Ask a Franciscan
Stages in the Canonization Process
What do the four stages in the canonization process (servant of God, venerable, blessed and saint) mean?
Why Is the Pope Called the ‘Supreme Pontiff’?
According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, the definition for the pope is “supreme pontiff.” Why is that?
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Did An All-good God Create Evil?
Evil: How did it begin? What is its root cause? Is the devil absolute? If so, how could absolute evil come from God, who is absolute good?
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Where Is It in the Bible?
I have heard people say that the quote “The Lord only helps those who help themselves” appears in the Bible, but they can never give a reference. Is this quote in the Bible? If so, where?
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Books Not in Protestant Bible
I have heard that there are seven Old Testament books that are not found in Protestant Bibles. The Second Book of Maccabees is the only one that I can name. What are the other six?
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Did Mary Vow Virginity Before the Annunciation?
I have been under the impression that Mary, the mother of Jesus, made a vow of virginity even before the Annunciation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says nothing about this.
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College of Cardinals
When and how did the College of Cardinals come into existence? How long has this group been responsible for electing the pope?
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