Cindy Wooden

Vatican spokesman insists Pope, aides are united on approach to China

January 30, 2018

VATICAN – Catholics who have accused top members of the Roman Curia of making overtures to China's communist government without the knowledge of Pope Francis are "fostering confusion and controversy," said the director of the Vatican press office.

Lord's Prayer: Germans stick with wording; Italians to change at Mass

January 26, 2018

ROME – After special study, the German bishops' conference decided to stick with the traditional wording in the Lord's Prayer while the Italian bishops' conference has decided to change the words of the prayer in their translation of the Roman Missal.

Serving isolated parishes may mean ordaining married men, cardinal says

January 23, 2018

VATICAN – The idea of exceptionally ordaining older married men of proven virtue to celebrate the Eucharist in isolated Catholic communities is something that should be discussed, said Cardinal Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy.

Trump comments 'harsh, offensive,' Vatican newspaper says

January 12, 2018

VATICAN – In its continuing coverage of the U.S. immigration debate, the Vatican newspaper noted media reports that President Donald Trump "used particularly harsh and offensive words about immigrants" from several countries.

Pope's New Year priorities: Refugees, youths, trips, more Curia reform

December 29, 2017

VATICAN – Foreign trips, a focus on the rights and needs of migrants and refugees and a Synod of Bishops dedicated to young people all are on the 2018 calendar for Pope Francis.

Elements of Vatican nativity scene cause a stir

December 14, 2017

VATICAN – The Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square is not getting rave reviews: The backdrop does not look like a stable and the characters in need – hungry, naked, dead, imprisoned – don't exactly evoke a silent night when all was cozy, calm and bright. Franciscan Father John Puodziunas said he didn't like it at first.

Christian vocation is to serve life, health, Pope says

December 10, 2017

VATICAN – The Catholic Church's care for the sick, especially through Catholic-run hospitals, is an antidote to "the business mentality that is seeking worldwide to turn health care into a profit-making enterprise," Pope Francis said.

Pope calls for respect as he listens to Rohingya refugees

December 9, 2017

VATICAN – Pope Francis’ skill at walking political and pastoral tightropes was put to the test in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Pope's letter to Argentine bishops on 'Amoris Laetitia' part of official record

December 5, 2017

VATICAN – Describing them as "authentic magisterium," Pope Francis ordered the official publication of his letter to a group of Argentine bishops and their guidelines for the interpretation of "Amoris Laetitia," his apostolic exhortation on the family.

Pope meets 16 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, says they are 'images of the living God'

December 1, 2017

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Each human being is created in the image and likeness of God, yet so often people desecrate that image with violence as seen in the treatment of Myanmar's Rohingya minority, Pope Francis said.