pope Francis

like a magnet

Feb 17, 2018

In today's gospel reading we meet a tax-collector called Matthew, previously known as Levi. I like him. His life before encountering Jesus was probably a bit worldly...

no place for them

Dec 26, 2017

With yesterday's celebration of Christmas we began the eight days (the Octave) of Christmas, and we conclude our December retreat with a relaxed journey through the...

another realm

Nov 23, 2017

I remember someone once defining an intelligent person as one who can hold apparently contradictory thoughts in their heads at the same time without having to attach to...

pope & space

Oct 27, 2017

It was my paternal grandfather who first taught me about the night sky pointing out notable stars and constellations. Later when I became familiar with the scriptures I...

together in faith

Jun 22, 2017

I am privileged to count as a friend Archbishop David Moxon who this week completes his term as the director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of...

Francis & TED

Apr 28, 2017

TED introduces Pope Francis: "A single individual is enough for hope to exist, and that individual can be you, says His Holiness Pope Francis in this searing TED Talk...

four years on…

Mar 14, 2017

It was on this morning four years ago that in New Zealand we woke to the news that Pope Francis had been elected. I recall being in the Cheviot Four Square store a few...

a Francis retreat

Jun 4, 2016

Yesterday in Rome Pope Francis preached a one-day three-session retreat for priests. You can see in the photo that he is completely at home in this role. Many priests...

the joy of love

Apr 9, 2016

Late last night NZ time Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation "Amoris Laetitia - The Joy of Love" was promulgated. While it is directly the follow-up document after the...

God’s “I.D.”

Jan 13, 2016

"Mercy is God's identity card." A few hours ago in Rome Pope Francis new book was launched. It is entitled: "The Name of God is Mercy." Thanks be to God, and to the...