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

Twitter is preparing for the Pope's visit to Mexico

Feb 13, 2016

The social network Twitter is prepared for Pope Francis’ historic trip to Mexico, with special emojis emblematic of each city... Read more

Keys.

How millions of keys in Mexico are being used to honor Pope Francis

Feb 12, 2016

A well-known Mexican artist is collecting millions of keys for an unusual reason.  Read more

Pope Francis meets with Patriarch Kirill in Havana, Cuba on Feb. 12, 2016.

'We are brothers' – Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill hold historic meeting

Feb 12, 2016

Christian brotherhood and unity were the focus of Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill when they met on Friday... Read more

Pope Francis meets with Patriarch Kirill.

Full text of joint declaration signed by Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill

Feb 12, 2016

In a historic first, Pope Francis on Friday met with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill.  Read more

Pope Francis.

Pope Francis sends airborne blessing to Mother Angelica

Feb 12, 2016

By Elise Harris

While on board the plane taking him to Cuba and then Mexico, Pope Francis took a moment to send a... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI Holds His Final General Audience, Feb. 27, 2013.

The silent reform of Benedict XVI's papacy

Feb 11, 2016

By Elise Harris

In his new book on Benedict XVI, Vatican journalist Marco Mancini argues that while the retired pontiff became known for... Read more

Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Four reasons why Pope Francis will meet with Patriarch Kirill

Feb 11, 2016

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The first, historic meeting between a Pope and a Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church does not come from nowhere.... Read more

A chat with Joseph Fiennes – star of historical thriller 'Risen'

Feb 10, 2016

By Ann Schneible

The lead actor of “Risen,” a film told through the eyes of a Roman soldier who is forced to confront... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass on Ash Wednesday in St. Peter's Basilica, Feb. 10, 2016.

Lent is a time of pruning and reconciliation, Pope Francis says

Feb 10, 2016

By Elise Harris

In his Ash Wednesday homily, Pope Francis said that Lent is the perfect time to let go of selfish and... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his general audience Feb. 10, 2016.

If mercy doesn’t reach your pockets, it’s not real, Pope says

Feb 10, 2016

By Elise Harris

For Pope Francis, mercy isn’t just spiritual, but is something that ought to be expressed in concrete acts of service... Read more

Pope Francis meets with the Missionaries of Mercy at Sala Regia on Feb. 9, 2016.

Cover sinners with the blanket of mercy, Pope Francis tells priests

Feb 9, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis met with 650 of the 1,000 priests who've been chosen as Missionaries of Mercy, telling them to show... Read more

Extraordinary Assembly of Synod of the Bishops on the Family, Oct. 2014.

Cardinal council wraps up prep work on new Vatican departments

Feb 9, 2016

By Elise Harris

As Pope Francis' ongoing process of reform continues to move forward, his council of advisers have finished their proposals for... Read more

Pope Francis listens to confessions on July 26, 2013 during World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

How to be a great confessor – Pope Francis' advice for priests

Feb 9, 2016

Priests who are good confessors must recognize their own sins in order to forgive and comfort penitents, Pope Francis said... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on Nov. 4, 2015.

Pope Francis grieves over victims of Taiwan earthquake

Feb 8, 2016

Pope Francis sent his condolences to those affected by a deadly earthquake which struck the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan... Read more

A view of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica from the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.

Vatican financial reform aims to help the Church do its job better

Feb 7, 2016

By Matt Hadro

The Vatican’s recent financial reforms have the common good – not just efficiency – as their end, said an economist... Read more

Pope Francis greets members of Padre Pio prayer groups in St. Peter's Square Feb. 6, 2016.

Padre Pio was a true 'servant of mercy,' Pope Francis says

Feb 6, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Saturday Pope Francis said that St. Padre Pio is a key example of someone who has given their entire... Read more

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill (L)

'First in history' – Pope Francis to meet Russian Patriarch in Cuba

Feb 5, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Friday the Vatican announced that while on his way to Mexico, Pope Francis will stop in Cuba to meet... Read more

Pope Francis arrives at the Piazza di Spagna to being the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Dec. 8, 2015.

Pope Francis surprises jubilee pilgrims in visit to Vatican departments

Feb 4, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Thursday the “Pope of Surprises” made an unscheduled stop at the welcoming center for pilgrims in Rome for the... Read more

St. Padre Pio at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Rome, Italy on Feb. 3, 2016.

Padre Pio's incorrupt body is in Rome – here's why

Feb 4, 2016

By Elise Harris

The partially incorrupt body of Padre Pio has arrived to Rome for the first time ever alongside that of another... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square, Feb. 3, 2016.

Pope Francis: I want to help bring peace to Mexico

Feb 3, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis will leave for Mexico in just over a week. In a new interview with a Mexican news agency,... Read more