(Vatican Radio) How can the Church boost its pastoral assistance to the victims of forced migration, especially at a time when more and more people worldwide are being forced to flee their homes largely because of conflict or persecution? This is the main topic being discussed by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People at its meeting in the Vatican this week. The Council’s Secretary is Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil who spoke to Susy Hodges.

(Vatican Radio) From May 19 through May 20, 2013, a series of devastating tornadoes ripped through central Oklahoma, culminating in a storm of EF-4 magnitude that struck Moore, Okla., May 20. These natural disasters wreaked havoc and left heartache and loss in their wake. As of 9:00 a.m. May 21, the death toll from the tornado in Moore stood at 24, revised downward from 51, and included seven children. Two people also died in Shawnee. The exact loss of human life remains unknown.

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a telegram to the Archbishop of Oklahoma City to express his deep concern for the victims, injured and homeless in the wake of a devastating tornado:

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis’ decision to place his hands on the head of a sick child and pray over him on Pentecost Sunday stirred speculation he might have performed an exorcism. The Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ, clarified on Tuesday that the Holy Father did not perform an exorcism on the occasion. "The Holy Father did not intend to perform any exorcism," said Fr Lombardi.

(Vatican Radio) In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday, Pope Francis sent out a tweet expressing sympathy for the victims of the disaster.

“I am close to the families of all who died in the Oklahoma tornado, especially those who lost young children. Join me in praying for them.”

(Vatican Radio) For a Christian, true progress lies in humbling ourselves as Jesus did. This was the focus of Pope Francis’ homily at morning Mass in the Casa Santa Marta. The Pope also reiterated that true power is in service and that there is no room for power struggles within the Church. During the prayers of the faithful Pope Francis also prayed for the victims of the Oklahoma tornado tragedy. Emer McCarthy reports:

(Vatican Radio) Courageous, humble and strong prayer can accomplish miracles: this was Pope Francis’ message at morning Mass in Casa Santa Marta. Emer McCarthy reports:

The Pope was commenting on Monday’s Gospel passage which recounts the disciples failure to heal a child; Jesus himself must intervene and laments the disbelief of those present. Responding to the child’s father’s pleas for help He says “everything is possible to one who has faith ". Pope Francis noted that often those who love Jesus don't risk much on believing in him nor entrust themselves completely to Him:

(Vatican Radio) Ahead of reciting the Easter Marian hymn, Regina Caeli, for the last time this year on Pentecost Sunday, Pope Francis had a special message for the estimated 200 thousand men, women and children gathered before for him in St. Peter’s Square and stretching back right to the banks of the Tiber. He told them; “You are a gift and a treasure for the Church”. Emer McCarthy reports:

(Vatican Radio) Below the official English language translation of Pope Francis’ homily at Mass for the Feast of Pentecost with New Movements:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we contemplate and re-live in the liturgy the outpouring of the Holy Spirit sent by the risen Christ upon his Church; an event of grace which filled the Upper Room in Jerusalem and then spread throughout the world.

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis puts his certainty of faith down to his grandmother, from whom he first heard the Christian proclamation; to a life changing encounter with Christ at age 17, through a unknown priest who heard his Confession; to his daily praying of the Rosary to his ‘Mother’, Our Lady and to allowing himself to be held in God’s gaze even when he nods off after a tiring day, while in prayer before the Tabernacle. Emer McCarthy reports Listen: