For Michael Hendershott, papal succession is opportunity to study, serve Seminarian Michael Hendershott’s studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome are preparing him for a lifetime of service to God and the Catholic Church. Studies in theology, philosophy, and history, however, couldn’t fully prepare him for events that …
Pope Francis forgoes papal apartment in favor of smaller guesthouse room
By Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis has decided not to move into the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, but to live in a suite in the Vatican guesthouse where he has been since the beginning of the conclave that elected him, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman. …
Pope Francis presents blessing to Diocese of Knoxville
As Pope Francis establishes the 265th pontificate since St. Peter following his March 13 ascension from the College of Cardinals, the world is embracing the new pontiff and his acts of humility and compassion. The pope’s popularity is extending beyond Vatican City, where he has upended traditional security protocol by …
Pontificate of Pope Francis officially inaugurated with Mass
VATICAN CITY — Although attempts were made to simplify the ceremony, Pope Francis officially inaugurated his ministry as pope and bishop of Rome in a liturgy filled with biblical symbolism and signs of the universality of his mission. But before the solemn rites began March 19, Pope Francis — known …
Bishop Stika: A man of ‘peace’ and ‘prayer’ now leads the Catholic Church
Describing the Church’s new leader as a man of peace and prayer, Bishop Richard F. Stika spoke March 13 to the Knoxville media soon after Pope Francis was introduced to the world. Just as Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation was surprising, so was the relatively quick election of Cardinal Jorge Mario …
