Pope Francis held a private audience with Nadia Murad, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and survivor of the Islamic State-led genocide in Iraq, Aug. 26 at the Vatican.
Pope Francis
Vatican Athletes Hope to One Day Compete at Paralympic Games
Just as he did when the Olympic games began last July, Pope Francis on Wednesday referred to the opening of the Paralympic games the day before. The pontiff’s words had a particular significance for a “small yet loud” group of Paralympic athletes who were present in the Paul VI Hall when the Holy Father delivered his remarks.
Pope Francis Sends Aid to Those Hit by Disasters in Haiti, Bangladesh, Vietnam
Pope Francis will be sending nearly a quarter of a million dollars to help people in Haiti, who are struggling in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake during a global pandemic.
This Fall, Papal Travel Will Change With Closure of Pope Francis’ Favorite Airline
After a 57-year stretch of loyalty to the same company, papal travel is set to change this fall with the closure of Italy’s national airline Alitalia, which has taken four popes to a total of 171 countries on all continents.
Bioethicist: Conscience Must be Protected in Vaccination Mandate Debate
While Pope Francis, Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, and other prelates emphasize the Catholic Church’s pro-COVID-19 vaccination stance, what remains murky is its position on vaccination mandates and religious exemptions.
A Church in Mission or A Church in Meetings?
On the Solemnity of Christ the King in 2013, Pope Francis completed the work of the 2012 Synod of Bishops with the apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), issuing a ringing call for the entire Church to “embark on a new chapter of evangelization.” Catholicism, the Pope urged, must move from maintenance to mission: “from a pastoral ministry of mere conservation to a decidedly missionary pastoral ministry.”
Vaccination Is an Act of Love, Pope Francis Says in Ad Campaign
When each individual makes a small act of charity, like getting the COVID-19 vaccine, every gesture added together can transform the world, Pope Francis said in a global ad campaign.
Two Nuns Killed in South Sudan After Vehicle Ambushed Along Highway
Two Catholic nuns were shot and killed along a highway in South Sudan Aug. 16 as they were returning home to Juba. Seven other sisters survived the attack.
Pope Prays For Peace in Afghanistan as Taliban Takes Control
Hours before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, Pope Francis expressed his hope for the peace and safety of the country’s citizens.
U.S. Church Offers Prayers For Haiti After Devastating Earthquake
The president of the U.S. bishops conference expressed his “heartfelt prayers for the people of Haiti who are mourning the loss of loved ones and are suffering” after an earthquake hit the Caribbean nation early on Aug. 14.