Excerpt from Pope Francis’ homily at Holy Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. At the beginning of this new year which the Lord has granted us, we do well to lift our eyes and hearts to Mary.

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 4 - Pope Francis said at his weekly general audience in St Peter's Wednesday that priests should avoid over-long homilies, which should be 10 minutes maximum. "Many times there ...

Protecting life, caring for wounded life, restoring dignity to the life of every ‘born of woman’ is the fundamental basis for building a civilization of peace,” Francis said.