Pope Francis tells patriarch Catholics are ready for a common Easter date

Meeting the U.S.-born patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, Pope Francis expressed his hope that Christians of the East and West could finally agree on a common date for celebrating Easter.

Cries for peace can't be ignored, Pope Francis says at interreligious meeting

Standing in front of an ancient symbol of violent battles, Pope Francis and religious leaders from around the world echoed "the cry for peace" of people suffering the impact of conflicts around the world, but especially in Ukraine.

Vatican, China renew agreement on appointing bishops

Saying it is committed to "respectful dialogue" with China's communist government and to "fostering the mission of the Catholic Church and the good of the Chinese people," the Vatican announced it has renewed its agreement with China on the appointment of bishops.

Indigenous traditions enrich Catholic faith

It was a double celebration — the launch of a first book of its kind by an Anishinaabe Catholic woman, and a powerful lesson on how a harmonious blend of indigenous rituals and practices with those of Western Christianity could illuminate the path to a renewed spirit of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and an enriched Catholic Church.

Pope Francis prays for unity of church as he celebrates anniversary of Vatican II

The Second Vatican Council was the universal Catholic Church's response to God's love and to Jesus' command to feed his sheep, Pope Francis said, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the council's opening.

Tourist detained after toppling busts at Vatican Museums

A tourist who toppled two ancient Roman busts in the Vatican Museums has been handed over to Italian police, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis set to be first pope to visit Bahrain

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis intends to visit the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain Nov. 3-6.

Renewal of Vatican agreement with China appears to be on the horizon

As the October deadline approaches for the extension of the Vatican's agreement with the Chinese government, the newly appointed editor of the news agency of the Dicastery for Evangelization said the deal has been instrumental in allowing Catholics to practice their faith openly and in communion with the church.

Blessed John Paul I, 'the smiling pope,' showed God's goodness, Pope Francis says

Beatifying Blessed John Paul I, Pope Francis praised the late pope for showing the world God's goodness and for living the Gospel without compromise.

Vatican says papal remarks on Dugina defended life, were not political

Pope Francis' comments on the death of Darya Dugina, a 29-year-old commentator with a nationalist Russian TV channel, were meant to defend life and were not a political affirmation, the Vatican said.

New cardinals feel honored, humbled, ready to promote renewal of church

Becoming a member of the broad, unique body of the College of Cardinals is both a great honor and an invitation to help promote a renewal of the Catholic Church's mission of evangelization, some new cardinals said.