Vatican News

Pope Francis to highlight divine mercy on visit to Assisi chapel

July 5, 2016

VATICAN CITY – To mark the 800th anniversary of the "Pardon of Assisi," an indulgence earned by visiting faithful who confess their sins and make a sincere promise of repentance, Pope Francis will visit a stone chapel rebuilt by St. Francis of Assisi.

SSPX head claims Pope is encouraging error

June 29, 2016

VATICAN CITY – The superior general of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X said Pope Francis, rather than denouncing errors in Catholic doctrine, has "encouraged" them.

Retired Pope Benedict XVI says he 'feels protected' by Pope Francis

June 28, 2016

VATICAN CITY – In his first public address in almost a year, retired Pope Benedict XVI expressed his sincere gratefulness to Pope Francis, saying that his goodness "from the first moment of your election, in every moment of my life here, touches me deeply."

Former Holy Land 'custos' named apostolic administrator of Jerusalem

June 27, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem and appointed Franciscan Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, former "custos" of the Holy Land, as the apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Vatican marks Laudato Si' anniversary with new website

June 21, 2016

ROME – Marking the first anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace launched a new web site dedicated to the document and efforts around the world to put its teaching into practice.

‘Special forces’ armed with skills to fight abuse

June 16, 2016

The Catholic Church has launched a new kind of "special forces" in the fight against child abuse.

Vatican signs new contract with external financial auditor

June 10, 2016

VATICAN CITY – After suspending an external audit led by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Vatican has signed a new contract with the auditing firm asking only that it provide assistance and consulting services.

Pope calls euthanasia triumph of selfishness, not act of compassion

June 10, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Growing acceptance of euthanasia does not indicate increased compassion, but highlights the rise of a selfish "throwaway culture" that casts aside the sick, the dying and those who do not satisfy the perceived requirements of a healthy life, Pope Francis said.

Pope, Council of Cardinals discuss decentralization of Vatican offices

June 8, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals studied ways in which the responsibilities of Vatican offices can be simplified and harmonized.

Pope to appoint advisory board in removing negligent bishops regarding sex abuse

June 6, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis will set up a panel of legal experts to help him in deciding whether to remove a religious superior or bishop from office for failing to protect minors and vulnerable adults from sex abuse.