Catholic Fire

John Paul II's pontificate broke many records. But, beyond the numbers, the leadership of the Polish Pope guided the Catholic Church through many rising challenges in modern times. FIGHT FOR FREEDOM "Don't be afraid!” One of the greatest challenges was the Cold War, and the two blocs that pitted the world against each other. John Paul II had suffered first hand from the oppression of Nazi and Communist regimes. His role was fundamental in the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe. One of his first trips was to his native Poland in 1979. It became a defining point that encouraged Poles to fight for freedom. GLOBAL PAPACY John Paul II was a seasoned traveler and reached all corners of the world. He made 104 international trips, and visited 130 countries. In terms of mileage, it's enough to go around the world 30 times. But there were two countries he was unable to visit, China and Russia DIALOGUE WITH MUSLIMS AND JEWS John Paul II referred to Jews as "...

Altar of the Chair of St. Peter Today, February 22nd, is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. The Church has celebrated this occasion since at least the mid-4th century. It is a commemoration of St. Peter, the first pope, and his primacy over the Church as well as an acknowledgment of the primacy of the pope today. Before giving a history of the Chair itself, a little background on St. Peter is necessary. St. Peter St. Peter is consistently shown in the Scriptures to be the head or Vicar of Christ's Church on earth after Christ's Ascension. Peter's primacy over the rest of the apostles is clearly delineated. Peter presided over the election of Matthias as an apostle replacing Judas the traitor. After the Holy Spirit came among the apostles on Pentecost, it was Peter who first went forth to preach to the crowd that day. And it was he who worked the first miracle. In fact, so great was his power that merely his shadow falling upon the sick as he passed by heal...

In just nine months the Pope's words have inspired millions of people. In fact, his very first words as Pontiff left everyone at St. Peter's Square completely speechless. And speaking about words, ever since that night some of his expressions have become all too familiar. March 13 "Now I ask you a favor. Before the bishop blesses his people, I ask that all of you pray to the Lord so that He blesses me.” Even Sundays aren't the same if Pope Francis doesn't end his prayer of the Angelus with a unique yet endearing remark. March 17 "Have a good Sunday, and a good lunch!” But one thing is clear from the beginning. He isn't a fan of written speeches. An example was seen during his meeting with journalists after the Conclave when he made this request. March 16 "How I would like a Church that is poor and for the poor!” A Church made out of shepherds close to their sheep. That is one of the ideas Pope Francis always tries to communicate. H...

September 13, 2013. (Romereports.com) On a rainy spring evening exactly six months ago, cardinals stunned the world when they elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis. Since his election, he has been unafraid to incorporate his personal style into the papacy. His simple style and accessibility is exemplified by his decision to stay at Casa Santa Marta, where he continues to celebrate daily Mass for certain Vatican groups. His public appearances continue to draw large groups of pilgrims, seeking for a chance to get up close to the Pope, since he regularly stops to greet people. Pope Francis has maintained a packed agenda. He kicked off his papacy with a busy Holy Week schedule. He has celebrated Masses all across Rome for the liturgical calendar. And in July he made his first international trip for WYD in Brazil. Even during summer, when Popes would usually rest at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Francis stayed at the Vatican. He continued to meet with people, and make sporadic appe...

George Weigel, author of "Evangelical Catholicism", talks about the challenges the next pope will face in reforming the Roman Curia.

At Crisis Magazine,  William Fahey writes: The Catholic world is largely shocked by the publication of Pope Benedict XVI’s letter of resignation this morning.  The secular world assumes the worst—no, it desires the worst, and by insinuation worms doubts into the minds of even the faithful. The secular world will tear through the brief letter and fixate upon the line about a “world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith.”  It will weave from these deconstructed words an existential tale of despair, scandal, and an authority which realizes it is no longer in touch with reality. Nothing could be further from the truth. Read more.

Room of Tears is a beautiful video on the Holy Father's acceptance of the papacy in 2005. The new popes all get dressed in a room off the Sistine Chapel before being presented to the world. They often weep as they ponder the responsibility. Thanks be to God for the gift of our dear Papa!