Vatican News

Vatican's abuse panel plans to include more experts, another survivor

October 7, 2014

VATICAN CITY - A papal commission on child protection will be expanding its nine-member panel to include more experts and another survivor of clerical abuse.

Pope urges participation in Caritas anti-hunger campaign

October 6, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Christians cannot follow Jesus while turning away from people who are hungry, Pope Francis said.

Vatican summit says extremists must be stopped with sanctioned force

October 6, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Extremist groups in the Middle East, including the "Islamic State," must be stopped with sanctioned military force and through dialogue, said a Vatican statement.

Pope launches alarm, tells Vatican security force to be 'gossip police'

September 30, 2014

VATICAN CITY - The biggest threat facing the Vatican isn't a bomb or bullet from the outside, but the insidious work of mischief-makers within, who plant discord and resentment, Pope Francis told the Vatican's security force.

Pope chooses 'family' as theme for World Communications Day 2015

September 29, 2014

VATICAN CITY - As the family gets special focus in two upcoming synods and an international gathering in Philadelphia next year, Pope Francis is highlighting the beauty and value of the family in his message for World Communications Day.

Vatican puts former nuncio accused of sex abuse under house arrest

September 24, 2014

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has placed a laicized papal ambassador under house arrest as he awaits a criminal trial for sexually abusing young boys.

Pope Francis tries again on traditionalist reconciliation after Benedict XVI failed

September 24, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Picking up a piece of unfinished business that consumed the energies of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, the Vatican under Pope Francis is again trying to repair a decades-old breach with a controversial group of traditionalist Catholics.

Moira McQueen among five women appointed to Vatican theological commission

September 23, 2014

A touch of Canada, a touch of Scotland and a feminine touch has been added to the assembly of 30 theologians who advise the Pope and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — all in one appointment. Canadian Moira McQueen, a Scottish-born, University of Glasgow-trained lawyer turned moral theologian, is among a record five women appointed to the International Theological Commission.

Pope Francis calls for 'globalization of charity' to protect migrants

September 23, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis called for the "globalization of charity" through an international network to fight human trafficking and ensure the rights of migrants and refugees.

Pope Francis names panel to streamline marriage annulment process

September 22, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Two weeks before the start of an extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family, the Vatican announced the formation of a special commission to reform the process of granting marriage annulments.