Forty years ago the shocking assassination attempt on the life of John Paul II took place in Saint Peter's Square. It’s a day that entered our collective memory when love and prayer defeated hatred.

With a new Apostolic Letter issued “motu proprio,” Pope Francis establishes the lay ministry of catechist, intended to respond to an urgent need for the evangelization of the modern world, and undertaken in a “secular” manner, avoiding clericalization.

In a video message sent Saturday to participants in the VAX Live concert, Pope Francis stresses the need for deep healing, both from the effects of the Covid-19 virus and the virus of individualism and closed nationalism.

Today, the Bishops of Canada launch a national, bilingual service for reporting situations of sexual abuse either committed or covered-up by a Bishop. This service furthers their commitment to responsibility, accountability and transparency in matters of clergy sexual abuse and their commitment to facilitate healing and justice for victims-survivors.

Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of May 2021, calling for regulators to limit speculation in financial markets and protect ordinary people.