As protests against a near-total ban on abortions gripped Poland, Pope Francis urged the people of the country to defend life.
Pope Francis
On Pope Francis Not Wearing a Mask: ‘We’re Working on It’, Vatican Official Says
As Pope Francis faces mounting criticism for not wearing a face mask amid a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Italy and the rest of Europe, a Vatican official has acknowledged that the pontiff is at high risk and voiced hope that the Holy Father would wear a mask more often.
First African American Cardinal Designate Praised by Brooklyn Catholic Clergy
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio joined African American priests in Diocese of Brooklyn to celebrate the naming of Cardinal-designate Wilton Gregory, who currently serves as archbishop of Washington. He will be the first African American cardinal in the United States.
Prelate Says His First Mass as Cardinal-Designate at Historic Maryland Church
On a day of history for the U.S. Catholic Church, Washington Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory — who four hours earlier had learned Pope Francis had named him a cardinal — celebrated his first Mass as a cardinal-designate Oct. 25 at Holy Angels Church in Avenue in Southern Maryland.
Popular Movements Meeting Supported by Pope Francis Presents Proposals for New Economic System
On Oct. 24 two of Pope Francis’s most trusted advisors took part in the latest edition of the World Meeting of Popular Movements, which has been supported by the pope since the early days of his pontificate.
Pope Announces New Cardinals, Including U.S. Archbishop Gregory
Pope Francis announced he will create 13 new cardinals Nov. 28, including Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Washington.
Mixed Reaction to Pope Francis’ Endorsement of Same-Sex Civil Unions
A statement by Pope Francis in a documentary film in which he endorses civil unions for same-sex couples has generated a great deal of buzz in the Catholic Church with religious leaders coming down on both sides of the issue.
Pope Francis Has History of Defending Marriage, but Being Open to Some Civil Unions
Pope Francis often has expressed openness to the idea of laws recognizing civil unions, including for gay couples, to protect their rights. The pontiff’s comments in a brief passage in the documentary film, “Francesco,” are similar to the position he took while archbishop of Buenos Aires and echo remarks he has made in several interviews during his pontificate: “Marriage” is only between a man and a woman, but civil union laws could provide legal protection for couples in long-term, committed relationships.
Pope, Religious Leaders Pray for Peace, Greater Care for One Another
The pontiff, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and an international array of other Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Buddhist leaders gathered on Rome’s Capitoline Hill Oct. 20 to affirm their community’s commitment to peace, dialogue, fraternity and assistance to the poor and needy.
Pope, Red Cross President Discuss Pandemic, War Relief Efforts
The Catholic Church and the International Red Cross share the common goal of helping the poor and those displaced due to the pandemic and various conflicts around the world, said Peter Maurer, the president of the humanitarian organization.