Marlene Dietrich’s War on Nature

For some people, a timely warning can avert disaster. For others, it is a prophecy. The 1930 film Morocco , starring Marlene Dietrich as the nightclub singer Amy Jolly, is a warning about the theatrical life. Its message was lost on Dietrich. The actress was doomed to play on film the tragedy of the performer, […]

Pontiff, Spanish cabinet member discuss peace, environment, labor rights (La Moncloa)

Pope Francis received Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Economy, in a February 2 audience. According to a press release from La Moncloa (Spain’s presidential residence), the Pontiff and Díaz “agreed on the urgent defense of the environment, but also on progress in achieving peace and the protection […]

Papal encouragement for cultural dialogue between Italy, China (Vatican News)

Pope Francis received members of the Italy-China National Federation on February 2. In his brief address, the Pope recalled the tenth anniversary of the organization’s founding and expressed appreciation for its efforts. “As the Italian and Chinese communities come to know each other better, this can lead to greater mutual acceptance and fraternal spirit,” the […]

Be lovers of the truth and open to change, Pope tells Italian students (Vatican News)

Pope Francis received teachers and students from Collegio Rotondi, a Catholic school in Lombardy (map), as it commemorated the 425th anniversary of its founding. “It is necessary to know how to change so as to remain faithful to your own identity and mission,” Pope Francis said during the February 3 audience, which took place in […]

Waiting, not worldliness, leads to the Lord, Pope tells religious (CNS)

Pope Francis presided at Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the 28th World Day of Consecrated Life. Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, was the principal celebrant. During his homily, Pope […]