Pope Francis on Holy Thursday washed the feet of 12 women inmates at a Roman prison — notably including no men in the ritual — telling inmates to never tire of asking for God’s forgiveness.
Pope Francis
On Palm Sunday, Pope Prays People Open Hearts to God, Quell All Hatred
Only Jesus can deliver humanity from hatred and violence, Pope Francis said on Palm Sunday.
Vatican Says Women Deacons, Not Celibacy, on Docket for Synod
Organizers of Pope Francis’ ongoing Synod of Bishops on Synodality announced March 14 that 10 different working groups had been formed in the Roman Curia to address specific topics that came out of last year’s session.
Top Vatican Aide Backs Pope, Warns of Nuclear Escalation in Ukraine
In an interview with Italian media, Vatican Secretary of State Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin defended Pope Francis’ recent controversial remarks suggesting that Ukraine step back and be open to negotiations in its ongoing war with Russia.
Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Church, Respond to Pope’s Call for Negotiations
Pope Francis’ comment that Ukraine should have the “courage of the white flag” and engage in negotiation to end its war with Russia was dismissed by the Ukrainian government and church leaders.
Pope Francis Selects American Priest for Position in Vatican’s Highest Court
Pope Francis has designated a Catholic priest hailing from the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a prominent role in the Vatican’s highest court.
U.S. Bishops Say Creating a ‘Legal Right’ to In Vitro Fertilization ‘Deeply Troubling’
In a recent letter to Senators, four U.S. Bishops’ Conference chairmen argue that there isn’t a scenario where in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a morally acceptable means of pregnancy, and therefore legislation to establish a federal right to the treatment shouldn’t be passed.
Vatican Publishes Full Papal Schedule for Holy Week, Easter
Pope Francis’ calendar for Holy Week and Easter is just as full as in previous years despite a mild illness which has caused him to cancel meetings in the days leading up to the release of his liturgical calendar for March.
Pope Has Full Day of Appointments After Going to Hospital for Tests
The day after Pope Francis paid a brief visit to Rome’s Gemelli Isola Hospital for “diagnostic tests,” he had a full morning of audiences, including a meeting with bishops from Italy’s Emilia Romagna region making their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican.
Still Sick, Pope Has Aide Read His Audience Talk on Envy and Pride
Arriving in a wheelchair instead of walking with his cane, Pope Francis began his weekly general audience by telling visitors and pilgrims, “I’m still a bit sick,” so an aide would read his prepared text.