Cindy Wooden

Embezzlement trial of former Vatican bank official begins

May 10, 2018

VATICAN – The Vatican has accused a former director of the Vatican bank and his lawyer of money laundering and embezzlement, saying the men skimmed an estimated 57 million euros (about $68 million) off profits from the sale of Vatican properties.

Pope asks German bishops to try to find unanimity on intercommunion

May 4, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis asked the bishops of Germany to continue working together to find broader consensus on guidelines for allowing a Protestant married to a Catholic to receive the Eucharist.

Vatican issues instruction on improving canon law studies after annulment modifications

May 3, 2018

VATICAN – The changes in canon law Pope Francis made to ensure that marriage annulment cases were handled more quickly, more pastorally and with less expense mean that some changes should be made in the way church law is taught, said the Congregation for Catholic Education.

Bishops around the world adopt Communion guidelines for interchurch couples

May 3, 2018

VATICAN – The German bishops are not the only bishops in the world to propose or adopt pastoral guidelines for allowing an Anglican or a Protestant married to a Catholic to receive the Eucharist under certain circumstances.

Even amid suffering, love highlights value of every life, Pope says

April 30, 2018

VATICAN – Love is a miraculous force that helps the parents of sick children focus on the beauty of their children's lives and keeps the flame of hope for a cure alive, Pope Francis told an Italian couple and a group of their supporters.

German bishops, Vatican officials to meet May 3 to discuss intercommunion

April 30, 2018

VATICAN – Six German bishops will meet with officials from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts to discuss German plans to allow greater access to the Eucharist for Protestants married to Catholics.

Pope unites two Canadian dioceses under Archbishop Prendergast

April 26, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis has united the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall with the Archdiocese of Ottawa "in the person of the bishop," Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa, indicating the situation may change in the future.

Pope to host ecumenical prayer for peace in the Middle East

April 25, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis will travel to Bari, the southern Italian Adriatic port city, July 7 to host a day of reflection and ecumenical prayer for peace in the Middle East.

Pope, Council of Cardinals discuss new document on Roman Curia

April 25, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals have reviewed a complete draft of the apostolic constitution that would govern the Roman Curia, the Vatican spokesman said.

Italy grants citizenship to Alfie Evans in attempt to guarantee his care

April 23, 2018

VATICAN – The Italian government granted citizenship to Alfie Evans, a seriously ill British toddler, in a last-minute effort to prevent doctors in England from withdrawing life-support.