Pope Francis Latest News

These are the latest news about Pope Francis, the Vatican, and the Catholic Church, provided by the Vatican staff of Catholic News Agency, a service of EWTN News.

The Latest

Pope Francis delivers Urbi et Orbi blessing at St Peters Basilica on March 27, 2016.

Pope: Easter message brings hope to victims of terrorism, persecution

Mar 27, 2016

By Ann Schneible

In his Urbi et Orbi message for Easter, Pope Francis encouraged victims of terrorism and Christian persecution to find hope... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil at St Peters basilica.

Let yourselves be moved by hope, Pope says at Easter Vigil

Mar 26, 2016

By Elise Harris

During the Easter Vigil, Pope Francis told attendees not to be overcome by sadness in the face of life’s difficulties,... Read more

Pope Francis prays the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome, March 25, 2016.

Pope's Way of the Cross remembers migrants, persecuted Christians

Mar 25, 2016

By Ann Schneible

Following the yearly Good Friday tradition set by his predecessors, Pope Francis presided over the Stations of the Cross at... Read more

Pope Francis washes the feet of migrants and refugees during Holy Thursday Mass March 24, 2016.

An emotional Mass for migrants with Pope Francis

Mar 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

During a Mass in Rome on Holy Thursday Pope Francis washed the feet of migrants and refugees, many of whom... Read more

Opening Mass for the synod of bishops on the family, Oct. 8, 2015.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda 'honored' to head Minn. diocese

Mar 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis has named Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda as the new head of the Minneapolis-St. Paul archdiocese – a surprise... Read more

Priests concelebrate with Pope Francis during the Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica March 24, 2016.

Your task is to incarnate mercy, Pope Francis tells priests

Mar 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

During Holy Thursday’s Chrism Mass Pope Francis focused on the topic of mercy, telling priests that one of their primary... Read more

Pope Francis at the General Audience, April 27, 2013.

Pope Francis will speak on the synod soon. But the spin has already begun.

Mar 23, 2016

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The war of interpretations has begun over Pope Francis’ yet-to-be-published post-synodal exhortation. And this war is taking place in the... Read more

Pope Francis prays at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on Oct. 2, 2013.

Pope Francis observes moment of silence for Belgium attack victims

Mar 23, 2016

By Elise Harris

In his general audience the day after terrorist attacks in Belgium claimed the lives of at least 30 people and... Read more

Pope Francis prays with journalists on the papal flight August 2014.

Pope Francis grieves Belgium attacks, condemns 'blind violence'

Mar 22, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Tuesday Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims of attacks at an airport and metro in Belgium, condemning the... Read more

Pope Francis prays at General Audience Sept. 25, 2013.

Pope prays for victims of Russian plane crash, Istanbul bombing

Mar 21, 2016

Pope Francis offered prayers over the weekend for victims of both a plane crash in Russia and a suicide bombing... Read more

Pope Francis leads procession of palms in St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday March 20, 2016.

Humility is the epitome of redemption, Pope Francis says on Palm Sunday

Mar 20, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Palm Sunday Pope Francis said the path toward salvation can be summed up by humility and service, and encouraged... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday General Audience, May 21, 2014:

Pope's Instagram launches with appeal for prayer

Mar 19, 2016

By Ann Schneible

The official Instagram account of Pope Francis launched on Saturday with a simple request for his followers: “Pray for me.”  Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience, Sept. 16, 2015.

Francis: Hope is the 'humble virtue' that keeps us afloat in tough times

Mar 17, 2016

By Elise Harris

In his homily Thursday, Pope Francis spoke on the essential role hope plays in the Christian life, saying that while... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his March 16, 2016 general audience.

Pope Francis to world leaders: Open your doors to migrants

Mar 16, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Wednesday Pope Francis renewed his appeal on behalf of the tens of thousands struggling to enter other countries as... Read more

Mother Teresa around the year 1994.

It's official – Mother Teresa will be canonized September 4

Mar 15, 2016

By Elise Harris

After months of anticipation, the date of Mother Teresa’s canonization has finally been announced. It falls on Sept. 4, which... Read more

Pope Francis bowed in prayer in St. Peter's Basilica on September 2, 2015.

Pope mourns 'tragic loss of life' after attack in Turkey

Mar 14, 2016

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis sent his condolences to the president of Turkey where a terrorist attack Sunday left dozens dead.  Read more

St. Mary's Basilica on Krakow's Main Square.

Vatican releases papal schedule for World Youth Day in Poland

Mar 12, 2016

On Saturday the Vatican released a provisional schedule of Pope Francis' visit to Poland for World Youth Day. He will... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his jubilee general audience March 12, 2016.

Love is the hidden service we do for others, Pope Francis says

Mar 12, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Saturday Pope Francis said that love is more than just saying nice words and doing things – it means... Read more

Pope Francis greets the judges of the Roman Rota at the Vatican's Clementine Hall, Jan. 22, 2016.

Pope: new annulment process has an 'eminently pastoral' goal

Mar 12, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Saturday Pope Francis told participants in course on the streamlined annulment process that the main goal of the new... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his general audience on Nov. 29, 2014.

Pope Francis returns to Rome after a week of spiritual exercises

Mar 11, 2016

By Elise Harris

After spending a week outside Rome reflecting on key questions in the Gospel during their annual Lenten retreat, Pope Francis... Read more