Vatican News

Pope calls on Europe's parishes, religious houses to take in refugees

September 8, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Given the ongoing crisis of people fleeing from war and poverty, Pope Francis asked every parish and religious community in Europe to take in a family of refugees as a concrete sign of hope and God's mercy.

Pope simplifies annulment process, asks that it be free of charge

September 8, 2015

VATICAN CITY - While a juridical process is necessary for making accurate judgments, the Catholic Church’s marriage annulment process must be quicker, cheaper and much more of a pastoral ministry, Pope Francis said.

Did you hear the one about the Pope?

September 6, 2015

“The California drought is so bad, people in Napa are asking the Pope to change the wine into water.”

Doctrine, pastoral realities are not at odds, pope tells theologians

September 4, 2015

VATICAN CITY - The church is called to embrace its past, present and future and to avoid the temptations to condemn or to legitimize everything just because it is new and different, Pope Francis told a group of theologians.

Pope Francis eyes a bargain

September 4, 2015

The “Pope of surprises” can’t seem to let a news cycle pass without making a headline.

Vatican says transgender man cannot be a godparent

September 3, 2015

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has rejected a request by a transgender man in Spain to become a godparent, ruling that his sexual identity means he is incapable of carrying out the task.

Pope meets Israeli president, expresses hopes for peace

September 3, 2015

VATICAN CITY - As Catholics joined others in protesting Israel's extension of its security wall, further dividing Palestinians and Israelis, Pope Francis gave Israeli President Reuven Rivlin a tangible sign of his hopes for peace.

Contemplate, give thanks, protect: Pope Francis prays for creation

September 1, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Leading prayers for the safeguarding of creation, Pope Francis prayed that people would learn to contemplate God in the beauty of the universe, give thanks and protect all life.

For Year of Mercy, Pope asks priests to forgive abortion

September 1, 2015

VATICAN - Pope Francis on Sept. 1 told priests to forgive repentant women who had had an abortion, specifically during the year-long jubilee celebration of Catholic faith, which begins in December.

Pope’s ‘blessing’ to lesbian no change in policy, Vatican says

September 1, 2015

A lesbian author whose children’s books on gay families have been banned in Italy said she received a letter from Pope Francis that included a “blessing” of her work and relationship, but the Vatican says it’s being misinterpreted.