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Pope Francis gives an address in the library of the Apostolic Palace. Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis to mark fifth anniversary of ‘Amoris laetitia’ with year dedicated to family

Dec 27, 2020

Pope Francis announced Sunday a special year dedicated to the family, marking the fifth anniversary of the publication of his... Read more

Pope Francis gives his Christmas ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing Dec. 25, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis calls for ‘vaccines for all’ as he gives Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing

Dec 25, 2020

Giving his traditional Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing Friday, Pope Francis called for coronavirus vaccines to be made available to... Read more

CNA

Pope Francis: ‘Consumerism has stolen Christmas’

Dec 20, 2020

Pope Francis advised Catholics Sunday not to waste time complaining about coronavirus restrictions, but to focus instead on helping those... Read more

Archbishop Bashar Warda, pictured on Feb. 11, 2015. Credit: Mazur/catholicchurch.org.uk.

Catholic archbishop: papal visit could ‘change trajectory’ of Christian presence in Iraq

Dec 18, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Iraqi Archbishop Bashar Warda has said that Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the country could be a turning point for... Read more

Bishop-elect Larry J. Kulick of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Pope Francis names new bishop for Diocese of Greensburg

Dec 18, 2020

Pope Francis named on Friday a new bishop of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.  Read more

Hospital quarantine room. Stock image via Shutterstock.

As Christmas nears, Catholic priest sees ‘signs of hope’ at COVID hospital in Rome

Dec 18, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

A Catholic chaplain at a COVID hospital in Rome said he has seen many reasons for hope this Advent, especially... Read more

Pope Francis, pictured April 17, 2013.

Pope Francis: Hundreds of millions of children ‘left behind’ amid pandemic

Dec 17, 2020

Hundreds of millions of children have been “left behind” as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said Wednesday.  Read more

Pope Francis, pictured on Oct. 15, 2014.

Pope Francis calls for ‘culture of care’ in 2021 World Peace Day message

Dec 17, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis appealed for a “culture of care” in his message for the 2021 World Day of Peace released Thursday.  Read more

Archbishop Rino Fisichella at the inauguration of '100 Nativity Scenes at the Vatican' Dec. 13, 2020.

Mini Pope Francis featured in Vatican’s annual 100 nativity scenes display

Dec 16, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Among the novelties of this year’s “100 Nativity Scenes at the Vatican” exhibit is the inclusion of a miniature Pope... Read more

Members of the Swiss Guards, pictured May 6, 2015.

Swiss Guards receive funding boost for barracks renovation

Dec 16, 2020

The Swiss government agreed last week to give $5.66 million toward the renovation of the Swiss Guard barracks at the... Read more

Pope Francis at his general audience address in the library of the Apostolic Palace Dec. 16, 2020.

Pope Francis: ‘Those who pray never turn their backs on the world’

Dec 16, 2020

People who pray for others are like God’s antennas, Pope Francis said at the general audience Wednesday.  Read more

The Vatican’s nativity scene is unveiled in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 11, 2020.

‘It doesn’t embarrass us’: Art teacher defends Vatican’s much-maligned nativity scene

Dec 15, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

A teacher at the art institute where the Vatican’s much-maligned nativity scene was made has responded to its critics.  Read more

Pope Francis, pictured in St. Peter's Square Oct. 8, 2014.

Pope Francis to agricultural sector: Seek solidarity, not just profit

Dec 15, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Those who work in agriculture should consider the relationship between Creator, man, and nature, and strive to operate on a... Read more

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, pictured in St. Peter’s Basilica Oct. 3, 2015.

Cardinal Parolin returns to Vatican following surgery

Dec 15, 2020

Cardinal Pietro Parolin has returned to the Vatican following surgery, the director of the Holy See press office said Tuesday.  Read more

A pilgrim from Russia wears a mask and uses hand sanitizer in front of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 6, 2020.

Vatican City to start coronavirus vaccinations in January

Dec 15, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Vatican City will begin to offer coronavirus vaccinations in January, according to the Vatican director of health and hygiene.   Read more

Decorations on the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 11, 2020.

This year’s Vatican Christmas tree has ornaments handmade by the homeless

Dec 11, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Reaching a height of nearly 100 feet, the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square this year is adorned with handcrafted... Read more

Spain’s Catholic bishops: Fast and pray against legalization of euthanasia

Dec 11, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Catholic bishops of Spain called Thursday for a day of fasting and prayer ahead of the expected approval of a... Read more

Pope Francis, pictured on October 4, 2014.

Pope Francis offers support to beleaguered Christians of Syria and Iraq

Dec 11, 2020

Pope Francis urged Catholic charities Thursday to continue supporting embattled Christian minorities in Syria and Iraq.  Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, Dec. 25, 2019.

Pope Francis to offer Midnight Mass at 7:30pm

Dec 10, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis’ Midnight Mass will begin at 7:30 p.m. this year, as the Italian government extends a national curfew through... Read more

The Childhood of Christ, by  Gerard van Honthorst  (1592–1656). Public domain.

15 ways to gain an indulgence in the Year of St. Joseph

Dec 10, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Until December 2021, there are many new ways that Catholics can receive an indulgence, including entrusting their daily work to... Read more