Pope Francis said he wrote a resignation letter in 2013, his first year in office, to be used in case he became physically or mentally impaired and unable to fulfill the duties of the papacy.
International News
Pope Advances Sainthood Causes, Including First ‘Martyr’ of Charity
Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of members of a Polish family who were sheltering a Jewish family during World War II, and, for the first time, advanced the sainthood cause of a candidate under the category of heroically offering his life out of loving service to others.
Retired Custodian of Shroud of Turin, Italian Cardinal Dies at 89
Cardinal Severino Poletto, the retired archbishop of Turin and former papal custodian of the Shroud of Turin, died Dec. 17 at the age of 89.
Kids Help Pope Celebrate 86th Birthday With Cake, Circus Performers
The day after he turned 86, Pope Francis met with volunteers, family members and children receiving care from a Vatican pediatric clinic.
Celebrate Christmas ‘With Ukraine In Your Hearts,’ Pope Says, Urging Aid
Celebrating Christmas is important and beautiful, Pope Francis said, but he asked people to spend less on their celebrations this year and donate the savings to help the people of Ukraine.
Bishop Charged With Conspiracy to Undermine Nicaragua, Spread False News
A Nicaraguan bishop held for nearly four months was formally charged during an unannounced Dec. 13 court date, marking his first appearance since being detained.
As Immigration Politics Play Out, Catholics at the Border Focus on People
While hoping for the best amid an appeal by the Biden administration of a district judge’s decision to end a controversial Trump-era measure allowing immediate expulsion of immigrants, advocates for new arrivals along the U.S.-Mexico border say their focus remains on the migrants they encounter.
Court in India Orders Police Protection for Vatican Appointee
A top court in the southern Indian state of Kerala has ordered police protection for the apostolic administrator of an archdiocese in the Eastern rite Syro-Malabar Church, which is embroiled in a bitter liturgical dispute.
PHOTOS: The Peace Light Arrives at JFK
Boy Scout and Girl Scout leaders, along with other volunteers, form a network of drivers who transfer the flame, which originated in the grotto of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, to houses of worship, homes and other venues across North America.
Keep the Creche in Christmas, Pope Urges
Stopping to gaze at and perhaps pray before a Nativity scene is one of the best ways to remember the real meaning of Christmas, Pope Francis said.