Why Do Catholics ...?

Why did Pope Francis refer to St. John Paul II as the ‘Pope of the Family’ at the April 27 canonization Mass?

In the homily at Pope John Paul II’s canonization Mass, Pope Francis mentioned that the saint wanted to be known by this title. The family was important to both of our newest saints, as some of their quotes attest.

"The family is the first essential cell of society," said St. John XXIII.

"The family is the center and the heart of the civilization of love," said St. John Paul II.

Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II, pray for families!

Have you always wondered about some aspect of the faith? Or maybe you’d like to know some trivia about Pope Francis. If you do, email us your question at [email protected] and look for the answer in an upcoming issue.