Vatican News

Pope Francis baptizes a baby in the Sistine Chapel Jan. 10, 2016.

Pope Francis to parents: teach your children the faith by example

Jan 8, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis Sunday baptized 28 babies during Mass in the Sistine Chapel, reminding parents that by asking for the Sacrament... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for Epiphany in St. Peter's Basilica Jan. 6, 2017.

Pope Francis: the Magi represent everyone who seeks God

Jan 6, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Friday, the Feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis said that the Magi are not just men who sought out... Read more

Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Square for the general audience, Dec. 9, 2015.

We need hope – not 'optimism,' Pope Francis tells quake victims

Jan 5, 2017

By Elise Harris

During an audience with people from the areas devastated by earthquakes in Central Italy, Pope Francis emphasized the need to... Read more

Pope Francis hands rosaries to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his general audience May 4, 2016.

A new 'vocational culture' is needed in the Church, Pope Francis says

Jan 5, 2017

By Elise Harris

A fresh and courageous perspective is needed when it comes to helping youth discern and discover their vocation, Pope Francis... Read more

Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil.

Salesians in India hold prayer vigil for release of Fr. Tom

Jan 4, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

Salesians in the Bangalore province of India held a prayer vigil Jan. 4 for the release of Salesian priest Fr.... Read more

Pope Francis overlooking the crowd in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday morning on April 5, 2015.

There are no words for the loss of a child, but there is still hope, Pope says

Jan 4, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

While no words or gestures will ever be enough to comfort the pain experienced by those who have lost a... Read more

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his April 20, 2016, general audience.

Pope shakes up monthly prayers, adds new 'urgent' intention

Jan 4, 2017

By Elise Harris

After launching the first video series on his monthly prayer intentions last year, Pope Francis has decided to make some... Read more

Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

For Cardinal Mueller, a humble faith is good for theology

The ideological efforts to change Catholic doctrine after the Second Vatican Council were deeply misguided, said Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, prefect... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square at the general audience on Oct. 19, 2016.

No, Pope Francis didn't say Christianity and Islam should merge

Jan 3, 2017

Widely shared quotes attributed to Pope Francis, in which he advocates for a merging of the religions of Christianity and... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square April 13, 2016.

Pope kicks off new year renewing 'zero tolerance' policy on abuse

Jan 2, 2017

By Elise Harris

In a letter sent to bishops around the world for the feast of the Holy Innocents, Pope Francis lamented the... Read more

Pope Francis at the Vatican, April 3, 2014.

After Istanbul attack, Pope prays for those who fight 'bloody stain' of terrorism

Jan 1, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

On the first day of the new year and the 50th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis condemned a terrorist... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God in St. Peter's Basilica Jan. 1, 2016.

Pope on New Year’s Day: Mary’s motherhood teaches us humility, tenderness

Jan 1, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

At the start of the new year, Pope Francis said that celebrating Mary, the Mother of God, highlights a beautiful aspect... Read more

Pope Francis presides over Vespers and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2015.

At close of 2016, Pope says selfishness should be a thing of the past

Dec 31, 2016

By Elise Harris

During a prayer service for the close of 2016, Pope Francis said the arrival of a new year should serve... Read more

Pope Francis and the cross at the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at St. Peter's Basilica on April 3, 2015.

Pope: MidEast Christians reflect heroism of St. Stephen

Dec 26, 2016

Pope Francis has said the heroic martyrdom of St. Stephen is mirrored in the persecution of modern-day Christians, particularly in... Read more

Pope Francis gives

On Christmas Day, Pope Francis prays for peace around the world

Dec 25, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

In his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing Christmas Day, Pope Francis prayed that the Child Jesus, also called the Prince... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Epiphany Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 6, 2016.

Pope Francis: Want to see God this Christmas? Be humble

Dec 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis noted how the coming of Jesus as an infant is paradoxical to the images of... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica.

Knights of Malta rebuff Vatican probe into dismissal of leader

Dec 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

Two days after the announcement that Pope Francis has established a group to look into the circumstances regarding the recent... Read more

Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's square for the general audience Sept. 21, 2016.

Pope Francis' reform plan can be boiled down to this one thing

Dec 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

If there's anything Pope Francis' recent 12-point plan for the reform of the Roman Curia shows, it's that while his... Read more

Prayer candle at a Military Chaplaincy in the Ukraine. Photo Courtesy of Aid to the Church in Need.

Pope donates 6 million euro to Ukraine relief efforts for Christmas

Dec 23, 2016

By Elise Harris

After taking up a collection earlier this year to aid families affected by the ongoing crisis in Eastern Ukraine, Pope... Read more

Mother Teresa and John Paul II, May 25, 1983.

The happiest day of Mother Teresa's life

Dec 22, 2016

By Mary Farrow

It’s been said that saints often come in pairs.  Read more