Vatican News

'Pope’s theologian’ downplays Vatican blast at U.S. nuns

May 6, 2014

NEW YORK - The German cardinal who has been called the “Pope’s theologian” said fresh Vatican criticism of American nuns was typical of the “narrower” view that officials of the Roman Curia tend to take, and he said U.S. Catholics shouldn’t be overly concerned.

Vatican defends record on sexual abuse to UN panel

May 6, 2014

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has effectively addressed the “worldwide scourge” of clerical sexual abuse over the past decade and promoted the reporting of allegations to both Church and legal authorities, a United Nations panel heard.

Vatican’s doctrine chief blasts U.S. nuns for disobedience

May 5, 2014

Catholic nuns in the United States have been thumbing their nose at Rome’s demands to toe the doctrinal line and they need to obey or face serious consequences, the Vatican’s enforcer of orthodoxy said in a surprisingly tough talk to women representing most American sisters.

Vatican official says church making progress in stopping sexual abuse

May 5, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Appearing before a U.N. committee monitoring adherence to an international treaty designed to fight torture, a Vatican official insisted that, over the past 10 years, the Catholic Church has "in a systematic, constructive and effective way," worked to prevent clerical sexual abuse of minors and assist victims.

Vatican statistics report Church growth remains steady worldwide

May 4, 2014

VATICAN CITY - The number of Catholics in the world and the number of priests, permanent deacons and religious men all increased in 2012, while the number of women in religious orders continued to decline, according to Vatican statistics.

Hopes rise that Pope, patriarch meeting renews Christian unity effort

May 4, 2014

ROME - The Orthodox bishop who is co-ordinating the upcoming pilgrimage to Jerusalem by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople said he hopes the patriarch's May 25 meeting with Pope Francis will give new impetus to efforts for Christian unity.

‘So much denial’ on sexual abuse crisis, says Cardinal O'Malley

May 4, 2014

VATICAN CITY - The Roman Catholic Church has failed to recognize the worldwide reach of clerical sexual abuse, said Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley.

Social climbers should head for hills, not the Church, for ambitions

May 4, 2014

VATICAN CITY - The Catholic Church is no place for "climbers" who want to reach the heights of prestige, power and profit, Pope Francis said.

Fun, not money should rule sports, says Pope Francis

May 3, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Soccer-fan Pope Francis urged professional athletes to always be sportsmanlike on and off the field because so many people, especially kids, look up to them.

Pope: New attitude of 'evangelical service' must take hold at Vatican

May 1, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis told his new economic oversight council that it must be "courageous and determined" in its critical role of helping the Church not waver from its real mission of bringing the Gospel to the world and helping those most in need.