Vatican News

Vatican downplays film promo, says Pope will not have movie debut

February 2, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis will not be an actor in a proposed movie based on the Gospels, a Vatican spokesman said.

Cardinal confirms some priests decline appointment as bishop

February 1, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Although the number is not high, it is no longer "exceptional" to have priests turn down an appointment as bishop, said Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

Pope tells Iran's president he has 'high hopes' for peace

January 26, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the Vatican, Pope Francis told him he had high hopes for peace.

Pope asks mercy, pardon for ways Christians have harmed one another

January 25, 2016

ROME - After walking across the threshold of the Holy Door with an Orthodox metropolitan and an Anglican archbishop, Pope Francis invoked God's mercy upon divided Christians and apologized for times that Catholics may have hurt members of other denominations.

Pope plans to visit Sweden to commemorate Reformation anniversary

January 25, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis will visit Sweden in October to participate in an ecumenical service and the beginning of a year of activities to mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

Pope advances causes of Argentinian 'gaucho priest,' Japanese samurai

January 22, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of 10 men and women, including the Argentinian "gaucho priest," Blessed Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, known for his ministry to the sick and the dying.

Still fighting the death penalty, Sr. Prejean gets Pope’s blessing

January 21, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Two decades after her anti-death penalty work was transformed into the Oscar-winning movie Dead Man Walking, Sr. Helen Prejean’s campaign continues with the backing of Pope Francis.

Foot-washing ritual not limited to men, Vatican says in new decree

January 21, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Following a request by Pope Francis, the Vatican issued a decree specifying that the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual can include "all members of the people of God," including women -- a practice already observed by the Pope and many priests around the world.

A jealous heart is an ugly, tormented heart, Pope says at morning Mass

January 21, 2016

VATICAN CITY - Jealousy and envy are ugly sins that grow like weeds in one's heart, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass. A heart that is envious is not only tormented, but can even "lead one to kill," the Pope said Jan. 21 during the Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Vatican to care for homeless woman who gave birth outside of St. Peter's

January 20, 2016

VATICAN CITY - A homeless woman was offered a place to stay at a Vatican women's shelter after she gave birth to a baby girl near the colonnade surrounding St. Peter's Square, the Vatican spokesman said.