Rejecting Holy Spirit's work in Vatican II is 'foolish,' Pope says

Apr 17, 2013 - 12:09 pm .- The work of the Holy Spirit at the Second Vatican Council is not yet finished, Pope Francis said, because many in the Church are unwilling to fully embrace what God inspired in the council fathers.

Financial decisions key factor in Pope's reform drive

Apr 17, 2013 - 09:26 am .- One month into his papacy, Pope Francis has made his first episcopal and administrative appointments and has met with heads of state and the faithful, but one decision that is likely to play a key role in his reform project will be how he deals with the Vatican’s financial operations.

Jesus' Ascension means we are never alone, Pope says

Apr 17, 2013 - 05:56 am .- Pope Francis proclaimed “we are never alone” and that Jesus is our defender, as he reflected on the Ascension during his Wednesday general audience.

Advisory group will not weaken Pope's power, analyst explains

Apr 16, 2013 - 01:28 pm .- Although some have worried Pope Francis’ creation of a group of cardinals to advise him means he is giving up some of his papal authority, an expert in Church law says a better description of the move is choosing the members of a cabinet.

Benedict XVI receives birthday greetings from Pope Francis

Apr 16, 2013 - 12:02 pm .- Pope Francis made a phone call on the morning of April 16 to wish a happy 86th birthday to his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

Vatican unveils plans for International Family Center in Nazareth

Apr 16, 2013 - 10:54 am .- The Vatican is moving ahead with plans to build the International Family Center in Nazareth, a complex that will include a church, meeting spaces, a hotel for visitors and play areas for children, all as part of an effort to build up the family in the Holy Land.

Pope urges Bostonians to combat evil with good

Apr 16, 2013 - 06:46 am .- Pope Francis is praying for those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing and encouraging them not to be overcome by evil but fight it with good.

Vatican plans huge pro-life, evangelization gathering

Apr 15, 2013 - 05:03 pm .- A major highlight for the Year of Faith will be a two-day celebration in Rome on the Church’s teaching about the dignity of life and how it fits with the New Evangelization.

North American College breaks ground on 10-story building

Apr 15, 2013 - 08:29 am .- Seminarians filled the North American College with strains of “Holy God We Praise Thy Name” as they took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 10-story structure.

Pope backs reform of US sisters' leadership conference

Apr 15, 2013 - 07:02 am .- Pope Francis has reaffirmed the Vatican’s assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, which found it had “serious doctrinal problems” and needed to be reformed.

Sacrifice necessary for Christian life, Pope teaches

Apr 14, 2013 - 12:03 pm .- Pope Francis delved deeper into the readings for the Third Sunday of Easter, highlighting proclamation, witness and worship as essential to the Faith, while also recognizing those who suffer for Christ in the world today.

Pope prays for courage, comfort in the Church

Apr 14, 2013 - 10:24 am .- Pope Francis encouraged the Church to proclaim the Gospel with “frankness and courage” and prayed for persecuted Christians worldwide in his Sunday address at St. Peter’s Square.

Pope appoints advisors for Curia reform

Apr 13, 2013 - 09:08 am .- In response to suggestions during talks leading up to the papal conclave, Pope Francis has appointed eight cardinals to advise him on governing the Church and reforming the Curia.

Vatican honors boy for courage during trachea transplant

Apr 12, 2013 - 11:13 am .- During the Second International Adult Stem Cell conference at the Vatican, a boy who had his windpipe replaced with one grown using his own stem cells won the “Pontifical Hero Award” for his courage.

Pope personally thanks State department for overtime

Apr 12, 2013 - 09:24 am .- The last month of papal transition meant that the employees of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State worked long hours, so Pope Francis decided that he would offer his heartfelt thanks by making a personal visit.

Adult stem cells helping teen with 'brittle bone disease' grow

Apr 11, 2013 - 10:45 am .- A girl whose bones used to break every two months was awarded for her courage in successfully battling her disease during a stem cell research conference at the Vatican.

Pope thanks foundation for fighting material, spiritual poverty

Apr 11, 2013 - 08:55 am .- Pope Francis told members of The Papal Foundation that their contributions are helping combat “the many forms of material and spiritual poverty” present throughout the world.

Vatican spokesman denies report that Benedict XVI is ill

Apr 10, 2013 - 12:28 pm .- Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi says that contrary to a report in the Spanish daily El Mundo, the Bishop-emeritus of Rome, Benedict XVI, is not suffering from any illness.

World misses God but it can see your joy, Pope tells audience

Apr 10, 2013 - 10:37 am .- Pope Francis urged Catholics to serve humanity by showing “the joy of being children of God” to the world, since it “no longer seems able to lift its gaze towards God.”

Vatican response to financial evaluation will exceed requirements

Apr 10, 2013 - 10:02 am .- The Vatican plans to demonstrate its commitment to financial transparency by presenting progress it has made in areas the Council of Europe’s money laundering prevention committee is not requiring.