Children

The Latest

For global 'peripheries,' poverty can lead to online exploitation

Oct 8, 2017

By Elise Harris

While the challenge of protecting children online is one faced throughout the world, Church leaders from Asia and Africa said... Read more

Pope Francis greets locals at the Cross of Reconciliation in the Parque de los Fundadores in Villavicencio, Colombia on September 8, 2017.

Pope Francis: Parents cherishing their kids is a sign of hope for the future

Sep 11, 2017

On his return flight from Colombia, Pope Francis said that seeing parents’ devotion for their children gives him hope for... Read more

Pope Francis embraces a child at the St. Joseph Children's Home in Medellin, Colombia Sept. 9, 2017.

The suffering of children wounds the heart, Pope Francis says

Sep 9, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

In a visit to a children’s home in Colombia, Pope Francis said Saturday that we can never accept the mistreatment... Read more

Want peace? Teach kids how to dialogue, archbishop says

Sep 8, 2017

Peace is something that must begin in childhood, the Holy See's representative told the United Nations, stressing the need for... Read more

Archbishop Charles Chaput speaks with CNA in Rome on Sept. 15, 2014.

Want to change the world? It starts with joy, Archbishop Chaput says

Jul 27, 2017

In a world that can sometimes seem disheartening, Christians have a path to the future in lives of joy and... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on March 15, 2017.

This boy invited Pope Francis on a pilgrimage – and here's how he responded

Jul 23, 2017

Nine-year-old Andrea is an Italian boy who joined 130 children last month for a “Pilgrimage of Joy” to the Marian... Read more

Pope Francis listened to the testimonies of several children from earthquake-struck areas on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Vatican.

Pope hears testimonies of earthquake children, asks them to trust in Jesus

Jun 3, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Saturday, Pope Francis met with 400 children from towns hit by earthquakes in central Italy, telling them that during... Read more

Pope Francis kisses a baby girl during his trip to Fatima May 12-13, 2017.

Pope Francis: Fatima reminds us to care for the faith of children

May 14, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Sunday Pope Francis reflected on the May 13 canonization of the child visionaries St. Francisco and Jacinta Marto, saying... Read more

Children greet Pope Francis at the Refugee Camp of St. Sauveur in Bangui Nov. 29, 2016.

Vatican police mark 200th anniversary with concert for needy children

Dec 16, 2016

By Elise Harris

In honor of their bicentenary, the Vatican Gendarmerie have decided to celebrate with an act of mercy: they will host... Read more

Pope Francis visits children at the SOS Village in Rome, Oct. 14, 2016.

Pope visits young children from difficult family situations

Oct 14, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Friday Pope Francis visited with young children at the “SOS Village” in Rome, a community made up of homes... Read more

Holy See urges UN to protect children in armed conflict

Aug 17, 2016

After a recent report confirmed that violence against children has increased in conflict zones, the Holy See is urging the... Read more

Vacation Bible School is a light in darkness for Syrian children

Jun 21, 2016

For children growing up in Aleppo, Syria, life is anything but easy. In a city devastated civil war, bombings are... Read more

Screenshot from video of three-year-old Rafael Freitas.

Preschooler whose 'celebration of Mass' went viral dies of cancer

Nov 20, 2015

A young Brazilian boy whose solemn reenactment of the Mass drew hordes of online traffic has passed away after nearly... Read more

Pope Francis with a group of disabled children, led by Unitalsi Lazio in Santa Martha on May 29, 2015.

Pope Francis to parents: Do you believe in the beauty of love?

Jun 14, 2015

By Elise Harris

In an address on Sunday, Pope Francis asked parents if they believed in the beauty of the love God gives... Read more

Pope Francis meets with a group of 20 children with disabilities May 29, 2015 in the Santa Marta house.

Pope to sick children: Don’t be afraid to ask God 'Why?'

May 30, 2015

By Ann Schneible

“Why do children suffer?” Pope Francis asked this of a group of children with serious illnesses or disabilities and their... Read more

The Irish flag.

Ireland's defense of marriage leaders speak up for mothers, fathers, children

Apr 26, 2015

By Kevin J. Jones

Opponents of a referendum that would recognize “gay marriage” in Ireland face an uphill fight, but one commentator says they... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his Dec. 3, 2014 general audience.

Pope Francis brings down hammer, says 'Don’t mess with children'

Apr 8, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis said Wednesday that children are never a mistake, and called adults out for building faulty systems that leave... Read more

Pope Francis meets with students in Paul VI audience hall on May 31, 2014.

A society that doesn't want children is 'sad and gray,' Pope says

Mar 18, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis said Wednesday that children are a joy-filled gift for the Church and the world, and cautioned against an... Read more

Are kids just as well off with same-sex parents? Maybe not, studies say

Mar 5, 2015

The idea that children raised in same-sex households fare as well as children of married opposite-sex couples may not withstand... Read more

Pope Francis greets children during his General Audience June 25, 2014.

Siblings help you keep your eyes off yourself, Pope says

Feb 18, 2015

By Elise Harris

In this week’s general audience Pope Francis spoke on the role of siblings in family life, saying the fraternity we... Read more