A talk given to new bishops during a Vatican-sponsored course does not represent new guidelines on the Church’s response to abuse against minors by religious, a Vatican spokesman said.
Vatican
Pope Tells Confessors Not to Be Invasive or Inappropriate
On the eve of sending off “missionaries of mercy” to all corners of the globe, Pope Francis told his specially appointed men that the reassuring strength of God’s love – not the “bludgeon of judgment” – will bring the “lost sheep” back to the fold.
Vatican: Pope Will Not Make Acting Debut
Pope Francis will not be an actor in a proposed movie based on the Gospels, a Vatican spokesman said.
Foot-washing Rite Is Not for Men Only
Following a request by Pope Francis, the Vatican issued a decree specifying that the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual can include “all members of the people of God,” including women – a practice already observed by the pope and many priests around the world.
At Synagogue, Pope Says Covenant Is Not Broken
While the Catholic Church affirms that salvation comes through Jesus, it also recognizes that God is faithful and has not revoked his covenant with the Jewish people, Pope Francis said.
Pope: There Are No Limits to God’s Mercy
God’s ability to forgive “knows no limits” as his mercy frees people from bitterness and despair, Pope Francis said.
New Year’s Eve at Vatican
Pope Francis visits the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square after vespers New Year’s Eve in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31.
Vatican Royalty
Pope Francis accepts offertory gifts from children dressed as the Three Kings during Mass marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Fewer People Visiting Vatican
More than 3.2 million pilgrims visited and attended papal events, liturgies or prayer services at the Vatican in 2015, the Vatican said.
Pope Prescribes Antidotes To Cure What Ails Curia
If Pope Francis sees the church as a field hospital after battle, then his annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia often looks like the triage tent, with him holding the charts.