Pope to visit Lesbos to highlight plight of refugees
VATICAN CITY - In an effort to highlight the dramatic situation of refugees left in limbo on the Greek island of Lesbos, Pope Francis and other Christian leaders will meet with the migrants April 16.
Pope blesses eyes of Ohio girl going blind
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis blessed the eyes of an American girl who suffers from a genetic condition that will make her blind, in a visit to the Vatican described as a “miracle” by her father.
Pope meets head of traditionalist Society of St. Pius X
VATICAN CITY - As discussions continue between Vatican officials and leaders of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, Pope Francis met at the Vatican with Bishop Bernard Fellay, head of the society.
Pope asks for new Catholic institutions of mercy, charity
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis asked Catholic dioceses around the world to set up a permanent memorial of the Year of Mercy by establishing a hospital, home for the aged or school in an under-served area.
Pope breaks record on Instagram
VATICAN CITY - With a simple tap, Pope Francis joined Instagram and quickly set a record for gaining one million followers.
Cardinal Cottier, former theologian of papal household, dies
VATICAN CITY - Cardinal Georges Cottier, former theologian of the papal household, died March 31 at the age of 93.
Vatican confirms investigation into financing of cardinal's apartment
VATICAN CITY - Vatican judicial authorities are investigating the former president and former treasurer of its Bambino Gesu pediatric hospital in a case involving the financing of remodelling work on the Vatican apartment where Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone lives.
Pope to release document on the family April 8
VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has set April 8 for the release of "Amoris Laetitia" ("The Joy of Love"), Pope Francis' reflection on the family and family life.
Only 50 per cent of Italians call themselves Catholic
ROME - Italy may be the spiritual home of 1.2 billion members of the Catholic Church around the world, but a new poll shows only 50 per cent of Italians consider themselves Catholic.
Reconcile with God, resurrect hope in others, Pope urges at Easter
VATICAN CITY - Easter is a feast of hope, a celebration of God's mercy and a call to pray for and assist all who suffer, Pope Francis said before giving his solemn blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world).
Mary launched path to salvation
Lady Day — the Catholic feast, not 1940s jazz diva Billie Holiday — doesn’t get much attention. It almost always falls too close to Easter and with the many Marian feasts crowding the Catholic calendar, it’s hard to make time for the Feast of the Annunciation. This year it has been moved from its usual March 25 to April 4 so it does not conflict with Good Friday.