Catholic Church
The Latest
Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing 2021: Pope Francis asks world leaders to be open to dialogue
He spoke from the central balcony overlooking a rainy St. Peter’s Square. Read more
Pope Francis to beatify ‘smiling pope’ John Paul I in September 2022
The pope who reigned for 33 days will be beatified in St. Peter’s Basilica. Read more
Vatican tightens COVID-19 rules for offices of Roman Curia
Cardinal Parolin issued a decree outlining the new measures. Read more
Pope Francis: Roman Curia needs ‘synodal conversion’
He said that Vatican officials should set an example for Catholics worldwide. Read more
Pope Francis accepts Cardinal Turkson’s resignation as head of Vatican’s social development office
The dicastery will be led for now by Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny. Read more
Vatican reaffirms support for COVID-19 vaccines amid spread of omicron variant
It issued a statement amid global concern about the Omicron variant. Read more
Pope Francis urges European countries to take ‘shared responsibility’ for refugees and migrants
The pope made the appeal at his general audience. Read more
Pope Francis meets Metropolitan Hilarion as hopes rise for second summit with Moscow patriarch
The pope held a historic first meeting with Patriarch Kirill in 2016. Read more
Cardinal Turkson: Pope Francis will decide if I continue to lead Vatican dicastery
The Ghanaian cardinal confirmed that his five-year term is expiring. Read more
Pope Francis names new bishop for Catholic Diocese of Gaylord
Bishop-elect Jeffrey J. Walsh is a priest of the Diocese of Scranton. Read more
2022 World Peace Day message: Pope Francis calls for investment in education, not weaponry
The World Day of Peace is celebrated annually on Jan. 1. Read more
Piñatas, Posadas and other Christ-centered Mexican Christmas traditions
Here’s what happens during the 9-day Mexican Christmas tradition called ‘las Posadas.’ Read more
10 things that Pope Francis wants us to learn from the nativity scene
The tradition was born in an unassuming town in 1223. Read more
4 things to know about Pope Francis on his 85th birthday
The pope never lets his birthday get in the way of regular business. Read more
Pope Francis: Halving of Jesuit numbers worldwide is a lesson in humility
‘We have to get used to humiliation,’ the pope told Jesuits in Greece. Read more
St. Januarius’ blood liquefies (eventually) for third time in 2021
The blood changed its state after a day of intense prayer. Read more
St. Januarius’ blood fails to liquefy at start of December anniversary
The blood of St. Januarius, patron of the Italian city of Naples, has so far remained solid on Thursday, after... Read more
‘Austria prays’: A nation turns to the rosary for an end to the pandemic
The prayer movement is spreading to Germany, Switzerland, and the U.S. Read more
Catholic archdiocese of Malta says it could not have foreseen alleged ‘land grab’
The intricate dispute can be traced back to 1675. Read more
Pope Francis appoints commissioner to oversee Rome basilica’s financial assets
St. Mary Major is one of four papal major basilicas in Rome. Read more
