Courtney Mares

Courtney Mares is a Rome Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has reported from news bureaus on three continents and was awarded the Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees.

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Feb. 2, 2021. Credit: Vatican Media.

Learn from Patience of Simeon and Anna: Pope Francis on Feast of Presentation

On the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Pope Francis pointed to Simeon and Anna as models of having...

Pope Francis visits the San Raffaele Borona assisted living home in Rieti, Italy Oct. 4, 2016. Credit: Vatican Media/CNA

Pope Francis Proclaims World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Pope Francis announced Sunday the establishment of an international day to honor grandparents and the elderly to take place each...

Pope Francis receives an audience with the National Catechetical Office of the Italian bishops’ conference. Vatican Media/CNA.

Pope Francis Encourages Catechists to Lead Others to a Personal Encounter with Jesus

Pope Francis said Saturday that catechists have the vital responsibility of leading others to a personal encounter with Jesus through...

Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends an ordination at the Basilica of Sant'Eugenio in Rome, Sept. 5, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.

Vatican Cardinal Visits Cameroon as Catholic Church Seeks to Resolve Anglophone Crisis

The Vatican’s Secretary of State kicked off a week-long trip to Cameroon on Thursday in which he will visit a...

Ecumenical Vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Jan. 25, 2021. / Daniel Ibáñez/ Vatican Pool.

“May Holy Trinity make us grow in unity”: Holy Father at End of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity concluded Monday with Vespers at the tomb of St. Paul.

Pope Francis gives the Angelus address from the Apostolic Palace. Credit: Vatican Media/CNA.

The Greatest Joy for Every Believer is to Respond to God’s Call: Pope Francis

Pope Francis said Sunday that great joy is found when one offers his life in service to God’s call.

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square Feb. 26, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

Pope Francis Admits Women to Serve as Lectors, Acolytes in Latest Canon Law Change

Pope Francis issued a motu proprio Monday that changes canon law to allow women to serve as lectors and acolytes.

Pope Francis, pictured April 17, 2013. Credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

Pope Francis Calls for a Commitment to "take care of each other" in 2021

Pope Francis warned Sunday against the temptation to ignore the suffering of others during the coronavirus pandemic and said that...

Vatican City Set to Launch COVID-19 Vaccinations This Month

Coronavirus vaccines are scheduled to arrive in Vatican City next week, according to the Vatican director of health and hygiene.

Pope Francis offers Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 24, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/Vatican Pool.

“That manger, poor in everything yet rich in love”: Pope Francis on Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis said that the poverty of Christ’s birth in a stable contains an important lesson for...

Nativity scene commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1292. / Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

First Known Nativity Scene Figurines Can Now be Seen in St. Mary Major Basilica

The first known nativity scene figurines are on display this Christmas in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas.

Pope Francis at his general audience address in the library of the Apostolic Palace Dec. 16, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Christmas “feast of love incarnate, born for us in Jesus Christ”: Pope Francis

Pope Francis said Wednesday that Christmas brings joy and strength that can remove the pessimism that has spread in human...

Pope Francis Recognizes Martyrdom of Judge Killed by Mafia in Italy, to be Beatified

Pope Francis has recognized the martyrdom of Rosario Livatino, a judge who was brutally killed by the mafia on his...

Vatican Says COVID-19 Vaccines "morally acceptable" When No Alternatives are Available

The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith stated Monday that it is “morally acceptable” to receive COVID-19 vaccines produced...

Pope Francis speaks to the Roman Curia Dec. 21, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis Urges Roman Curia to Confront the "ecclesial crisis"

Pope Francis urged the Roman Curia Monday not to view the Church in terms of conflict, but to see the...

Pope Francis, pictured on Oct. 15, 2014. Credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

Pope Francis Calls for "culture of care" in 2021 World Peace Day Message

Pope Francis appealed for a “culture of care” in his message for the 2021 World Day of Peace released Thursday.

A pilgrim from Russia wears a mask and uses hand sanitizer in front of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 6, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.

Vatican City to Start Coronavirus Vaccinations in January 2021

Vatican City will begin to offer coronavirus vaccinations in January, according to the Vatican director of health and hygiene.

Decorations on the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 11, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media. Ornament-making photos courtesy of Sabina Šegula. St. Peter's Basilica nativity credit: Courtney Mares.

This Year’s Vatican Christmas Tree Has Ornaments Handmade by the Homeless

Reaching a height of nearly 100 feet, the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square this year is adorned with handcrafted...

Pope Francis speaks at a general audience in the apostolic library. Credit: Vatican Media

"A sinner can remain in error for long time, God is patient till the end": Pope Francis

Pope Francis said Wednesday that God does not wait for us to stop sinning to start loving us, but always...

Pope Francis offers Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 1, 2019. Credit: Vatican Media/CNA.

"Advent is the season for remembering the closeness of God": Pope Francis

On the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis recommended a traditional Advent prayer to invite God to draw close during...