Cindy Wooden

Comedian, cardinal, inmate present Pope Francis book on mercy

January 12, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Arms flailing, the exuberant and perhaps hyperactive Italian actor and comedian Roberto Benigni described Pope Francis as a masterful minister of God's mercy, which is always active and always on the move.

Church's credibility found in showing mercy, Pope says in new book

January 11, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Being ministers of God's mercy, church members overcome "prejudice and rigidity," taking risks like Jesus did in order to heal and to save, Pope Francis said.

New Vatican document reflects on relations between Catholics, Jews

December 10, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Catholics are called to witness to their faith in Jesus before all people, including Jews, but the Catholic Church "neither conducts nor supports" any institutional missionary initiative directed toward Jews, says a new document from a Vatican commission.

Vatican continues steps to fight serious financial crime, agency says

December 9, 2015

VATICAN CITY - The Holy See and Vatican City State have continued to strengthen their institutional, legal and operational frameworks for combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism, an international monitoring organization said.

Pope says he was surprised by crowds, joy in Africa

November 30, 2015

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM AFRICA - Pope Francis told reporters he is well aware that God is a god of surprises, but he had not been prepared for what a surprise his first visit to Africa would be.

At Bangui mosque and Mass, Pope prays for 'salam,' peace

November 30, 2015

BANGUI, Central African Republic - Pope Francis ended his visit to the violence-torn Central African Republic with cries for peace and pleas for a mercy that seeks and grants forgiveness.

Pope in Bangui: Open the doors of mercy, counter violence with love

November 29, 2015

BANGUI, Central African Republic - Put down the weapons of war and work for justice, Pope Francis urged the people of the Central African Republic.

Pope arrives in violence-torn Central African Republic preaching peace

November 29, 2015

BANGUI, Central African Republic - Despite serious security concerns for Pope Francis and for those who would come to see him, the pope landed in Central African Republic Nov. 29 saying he came as "a pilgrim of peace."

Honor your martyrs by putting faith into action, Pope tells Ugandans

November 28, 2015

KAMPALA, Uganda - As Pope Francis encouraged Ugandan Christians to draw inspiration from the 19th-century Ugandan Martyrs, he carried with him graphic images of the horrors the 45 Anglican and Catholic martyrs endured.

Ugandans give pope exuberant welcome as he urges unity

November 27, 2015

KAMPALA, Uganda - Witnessing to what is true, good and beautiful -- even if that witness is motivated by different faiths -- brings people together and strengthens a nation, Pope Francis said.