Pope Francis: Church must 'act decisively' against paedophile priests

Pope Francis said the Catholic Church must "act decisively" against the scourge of paedophile priests, in his first public remarks on the scandal since being elected last month.

Pope Francis during Easter Mass in the Vatican Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Tackling the sexual abuse of children by clergymen was vital for restoring the "credibility" of the Church worldwide, Francis said.

He issued the declaration after holding a meeting with Archbishop Gerhard Muller, the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican department which investigates cases of sexual abuse and decides if priests should be defrocked.

Rosary renews family prayer in Year of Faith

The group, created by Dr. Blythe Kaufman, mother of three and a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, has helped establish Children’s Rosary prayer groups across the country.

Pope stresses ``fundamental'' importance of women in Church

Pope Francis has emphasised the ``fundamental’’ importance of women in the Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, saying they were the first witnesses of Christ and have a special role in spreading

the faith.
The pontiff's decision a week ago to include women in a traditional foot-washing ritual drew ire from traditionalists, who see the custom as a re-enactment of Jesus washing the feet of his apostles and said it should therefore be limited to men.

Pope plans stargazing show at St Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Basilica could be used as a makeshift planetarium

The new Pope is considering letting astronomers use the dome of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City as a makeshift planetarium, in a bold attempt to heal the long-standing rift between science and religion. Pope Francis has already given his blessing to the plan, which would see the constellations being projected onto the dome's interior as they would have appeared around the time of Jesus's death. The Pope's interest in the cosmos is said to have been sparked after he was shown recent images of the cosmic microwave background – dubbed the echo of the Big Bang – obtained by the European Space Agency's Planck mission.

Pope Appeals For Peace In Nigeria In Easter Message

Pope Francis used his first Easter Sunday address to call for peace in the world and appealed for a diplomatic solution to the crisis torn countries and regions of the world such the Korean peninsula, Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, Mail and the Central Republic of Africa.
The Pope decried the continued insurgent attacks in Nigeria when he prayed for Africa and and referred to Mali and Nigeria, “where attacks sadly continue.” He sued for peace across the world.

Good Friday Basic Definition

Good Friday is the Friday of Holy Week, which commemorates the crucifixion, suffering, and death of Jesus. Good Friday is a fast day in the Catholic Church, and falls within the Paschal Triduum. In 2013 it is celebrated on March 29th (dates in other years). Prayer: Good Friday Prayer.

Basic Facts About Good Friday

Thanksgiving Prayer after MassPrayer of St. Thomas Aquinas

 I thank you, holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, who deigned to feast me, sinful and unworthy servant, with the precious body and blood of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, not for any merit of mine, but only because of your merciful goodness. And I pray that this Holy Communion, far from condemning me to punishment, may bring about my pardon and salvation, encompassing me with the armor of faith and the