Vatican News

Cardinal vicar of Rome hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19

March 31, 2020

ROME -- Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the papal vicar for Rome, was hospitalized after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus, the Diocese of Rome announced.

Vatican confirms Pope Francis does not have COVID-19

March 26, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Neither Pope Francis nor any of his closest collaborators have the COVID-19 virus, said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office.

Vatican says Holy Week liturgies must proceed even if pews are empty

March 20, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that is causing public Mass cancellations worldwide, the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter can not be postponed or suspended, said the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

Vatican says general absolution may be permissible during pandemic

March 20, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- In places particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic and with severe limits on people leaving their homes, conditions may exist to grant general absolution without people personally confessing their sins first, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis updates Vatican City State judicial system

March 16, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis updated the laws that govern the Vatican judicial system in an effort to establish greater transparency and independence, particularly in financial and criminal matters.

Vatican says public will not be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies

March 15, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican office that distributes free tickets to papal events has posted a notice on its website that "the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful."

After leading 'virtual' Angelus, pope blesses crowd in St. Peter's Square

March 9, 2020

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis did not recite the Sunday Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square March 8, but he did go to the window to wave and to bless the pilgrims who showed up anyway.

French cardinal Barbarin resigns following overturned abuse conviction

March 6, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon, five weeks after a French appeals court overturned his conviction for failing to report clerical sexual abuse.

Abuse rules ordered for lay movements

March 4, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Days after revelations of sexual abuse committed by Jean Vanier, a Vatican abuse expert said organizations led by a charismatic leader who is followed uncritically and commands or demands control over members are at risk for cases of physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

Pope Francis skips penance service with Rome clergy due to mild cold

February 27, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis did not attend a traditional penitential service with priests of the Diocese of Rome due to a mild cold, the Vatican said.