Vatican News

Pope Francis addresses members of the Neocatechumenal Way at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, March 18, 2016.

The Church is our mother, Pope Francis explains to Neocatechumenal Way

Mar 18, 2016

Pope Francis told members of the Neocatechumenal Way that they have received a great charism to maintain. On Friday he... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on June 15, 2005 in Vatican City.

Full text of Benedict XVI's recent, rare, and lengthy interview

Mar 17, 2016

In a recently published interview on issues of justification and faith, Benedict XVI has addressed issues of mercy and our... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience, Sept. 16, 2015.

Francis: Hope is the 'humble virtue' that keeps us afloat in tough times

Mar 17, 2016

By Elise Harris

In his homily Thursday, Pope Francis spoke on the essential role hope plays in the Christian life, saying that while... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his March 16, 2016 general audience.

Pope Francis to world leaders: Open your doors to migrants

Mar 16, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Wednesday Pope Francis renewed his appeal on behalf of the tens of thousands struggling to enter other countries as... Read more

Mother Teresa around the year 1994.

It's official – Mother Teresa will be canonized September 4

Mar 15, 2016

By Elise Harris

After months of anticipation, the date of Mother Teresa’s canonization has finally been announced. It falls on Sept. 4, which... Read more

Pope Francis at the General Audience in St. Peter's Square, Feb. 24, 2016.

Pope announces Palestinian as winner of international teaching prize

Mar 14, 2016

By Ann Schneible

A Palestinian school teacher on Sunday became the recipient of a US$1m international award for her work with children –... Read more

Priest admits to relaying confidential documents in 'Vatileaks' trial

Mar 14, 2016

During a Vatican City trial on Monday over a case in which five individuals are accused of leaking and disseminating... Read more

Pope Francis says Mass at the chapel of Santa Marta house in the Vatican, March 14, 2016.

In the face of suffering, let's entrust ourselves to God – Pope Francis

Mar 14, 2016

By Ann Schneible

Speaking days after the death of a homeless man on the streets of Rome, Pope Francis during Mass on Monday... Read more

Pope Francis bowed in prayer in St. Peter's Basilica on September 2, 2015.

Pope mourns 'tragic loss of life' after attack in Turkey

Mar 14, 2016

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis sent his condolences to the president of Turkey where a terrorist attack Sunday left dozens dead.  Read more

St. Mary's Basilica on Krakow's Main Square.

Vatican releases papal schedule for World Youth Day in Poland

Mar 12, 2016

On Saturday the Vatican released a provisional schedule of Pope Francis' visit to Poland for World Youth Day. He will... Read more

Pope Francis reflects during a retreat in Ariccia, Italy, March 2016.

Pope Francis' new prayer video focuses on needy families

Mar 12, 2016

By Elise Harris

In his newest prayer video Pope Francis focuses his monthly intention on families in difficulty, praying that they receive the... Read more

Pope Francis meets at the Vatican with Argentine president Mauricio Macri and his wife Juliana Awada, the first beneficiaries of the new protocol, Feb. 27, 2016.

How a change in Vatican protocol reflects outreach to the divorced-and-remarried

Mar 12, 2016

By Andrea Gagliarducci

With an eye toward divorced-and-remarried Catholics, Pope Francis has recently changed protocol for heads of state who are visiting the... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his jubilee general audience March 12, 2016.

Love is the hidden service we do for others, Pope Francis says

Mar 12, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Saturday Pope Francis said that love is more than just saying nice words and doing things – it means... Read more

Pope Francis greets the judges of the Roman Rota at the Vatican's Clementine Hall, Jan. 22, 2016.

Pope: new annulment process has an 'eminently pastoral' goal

Mar 12, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Saturday Pope Francis told participants in course on the streamlined annulment process that the main goal of the new... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his general audience on Nov. 29, 2014.

Pope Francis returns to Rome after a week of spiritual exercises

Mar 11, 2016

By Elise Harris

After spending a week outside Rome reflecting on key questions in the Gospel during their annual Lenten retreat, Pope Francis... Read more

Priests celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Jan. 17, 2105.

So, what are these 'Missionaries of Mercy' actually doing?

Mar 11, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Ash Wednesday Pope Francis commissioned more than 1,000 priests who were sent out around the world as ambassadors of... Read more

Pope Francis speaks at a consistory for the canonization of several blesseds at the Consistory Hall of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, June 27, 2015.

Pope Francis approves new rules for financial oversight of saints' causes

Mar 10, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis has issued new guidelines for ensuring financial transparency in advancing causes of beatification and canonization, requiring both an... Read more

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to Mexico, speaks at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Nov. 16, 2013.

Will the next nuncio to the US come from south of the border?

Mar 10, 2016

Since Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States, celebrated his 75th birthday Jan. 16, it is expected... Read more

St. Peter's Square.

The Catholic Church grew faster than the global population in past decade

Mar 9, 2016

By Ann Schneible

The number of Catholics has increased at a faster rate than the rest of the population, newly released statistics by... Read more