As Advent hurtles towards a close, it is my hope that our readings have illuminated the freedom we find in the commitment to prayer.

Reformers might rail against sacred images, but, at Christmas, the world turns Catholic to gaze upon the Christ child.

The relationship with Christ that we cultivate through prayer is grounded in his complete understanding of who we are, down to speaking our very name.

In an unexpected diplomatic initiative to consolidate the fragile peace accord in Colombia, Pope Francis on Dec. 14 brought together the country's president, Juan Manuel Santos, and his archrival, former president Senator Álvaro Uribe, a strong opponent of the accord.