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St. Stephen

Pope Francis gives a blessing after he delivers his Angelus address to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 26, 2023. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis: After 2,000 Years the Persecution of Christians Continues

Dec 26, 2023

During Tuesday’s Angelus on the occasion of the feast of St. Stephen, Pope Francis renewed his call for peace.

Painting of St. Stephen’s martyrdom. | Rembrandt

St. Stephen: Visiting the Spot Where the First Martyr Died

Dec 26, 2023

A chapel of one form or another memorializing Stephen’s martyrdom has existed at the site since at least the fifth century. 

Pope Francis waves to the faithful gathered on St. Peter's Square, Dec. 26, 2022 | Vatican Media

Pope Francis Renews Prayers for Peace in Ukraine, Calls on Catholics to Learn from Martyr

Dec 26, 2022

Pope Francis on Monday called on Catholics to pray for those who have harmed them — and those persecuted — as he renewed his Christmas call for peace in Ukraine and worldwide. 

Pope Francis in the library of the Vatican's apostolic palace Nov. 18, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

“We are called to bear witness to Jesus where we live, work, everywhere”: Pope Francis

Dec 26, 2020

Be a witness to Jesus Christ in the way you conduct your ordinary, everyday life, and it will become a masterpiece for God, Pope Francis encouraged Saturday.

Pope Francis gives the Angelus address during Advent 2016. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

St. Stephen's martyrdom shows 'true meaning of Christmas,' Pope Francis says

Dec 27, 2019

The death of St. Stephen, the Church’s first martyr, teaches Catholics to renew their commitment to charity and self-gift, part of the meaning of Christmas, Pope Francis said Thursday.