Articles by Courtney Mares
Meet the pilgrims from the Jubilee of People with Disabilities
Apr 29, 2025 / 16:49 pmWheelchairs rolled across cobblestones and walking aids clicked on the marble floors of St. Peter’s Basilica as people with disabilities passed through the Holy Door.
Pope Francis’ praise for St. Catherine of Siena
Apr 29, 2025 / 04:00 amThe late pope sent a telegram marking the 560th anniversary of the saint’s canonization in 2021 calling her “a great female figure of faith.”
Meet the 5 oldest cardinals taking part in the 2025 conclave
Apr 28, 2025 / 15:56 pmFifteen cardinals taking part in the upcoming conclave are 79 years old — some making it under the cutoff just weeks before their 80th birthday.
Meet the 5 youngest cardinals taking part in the conclave
Apr 28, 2025 / 11:09 amAmong the 135 cardinals who are eligible to vote in a conclave, 15 of them are under the age of 60.
Carlo Acutis and the four popes
Apr 27, 2025 / 08:00 amCarlo went on pilgrimage to see John Paul II, offered up his suffering from cancer for Benedict XVI, and was later beatified during the pontificate of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis’ funeral: A global farewell to a humble shepherd
Apr 26, 2025 / 05:03 amUnder the bright Roman sun and amid crowds extending down the Via della Conciliazione, the funeral Mass unfolded within the great colonnade of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Here are the cardinals offering Masses for the 9 days of mourning for Pope Francis
Apr 24, 2025 / 13:46 pmIn keeping with ancient custom, each day of the Novendiales includes a requiem Mass following the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis.
Catholics bid final farewell as Pope Francis lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica
Apr 23, 2025 / 14:37 pmLong lines of mourners, many waiting more than four hours under the hot Roman sun, wound around St. Peter’s Square on the first day of viewing on April 23.
CNA explains: What happens during the Vatican’s 9 days of mourning for the pope?
Apr 22, 2025 / 17:08 pmRooted in ancient Christian and Roman customs, the Novendiales is a period of nine consecutive days dedicated to mourning the death of a pope.
The final hours of Pope Francis: ‘Thank you for bringing me back to the Square’
Apr 22, 2025 / 10:12 amIn the wake of his death, the Vatican released further details on Tuesday about the Pope Francis’ final hours.
Pope Francis to be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica following Saturday funeral
Apr 22, 2025 / 04:53 amIn accordance with his personal wishes, Pope Francis will not be buried in the Vatican grottoes but instead at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Vatican postpones Carlo Acutis canonization following Pope Francis’ death
Apr 21, 2025 / 08:20 amThe Vatican announced Monday that the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed following the death of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis in Easter Vigil homily: Christ is the ‘turning point’ in human history
Apr 19, 2025 / 15:15 pm“It falls to us to proclaim this Easter hope, this ‘turning point’ where darkness becomes light,” the pope wrote in the homily, delivered by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
Pope Francis makes surprise visit to Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday
Apr 17, 2025 / 12:30 pmAccording to the Vatican, the pope met with approximately 70 inmates who regularly participate in activities and catechesis organized by prison’s chaplaincy.
More than 1,800 priests celebrate Holy Thursday chrism Mass at Vatican
Apr 17, 2025 / 05:35 amOn Holy Thursday, more than 1,880 priests, bishops, and cardinals renewed the promises made at their ordinations during the chrism Mass inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis declares Sagrada Familia basilica architect Antoni Gaudí ‘venerable’
Apr 14, 2025 / 10:30 amPope Francis on Monday declared Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí “venerable,” bringing the designer of Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia basilica closer to sainthood.
Vatican offers health update after Pope Francis’ surprise visit to basilica without papal attire
Apr 11, 2025 / 09:38 amA Vatican spokesman told journalists the pope had wanted to get some air and then decided to extend his time outside of his residence by going to the basilica “as he was.”
The other Charles in Rome: ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ is buried in St. Peter’s Basilica
Apr 9, 2025 / 15:07 pm“Bonnie Prince Charlie” — the ill-fated Catholic Stuart claimant to the British throne — is entombed in marble splendor within St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis appoints Bishop Lewandowski as new bishop of Providence, Rhode Island
Apr 8, 2025 / 09:40 amBishop Bruce Lewandowski, 57, currently serves as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He will be installed in Providence on May 20.
China’s new religious restrictions severely limit foreign missionary activity
Apr 3, 2025 / 13:30 pmAccording to the regulations, “collective religious activities organized by foreigners in China are restricted to foreign participants only” with few exceptions.