Franciscan Media

News & Commentary

An Italian policeman watches as immigrants board a van after they disembarked from an Italian coast guard boat at the port in Lampedusa, Italy, July 9. The day before in Lampedusa, Pope Francis lamented the sufferings of people who flee their homeland and mourned those who have died doing so. The island has been a landing point for scores of immigrants from Africa attempting to make their way to Europe. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) (July 9, 2013)

Migrants are not enemies, just brothers and sisters in need, Pope Leo says

September 15, 2025
At a time when people feel powerless to help migrants and refugees, Christians must continue to insist that "there is no justice without compassion, no legitimacy without listening to the pain of others," Pope Leo XIV said.
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Pope makes mini-pilgrimage to pray for end of pandemic

May 15, 2020
With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people.
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Pope entrusts world threatened by COVID-19 to Mary

May 15, 2020
Pope Francis entrusted to Jesus’ mother the suffering and anguish of millions of people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Italian doctors: Staff overwhelmed during pandemic

May 15, 2020
Doctors working in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy have launched an appeal in a major medical journal warning the outbreak in their province is out of control.
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Funeral for a victim of coronavirus in Italy

During pandemic, priests bridge distance between deceased, family

May 15, 2020
When Father Mario Carminati went to bless the remains of one of his parishioners, he called the deceased man’s daughter on WhatsApp so they could pray together.
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Fauci’s dedication to public service formed at Jesuit high school

May 15, 2020
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has emerged for many as the voice of reason and integrity as the nation confronts the novel coronavirus pandemic.
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The Pope looking at a statue

Pope Francis’ Prayer to Mary

May 15, 2020
Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
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