Pope to institute formal ‘ministry of catechist’

While millions of laypeople around the world are recognized as catechists in their parish or diocese, Pope Francis is preparing to formally institute the "ministry of catechist."

The Vatican press office said May 5 that Pope Francis' apostolic letter "Antiquum Ministerium" ("Ancient Ministry"),

Pope signs new encyclical in Assisi

Bringing the Vatican official in charge of translations with him, Pope Francis signed his new encyclical, "Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship," at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, source of the document's title and inspiration.

After celebrating Mass at St.