Opus Dei

On January 16, in a Meeting with Families in Manila, Pope Francis warned against a "new ideological colonization" seeking to destroy the family and praised Paul VI for strongly defending openness to life.

On January 14 Pope Francis canonized Joseph Vaz, the first Sri Lankan saint. "Constantly united with the crucified Lord in prayer, he could become for all people a living icon of God's mercy and reconciling love."

On Sunday December 28, feast of the Holy Family, Pope Francis met with 7,000 people belonging to an Italian association for large families.

The new Vicar General of Opus Dei talks about Pope Francis' reaction when he informed him of his appointment, and about the challenges he foresees. Published by the Argentine Catholic News Agency (AICA).

On Wednesday December 17, his 78th birthday, Pope Francis began a series of general audiences on the topic of the family.

In his November 19 general audience, Pope Francis spoke about the "universal vocation to holiness" stressed by Vatican II: "Holiness is a gift, it is a gift that the Lord Jesus gives us, when He takes us to Himself, clothes us with Himself, and renders us like Himself."

Full text of Pope Francis' opening address at a colloquium on strengthening the institution of marriage being held in Rome from November 17-19, organized by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

In his homily at morning Mass on November 13, Pope Francis said that the Kingdom of God is growing silently, in the hidden holiness of families who work and pray and suffer, offering to God their small daily crosses.

With the presence of Benedict XVI, Pope Francis beatified Paul VI, who held fast "with farsightedness and wisdom – and at times alone – to the helm of the barque of Peter, while never losing his joy and his trust in the Lord."

On October 4, Pope Francis presided over a prayer vigil for the Synod on the Family, and urged couples to be open to the gift of life.