At embezzlement trial, lawyers 'surprised' by Vatican prosecution's request

VATICAN CITY -- A request by Vatican prosecutors to withdraw testimony in a megatrial regarding financial malfeasance prompted defense lawyers to call for the case to be thrown out.

Pope Francis prays for victims of abuse in France

VATICAN CITY -- The Catholic Church's inability to make victims of abuse their top concern is a cause for intense shame, Pope Francis said.

Three Swiss Guards quit over vaccine mandate

VATICAN CITY -- Three members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard have hung up their halberds rather than be vaccinated against COVID-19, and three others were temporarily suspended in early October as they were completing the vaccination cycle, the spokesman for the guards told a Swiss newspaper.

Vatican to require vaccination proof or negative COVID-19 test

VATICAN CITY -- Visitors, tourists and employees who want to enter Vatican territory will be required beginning Oct. 1 to show proof of vaccination, recovery from the coronavirus or a negative COVID-19 test.

Pope Francis: Bishops must handle Communion debate as shepherds, not with censures

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SLOVAKIA (CNS) -- The debate about denying Communion to politicians who support abortion must be handled in a pastoral way, not by public condemnations that seek to "excommunicate" Catholics who are not in line with church teaching, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis reminds Roma community, young people that church is their home

KOŠICE, Slovakia (CNS) -- Pope Francis made sure that while the world often disregards the young and the marginalized, in the Catholic Church, "no one ought ever to feel out of place or set aside."

Horrors of Holocaust must not be forgotten, Pope Francis tells Slovak Jews

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia -- The violence of the Holocaust and the atrocities committed against the Jewish people are tantamount to blasphemy, Pope Francis said.

Denounce violence, inflammatory preaching, Pope Francis tells religious leaders

VATICAN CITY -- Religious leaders must courageously cooperate in supporting each other in opposing hatred and promoting peace, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis urges Slovak church, government to put people first

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia -- Slovakia's tradition of hospitality along with its witness of faith amid persecution must be at the forefront of government policies and the Catholic Church's engagement with the faithful, Pope Francis said.

After warm welcome to Slovakia, Pope Francis encourages Christian leaders to unite

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia -- Hundreds of men, women and children gathered on the tarmac of Bratislava international airport Sept. 12 to welcome Pope Francis for a visit of less than 72 hours.

Profiles in courage and faith: Mother Roza Czacka, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski

In life, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski and Mother Róza Czacka led their Polish countrymen with courage and humble service. Now the 20th century compatriots will be beatified together.