Vatican News

Pope Francis discovers charismatic movement a gift to the whole church

August 10, 2013

VATICAN CITY - During World Youth Day celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, July 23-28, many worshippers in the crowds could be seen swaying from side to side, arms raised in the air, wearing rapt or joyous expressions on their faces.

Before electing Pope Francis, cardinals heard plea for unity, holiness

August 8, 2013

VATICAN CITY - The last formal exhortation to the 115 cardinals who elected Pope Francis in March included reminders of the importance of presenting the Catholic faith in its entirety, the need to recognize the errors of Church members and the need for unity within the Catholic community.

New Pope a man of style and substance

August 6, 2013

Less than six months into his papacy, Pope Francis still seems very new, very different to the world. In particular, his relationship to the media has caused a sensation. Newspapers around the world have headlined the Pope's remarks on homosexuality with the "Who am I to judge?" soundbite.

Ships at Holy See: how popes once navigated more than spiritual waters

August 3, 2013

VATICAN CITY - One could say it all started with St. Peter's fishing boat. One day, that humble vessel turned into a powerful pontifical fleet, particularly during the life of the Papal States.

Francis' comments taken as surprise are no surprise at all

August 2, 2013

Pope Francis did not turn Catholic sexual ethics on its head while chatting with reporters on the plane trip back from Brazil.

Pope, with fellow Jesuits, prays for 'grace of shame,' humility

July 31, 2013

ROME - Celebrating the feast of St. Ignatius with more than 200 of his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis prayed that he and all of them would receive "the grace of shame" for their failures and the humility to recognize that whatever good they accomplish is really done by the Lord.

Pope picks 'fraternity' as theme for his first World Peace Day message

July 31, 2013

VATICAN CITY - An overemphasis on "personal well-being" and general indifference have eroded any sense of responsibility toward others, especially toward the poor, said a note from the Vatican announcing Pope Francis' choice of a theme for World Peace Day 2014.

Pope's 'gay lobby' remarks affirm Church teaching

July 31, 2013

VATICAN CITY - When Pope Francis told reporters July 28, "Who am I to judge" a homosexual person, he was emphasizing a part of Catholic teaching often overlooked by the media and misunderstood by many people.

Returning to Rome, Pope discusses plans for future trips

July 30, 2013

VATICAN CITY - At the end of his first foreign trip, Pope Francis told reporters that it's good for a Pope to travel and there are plans in the works for visits in Italy, to Jerusalem, to Asia, but nothing planned soon for his Argentine homeland.

Pope answers questions about Curia reforms, gay lobby

July 29, 2013

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM BRAZIL - Pope Francis said he was responding to the clear wishes of the College of Cardinals when he set up commissions to study the Vatican bank, Vatican financial and administrative procedures and the reform of the Roman Curia.