In Henan, Chinese Catholics warned to follow rules on religious affairs

A clampdown on religious freedom has intensified in the province in recent months, with crosses removed from churches, Catholic-run institutions closed, people expelled from Mass.
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Pope apologizes for ‘serious mistakes’ in judging Chilean abuse cases

In a letter to the bishops of Chile, Pope Francis apologized for underestimating the seriousness of the sexual abuse crisis in the country following a recent investigation into allegations concerning Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno.
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Repentant sinners need merciful confessors, not inquisitors, pope says

Pope Francis told 550 priests he designated as "missionaries of mercy" that being merciful in the confessional helps penitents return to God without fear, even if they repeatedly stumble or slip.
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Don’t be afraid of shame, open hearts to God’s mercy, pope says

Feeling ashamed of one's sins does not mean wallowing in guilt, rather it is the gateway all men and women can use to experience firsthand God's tender mercy and forgiveness, Pope Francis said.
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Trevi Fountain coins to continue bringing fortune to Rome’s needy

While millions of tourists throw a coin over their shoulder into Rome's Trevi Fountain hoping to return to Rome one day, the money scooped out of the fountain each week offers more concrete hope to the city's poor.
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Leave Mass praising God, not gossiping about others, pope says

The final words at Mass -- "Go in peace" -- are an invitation to Christians to proclaim God's blessings through their lives, not an opportunity to go outside and speak ill of others, Pope Francis said.
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Vatican: Claim that pope denied hell’s existence is unreliable

The Vatican said comments attributed to Pope Francis denying the existence of hell are a product of an Italian journalist's "reconstruction" of the pope's remarks and not a faithful transcript of the pope's real words.
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Young Ohio boy’s wish to meet Pope Francis comes true

"Not only did Pope Francis kiss Peter, he asked Peter to ride in the popemobile with him," Brenda Lombardi, Peter's mother, told Catholic News Service.
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A monk in Mongolia: The historic journey of Benedict of Poland

The amazing adventures of Benedict of Poland, a Franciscan who accompanied a papal diplomat to Mongolia in 1245, were the centerpiece of an exhibit at the Polish Institute in Rome.
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Imitate St. Pio’s life, don’t forget poor, marginalized, pope says

Many people admire St. Padre Pio, but too few imitate him, especially in his care for the weak, the sick and those who modern culture treats as disposable, Pope Francis said during Mass at Padre Pio's shrine.
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Retired pope says criticism against Pope Francis is ‘foolish prejudice’

On the eve of the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis' election, retired Pope Benedict XVI defended the continuity of the church's teaching under his successor and dismissed those who criticize the pope's theological foundations.
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Do not pay for Mass, redemption is free, pope says

Mass isn't a paid arrangement for salvation but rather the commemoration of Christ's sacrifice of his life, given freely to all, Pope Francis said.
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