Vatican News

Pope Francis and Zelenskyy discuss repatriation of Ukrainian captives

Justin McLellan · October 11, 2024

Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for the third time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, focusing their discussion on the repatriation of Ukrainian nationals held in Russian captivity.

Vatican doctrinal chief tells synod it's not time for women deacons

Cindy Wooden · October 3, 2024

"Rushing" to open the diaconate to women in the Catholic Church would short-circuit a necessary reflection on the relationship between ordained ministry and charismatic leadership, particularly as it impacts the participation of women in the church, said the head of the Vatican's doctrinal office.

Church must recognize, ask pardon for its sins, Pope Francis says before synod

Cindy Wooden · October 1, 2024

The Catholic Church cannot be credible in its mission of proclaiming Christ unless it acknowledges its mistakes and bends down "to heal the wounds we have caused by our sins," Pope Francis said.

Vatican announces visitation of Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter

Catholic News Service · September 30, 2024

The Vatican dicastery charged with overseeing and assisting religious orders confirmed that it plans to conduct an apostolic visitation of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, which was founded in 1988 by traditionalist priests wanting to maintain the old liturgical rites while remaining in full communion with the pope.

Pope Francis expels 10 members, including bishop, from Peru-based Catholic movement

Justin McLellan · September 26, 2024

Following an investigation into an influential Peru-based Catholic movement that has expanded across Latin America and the United States, Pope Francis has expelled 10 members from its ranks for physical and spiritual abuse.

Second synod session to open with penitential liturgy

Justin McLellan · September 17, 2024

The second session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, set to bring 368 bishops, priests, religious and laypeople to the Vatican, will begin by asking forgiveness for various sins on behalf of all the baptized.

As 'fruit' of dialogue, China recognizes bishop, Vatican says

Justin McLellan · August 28, 2024

After five years of refusal, the Chinese government has officially recognized Bishop Melchior Shi Hongzhen as bishop of Tianjin, the Vatican said, in what it called "a positive fruit of the dialogue established over the years between the Holy See and the Chinese government."

Pope Francis off to Asia, Oceania

Cindy Wooden · August 21, 2024

Pope Francis’ trip to Asia and Oceania in September will be a trip of religious, economic and social contrasts.

Vatican secretary of state asks Iranian president for restraint

Cindy Wooden · August 13, 2024

As the world braced for Iran to retaliate for the assassination of a Hamas leader who was staying in the Iranian capital, the Vatican secretary of state pleaded with Iran's new president not to escalate the Middle East conflict.

Vatican says it was 'saddened' by Olympics' opening ceremony

Catholic News Service · August 6, 2024

More than a week after the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, the Vatican joined people who complained that a segment of the show featuring drag performers offended Christians.