Vatican News

Hearing confession is source of grace, conversion for priest, Pope says

March 12, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Hearing a Catholic's confession should be awe-inspiring for a priest, an experience that makes him look at his own life and willingness to convert, Pope Francis told a group of seminarians, new priests and priests who hear confessions in the major basilicas of Rome.

Pope grants interview about his safety, politics, virtual relationships

March 10, 2015

VATICAN CITY - A religious procession, a brainstorm session and a few glasses of wine led a group of residents gathered in a shantytown on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to come up with a plan to interview Pope Francis.

Pope thanks women as dozens gather in Vatican to share faith stories

March 9, 2015

VATICAN CITY - On International Women's Day, Pope Francis thanked women, "who in thousands of ways, witness to the Gospel and work in the church."

Vatican brings leaven of Gospel, experience of humanity to UN, says nuncio

March 7, 2015

NEW YORK - The Vatican is a credible and admired presence at the United Nations because it speaks from practical experience, according to the Holy See's permanent observer to the UN.

Show value of life by affectionately caring for elderly, Pope says

March 5, 2015

VATICAN CITY - The most serious ailment the aged face and the greatest injustice they suffer is abandonment, Pope Francis said.

Rules for Vatican finance offices include protection for whistleblowers

March 3, 2015

VATICAN CITY - New rules governing the guidance, oversight and control of Vatican financial and administrative activities include the power to levy sanctions and take "civil or criminal action" in cases of "damage to assets," as well as providing protection for whistleblowers raising red flags about "anomalous activity."

Vatican security always on high alert, chief says after IS threats

March 3, 2015

VATICAN CITY - The head of Vatican security said Islamic State militants have threatened the Vatican, but there are no indications of any planned attack.

Profit is tool for measuring success, but people come first, Pope says

March 2, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Profit must never be a Christian's god, although it is one of the tools for measuring the effectiveness of business choices and the ability of a company to help workers feed their families, Pope Francis said.

Return with tears to God's loving embrace during Lent, Pope says

February 18, 2015

ROME - Lent is a journey of purification and penance, a movement that should bring one tearfully back to the loving arms of the merciful Father, Pope Francis said at an Ash Wednesday Mass that began with a procession on Rome's Aventine Hill.

Pope Francis calls for a welcoming church that isn’t afraid of the margins

February 15, 2015

VATICAN CITY - In a powerful homily that signalled his desire to push ahead with historic reforms, Pope Francis on Sunday (Feb. 15) said the Roman Catholic Church must be open and welcoming, whatever the costs.