Vatican News

Pope Francis speaks at a conference in Rome on the link between climate change and human trafficking, July 21, 2015.

Vatican bails on questionable anti-human trafficking initiative (Updated)

Jul 30, 2015

Faithful to its commitment against human trafficking, the Holy See has left the board of an initiative it helped to... Read more

A view of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica from the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, Feb. 14, 2015.

Will Vatican officials face term limits?

Jul 30, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

A fixed term mandate for Vatican officials serving in the Roman Curia was among recent proposals for the Vatican's ongoing... Read more

Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on June 3, 2015.

Pope Francis to handpick new doctor ahead of Cuba, US trip

Jul 29, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

As the five-year term for Pope Francis' personal doctor comes to an end, the Pope is expected to choose a... Read more

Pope Francis with two World Youth Day volunteers looks over St. Peter's Square July 26, 2015.

With a tap on an iPad, Pope Francis registers for World Youth Day 2016

Jul 26, 2015

Pope Francis has invited the youth of the world on pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2016--and on Sunday he became... Read more

Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 27, 2015.

Pope Francis: Let Jesus satisfy your hunger for God

Jul 26, 2015

Jesus Christ’s miraculous multiplication of the loaves shows that he offers “fullness of life for hungry man,” Pope Francis said... Read more

Pope Francis speaks at the climate change and modern slavery workshop in Rome, Italy on June 21, 2015.

Vatican ropes in global leaders to fight climate change, modern slavery

Jul 26, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Drawing dozens of mayors from major cities worldwide to discuss the link between slavery and climate change, this week's Vatican... Read more

Pope Francis speaks at the climate change and modern slavery meeting in Rome, Italy on June 21, 2015.

What Pope Francis might be planning to tell the UN in New York

Jul 22, 2015

By Elise Harris

At a meeting with U.S. mayors at the Vatican this week, Pope Francis hinted at themes he could discuss with... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on April 16, 2014.

Is the Pope a socialist?

Jul 22, 2015

Pope Francis’ recent trip to Latin America has rekindled questions about whether he endorses socialism, or even communism.  Read more

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

Here's Pope Francis' schedule for the Jubilee of Mercy

Jul 21, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Twelve prominent events, each with the participation of Pope Francis, have been scheduled in Rome for the upcoming Jubilee of... Read more

The operators in charge of burying the dead from Ebola in the cemetery set up in Kenema.

Ebola deaths are still happening – and the Vatican is aiming to stop them

Jul 21, 2015

By Elise Harris

Although two of the three countries hardest hit by last year’s Ebola outbreak have been declared free of the virus,... Read more

Pope Francis touches the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Dec. 12, 2014.

Pope entrusts South America trip to Mary

Jul 19, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis entrusted his recent tri-nation voyage to South America to Our Lady of Guadalupe – praising the deeply-rooted Christianity... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica and the flag of Vatican City.

Budget-keeping at the Vatican: in transition toward a new era

Jul 18, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Holy See and Vatican City State administration released their 2014 financial statements Thursday amid an ongoing process to reform... Read more

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

Corruption, threats, torture – we need justice in the mining industry, Pope says

Jul 18, 2015

By Elise Harris

Continuing his theme on protecting both the environment and human rights, Pope Francis pointed to various injustices in the mining... Read more

A helicopter carries Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as he officially retires in Vatican City on February 28, 2013.

The Vatican's helipad: Transporting popes, saving kid's lives

Jul 18, 2015

One of Europe's best pediatric hospitals, Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital in Rome, can now use the Vatican’s helipad to transport... Read more

Archbishop Andrey Sheptytsky

Heroic virtue of Ukrainian bishop who sheltered hundreds of Jews recognized

Jul 17, 2015

On Thursday, Pope Francis authorized a decree recognizing the heroic virtue of Archbishop Andrey Sheptytsky, who was head of the... Read more

Pope Francis delivers a General Audience address in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, Jan. 28, 2015.

To fight human trafficking – one of Pope Francis' core commitments

Jul 16, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

An upcoming conference being held at the Vatican examining the link between climate change and human trafficking is a reflection... Read more

Ocean Sea Coast Nature (CC0 1.0).

Slavery and climate – there's more in common than you think, Vatican says

Jul 15, 2015

By Ann Schneible

The link between climate change and human slavery is the topic of an international conference to be hosted by the... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI, May 11, 2010.

After a two-week vacation, Benedict XVI heads back to Rome

Jul 14, 2015

By Elise Harris

With two restful weeks outside of the Vatican behind him and two honorary doctorates in hand, Benedict XVI has again... Read more

Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi SJ speaks with journalists during a July 14, 2014 press conference.

Vatican applauds Iran nuclear deal, calls for commitment to make it 'bear fruit'

Jul 14, 2015

By Elise Harris

After global powers reached an agreement with Iran Tuesday limiting the country’s nuclear activity, the Vatican said the deal was... Read more

Pope Francis arrives at the Quito airport in Ecuador during his South America trip on July 5, 2015.

Full text of Pope Francis' in-flight interview from Paraguay to Rome

Jul 13, 2015

In the course of his 64 minute in-flight press conference while en route to Rome, Pope Francis answered questions ranging... Read more