A few hours after urging priests to be generously available for the sacrament of penance, Pope Francis went to confession, then offered the sacrament to seven Catholics.
International News
Pope Announces Visit to Egypt
Accepting an invitation from Egypt’s president and top religious leaders, Pope Francis will visit Cairo April 28-29.
Irish Archbishop: St. Patrick was an ‘Undocumented Migrant’
The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has urged Irish people and those of Irish descent celebrating St. Patrick’s Day to remember the plight of migrants.
Pope Francis Marks Fourth Year as Pontiff
Pope Francis observed the fourth anniversary of his election as the Holy Father on Monday, March 13. At a public audience, he asked the faithful to continue to pray for him.
No Changes for Now at US’s Vatican Embassy
Despite opposing views on some issues, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See will still look for common ground on global issues, the interim leader of the embassy said.
Church in Venezuela Is Under Attack
A series of attacks and confrontations against Catholics in Venezuela has marked a renewed deterioration of relations between the church and the national government. Some church leaders have openly speculated that the events could form part of a broader, coordinated campaign.
Vatican Announces Pope Will Visit Colombia in September
Pope Francis will be visiting Colombia in mid-September as the Latin American nation works to implement a new peace deal and rebuild after 52 years of war.
Pope Visits Rome Parish
Pope Francis speaks during a March 12 visits outside the Rome parish of St. Magdalene of Canossa.
Culture of Silence, Resistance Has No Place in the Church
When a child-protection advocate resigned from a papal advisory board in early March, she did so because of growing frustration with persistent resistance and a “toxic” sense of superiority from some in the Roman Curia.
Despite Deficit, Economic Reforms Are Working on Vatican Budget
Although the Holy See reported a deficit of 12.4 million euros ($13.1 million) in 2015, significant progress has been made in the budgeting process and carrying out economic reform, the Vatican said.