FAITH/STORIES

Ugandans woke up June 17 to the shock of a school massacre in which at least 39 students and two community members were killed.

The Vatican's criminal court ordered two climate activists to pay more than $30,000 in damages after they glued themselves to an ancient sculpture in the Vatican Museums to draw attention to the effects of climate change.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, celebrated a penitential rite at the basilica's main altar June 3 after a man climbed up on it naked before being apprehended.

Pope Francis has named two-thirds of cardinals eligible to elect his successor

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Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, the retired archbishop of Naples, celebrated his 80th birthday June 2 and, consequently, became ineligible to enter a conclave to elect a new pope.

Vexing vexillology: Even the Vatican gets its flag wrong

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The flag of Vatican City, yellow and white with crossed keys under the papal tiara, is incorrect in many emojis, flying outside the United Nations and often even on Vatican buildings.

May 29, 2023

Pope Francis on Pentecost: Synod is journey in the Spirit, not 'a parliament'

The Catholic Church's current Synod of Bishops should not be a "parliament for demanding rights," but a "journey in accordance with the Spirit," Pope Francis said.

May 24, 2023

Pope Francis prays Chinese Catholics can practice faith fully, freely

Pope Francis prayed that Catholics in China would be free to share the Gospel and live their faith fully.

Cardinal Zuppi, Pope Francis' peace envoy, talks about war in Ukraine

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"War is a pandemic. It involves us all," said Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Italian prelate chosen by Pope Francis to lead an initiative for peace in Ukraine.

Man arrested after car breaches Vatican gate, drawing gunfire from police

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A man with apparent psychiatric problems forced his way through a Vatican security gate late May 18 by speeding past Swiss Guards and Vatican gendarmes in a vehicle before being apprehended in a Vatican courtyard.

Pope Francis issues new 'fundamental law' for Vatican City State

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Pope Francis updated the "Fundamental Law of Vatican City State," opening the possibility that laypeople can be members of its governing commission and emphasizing that the independence of the city-state is essential for the mission of the Holy See.

It's unfair, humiliating if only the rich can build a family, Pope Francis says

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Starting a family and having children has become a kind of herculean task when instead it should be valued and supported by everyone, Pope Francis said at a meeting in Rome on Italy's severe decline in population growth.

Every moment is a chance to live the Gospel, Pope Francis tells new Swiss Guards

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Pope Francis asked 23 new members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard to draw close to the sacraments, read Scripture and meditate on spiritual texts, including during calm shifts on guard.

Mystery mission: Details murky on Pope Francis' push for peace in Ukraine

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When Pope Francis told reporters the Vatican had some kind of "mission" underway to promote an end to the war in Ukraine, journalists naturally were intrigued.