Vatican News

Opening Session of the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican on Oct. 6, 2014.

What to expect from this year's synod of bishops

Oct 2, 2015

By Elise Harris

As the synod’s schedule and methodology were rolled out ahead of its launch this weekend, some novelties came along with... Read more

Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, who authored one of the essays in "Christ's New Homeland - Africa".

These African pastors want to maintain Christ's love, and truth, at the synod

Oct 2, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Ten prelates from Africa have stood up against a pastoral approach to new challenges to marriage and the family that... Read more

Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. addresses journalists during a May 15, 2014 press conference.

Vatican clarifies background on Pope Francis' meeting with Kim Davis

Oct 2, 2015

By Elise Harris

After meeting with Pope Francis earlier this morning, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi confirmed that the Pope met with Kim... Read more

A Mexican exorcist advances on path to sainthood – courtesy of the Pope

Oct 2, 2015

By Elise Harris

Among the eight causes for sainthood advanced by Pope Francis is a Mexican exorcist who lived during the time of... Read more

Young refugees play games as they wait for Pope Francis to visit in Istanbul, Turkey on Nov. 30, 2014.

To welcome a migrant is to welcome God himself, Pope says

Oct 1, 2015

By Elise Harris

In his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Pope Francis recognized the challenges involved with welcoming migrants,... Read more

Pope Francis arrives at St. Peter's Square for the General Audience, Sept. 30, 2015.

Pope Francis lauds Archbishop Chaput's 'great love for the family'

Sep 30, 2015

Pope Francis reviewed his recent trip to Cuba and the United States during his General Audience on Wednesday, calling the... Read more

The Sistine Chapel Choir sings in Westminster Cathedral, May 6, 2012.

Sistine Chapel Choir releases sacred music album recorded in its chapel

Sep 30, 2015

By Elise Harris

As the first album ever to be recorded inside the Sistine Chapel is released, Archbishop Georg Ganswein said the sacred... Read more

Pope Francis before the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica during the convocation of the Jubilee of Mercy, April 11, 2015.

Mercy, dialogue to be the focus of World Communications Day

Sep 29, 2015

By Elise Harris

Announced Tuesday, this year’s theme for World Communications Day is inspired by the upcoming Jubilee of Mercy, and stresses that... Read more

Pope Francis is presented with an image of the Divine Mercy by the John Paul II Foundation, April 25, 2015.

Pope Francis explains what World Youth Day has to do with Divine Mercy

Sep 28, 2015

With World Youth Day coming up next year, Pope Francis has a question for young people: “Do you realize how... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to journalists aboard his flight from Philadelphia to Rome Sept. 27, 2015.

Full transcript of Pope Francis' inflight interview from Philadelphia to Rome

Sep 28, 2015

In a 47 minute Q&A with journalists on his way back to Rome Pope Francis touched on sensitive topics such... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to journalists on his way back from Strasbourg, Nov. 25, 2014.

I can forgive an abuser, but understand those who can't, Pope says

Sep 28, 2015

By Ann Schneible

In his wide-ranging press briefing en route from the United States to Rome, Pope Francis spoke on the difficult subject... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to journalists on his flight from Philadelphia to Rome Sept. 27, 2015.

Pope: Communion for divorced, remarried isn't the only synod issue

Sep 28, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis told journalists on board his flight to Rome that giving communion to divorced and remarried Catholics is a... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to bishops in Philadelphia Sept. 17, 2015.

'God cries' for victims of abuse, Pope says after meeting survivors

Sep 27, 2015

Pope Francis this morning met with 5 survivors of sexual abuse during his visit to Philadelphia, telling bishops afterward that... Read more

Pope Francis and Fidel Castro in a private meeting, Sept. 20, 2015. Photo courtesy of Alex Castro.

Pope Francis gifts Fidel Castro with copy of 'Laudato Si'

Sep 20, 2015

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis and former Cuban president Fidel Castro held a brief meeting after Sunday Mass... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in Havana's Revolutionary Square before Mass, Sept. 20, 2015.

Colombian peace talks must not fail, Pope says during Cuba trip

Sep 20, 2015

Pope Francis prayed for the ongoing negotiations between FARC rebels and the Colombian government happening in Cuba right now saying... Read more

Galaxy M74.

Surprise of heading Vatican Observatory reminds astronomer of God's providence

Sep 19, 2015

By Elise Harris

Brother Guy Consolmagno, S.J. has spent more than 20 years – the majority of his life as a Jesuit –... Read more

Pope Francis prays with journalists on the papal flight en route to South Korea on Aug. 14, 2014.

Pope deeply moved by plight of Vatican-housed refugee family

Sep 19, 2015

By Alan Holdren

As he began his 10-day trip to Cuba and the United States, Pope Francis was seen off by a Syrian... Read more

Education and play are key to childhood, Pope tells Cuba, US youth

Sep 19, 2015

By Elise Harris

The U.S. embargo on Cuba, education, care of the environment, war, and peace were all themes touched on by Pope... Read more

Iceland church.

Iceland's new bishop inherits a turbulent, fascinating Catholic history

Sep 19, 2015

By Mary Farrow

The Vatican announced Friday that Pope Francis has appointed Fr. David Tencer, O.F.M. Cap., as bishop of Reykjavik, Iceland. Read more

Pope Francis speaks to a participant in the International Conference for Young Consecrated, Sept. 17, 2015.

Pope Francis cites the core of evangelization: a heart on fire for God

Sep 19, 2015

Pope Francis exhorted consecrated religious on Thursday to take part in an evangelization which “burns in the heart,” cautioning against... Read more