital city.

In his message to Archbishop Heiner Koch, the Pope also says he joins “all men and women of good will” who have committed themselves to efforts “so that the murderous folly of terrorism finds no more room in our world.” 

The telegramme, written by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Holy Father, says that Francis was deeply saddened and is praying for the 12 persons who were killed and for the many wounded in what he called “the terrible act of violence”. 

The Pope also expressed his gratitude to the medical and security personnel for their fast and concrete assistance to the victims…

Pope Francis on Monday encouraged young Catholics to cultivate their relationships with their grandparents.

Addressing  a group of young people who belong to an Italian Catholic lay association called ‘Azione Cattolica Italiana’, the Pope spoke of the joy that derives from the coming of Jesus, and said that joy is increased and multiplied when we share it.

He invited the young people to receive the joy of Advent as they would receive a gift and to bear witness to it in their families, schools, parishes and in all places…

Pope Francis prayed the Angelus with pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, exactly a week before Christmas Day, 2016.

In the reflection he shared with the people in the square ahead of the  traditional noonday Marian devotion, the Holy Father focused on the upcoming Christmas feast, exactly one week away at the time he delivered his remarks…

Your Excellency President of Malta,
Your Eminences, Your Excellencies,
Honourable Ministers and Deputies of the Republic of Malta,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Beethoven dedicated his Missa Solemnis to the Archduke Rudolph of Austria, Cardinal Archbishop of Olmutz, who was the principal patron of the composer as well as his student and friend…

Today the Holy Father Francis received in audience the president of the Republic of Malta, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the good relations between the Holy See and Malta were evoked, focusing in particular on the special contribution of the Catholic religion in the formation of the identity of the country and on the relevant role of the Church in promoting the human and cultural progress of society…

The Vatican has created new email addresses for well wishers to leave Birthday messages for Pope Francis, who turns 80 years old on December 17th.

According to his staff, Pope Francis will be working “just as normal” on the day itself. He will receive the President of Malta in audience and will later meet with the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, Cardinal Marc Oullet, as well as other guests and dignitaries…

L‑Arċisqof Charles J. Scicluna, l‑Arċisqof Emeritu Mons. Pawlu Cremona u l-Vigarju Ġenerali Mons. Joe Galea Curmi ser jilqgħu lill‑awtoritajiet tal‑Istat u lill‑korpi kostitwiti għall‑bdil tal‑awguri tal-Milied u l-bidu tas-Sena l-Ġdida, it-Tlieta 27 ta’ Diċembru, fil‑Palazz tal‑Arċisqof, il‑Belt Valletta.

Fl‑okkażjoni tal‑festi ta’ żmien il‑Milied u l‑bidu tas‑Sena l‑Ġdida, l‑Arċisqof Charles J. Scicluna, l‑Arċisqof Emeritu Mons. Pawlu Cremona u l-Vigarju Ġenerali Mons…