Vatican News

Pope Francis speaks during the Angelus prayer.

Pope Francis urges Catholics to pray and fast for Afghanistan

Aug 29, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

“In historical moments like this we cannot remain indifferent, the history of the Church teaches us this,” Pope Francis said. Read more

Bishop-elect Guido Marini walks beside Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday 2021 in St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis appoints Vatican Master of Ceremonies Msgr. Guido Marini to Italian diocese

Aug 29, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Msgr. Guido Marini has been in charge of papal liturgies since his appointment to the role by Benedict XVI in... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis makes changes to the Vatican’s Chapter of St. Peter

Aug 28, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Chapter of St. Peter is group of retired priests who pray and assist in the basilica’s liturgical activities. Read more

Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral in Broome, Australia.

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Australian bishop investigated for sexual abuse

Aug 28, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The 71-year-old Bishop Christopher Saunders had taken temporary leave from the administration of his diocese in March 2020. Read more

Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops

Cardinal asks monastic communities to pray for the 2023 synod on synodality

Aug 28, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Oct. 9-10, the Catholic Church will begin the first phase of a synodal process culminating in the 2023 meeting... Read more

Pope Francis greets a child at a general audience at the Vatican, April 20, 2016.

Pope Francis on adoption: ‘Every child that arrives is God’s gift’

Aug 27, 2021

By Courtney Mares

‘Every baby, in every case, and in whatever situation is to be welcomed,’ the pope says in a new video. Read more

Pope Francis receives Argentine President Alberto Fernández in a private audience at the Vatican on Jan. 31. 2020.

What happens when the pope receives a head of state?

Aug 27, 2021

By Andrea Gagliarducci

There is a remarkable amount of hidden choreography behind the scenes. Read more

Pope Francis greets participants in a meeting promoted by the International Catholic Legislators Network in the Vatican's Clementine Hall, Aug. 27, 2021.

Pope Francis urges Catholic lawmakers to protect human dignity online

Aug 27, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The pope called for renewed efforts to combat child pornography, data breaches, and cyber attacks. Read more

The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Vatican suppresses Italy-based Regina Pacis Community after apostolic visit

Aug 27, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis declared the community’s co-founder “venerable” in 2017. Read more

Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Dec. 20, 2018.

Pope Francis meets Nadia Murad as Nobel Prize winner advocates for Afghan women

Aug 26, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The survivor of ISIS enslavement has expressed concern for the future of Afghan women. Read more

Sr. Alessandra Smerilli speaks at a press conference at the Vatican on July 7, 2020.

Pope Francis names religious sister to No. 2 position in Vatican’s social development office

Aug 26, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, 46, was appointed ‘ad interim.’ Read more

Early morning in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Vatican urges countries to accept refugees from Afghanistan

Aug 25, 2021

By Courtney Mares

A Vatican diplomat challenged nations to “move from declaration to action.” Read more

Pope Francis’ general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Aug. 25, 2021.

Pope Francis: ‘Hypocrisy in the Church is particularly detestable’

Aug 25, 2021

By CNA Staff

The pope said that hypocritical behavior undermined Church unity. Read more

Pope Francis gives his Wednesday general audience in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall on Aug. 4, 2021.

Pope Francis sends $230,000 for Haiti earthquake victims

Aug 24, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis is sending assistance to the victims of the Haiti earthquake as the death toll from the natural disaster... Read more

Pope Francis says Mass at the chapel of Santa Marta in the Vatican, Sept. 11, 2018.

Sunday Mass should be the culmination of all parish activities, Cardinal Parolin says

Aug 23, 2021

By Courtney Mares

After pandemic lockdowns led to the suspension of Catholic liturgies in many parts of the world, the Sunday Mass must... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during the Angelus on July 25, 2021.

Pope Francis: Do not water down the truth of the Eucharist

Aug 22, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to not water down the teaching that the Eucharist is Jesus’ Body and Blood. Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square after the Wednesday general audience, May 7, 2014.

Pope Francis praises martyred Korean priest at Vatican Mass

Aug 21, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis said St. Andrew Kim Taegon spread the faith “in difficult times, marked by persecution and suffering” for the... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience on Aug. 18, 2021.

Pope Francis: 'What justifies us is Jesus Christ'

Aug 18, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said that Catholics must observe the commandments with the knowledge that justification comes from Jesus Christ. Read more

Pope Francis shares a video message about COVID-19 vaccines.

Pope Francis, Ad Council collaborate to promote COVID-19 vaccines in the Americas

Aug 17, 2021

By Autumn Jones

Pope Francis worked in collaboration with the Ad Council to produce a public service announcement promoting COVID-19 vaccines. The PSA... Read more

Pope Francis boards his flight to Baghdad, Iraq on March 5, 2021.

Pope Francis will not offer a public Mass during Scotland visit

Aug 17, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The pope is expected to attend the “world leaders summit” in the opening days of the 2021 United Nations Climate... Read more