Last week, we celebrated two years in the Petrine office for Pope Francis and as is his way, he gave an interview to a television network, Televisa. In the course of the interview, the Holy Father stated: “I have the feeling that my pontificate will be brief… four or five years. I don’t know, even […]
Vatican
Pope Talks About a Brief Papacy
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – When Pope Francis went out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time, he said he did not prepare what he was going to say, but “I felt deeply that a minister needs the blessing of God, but also of his people.” He did not […]
Church Seeks End to Death Penalty Around the World
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi told the U.N. Human Rights Council: “My delegation contends that bloodless means of defending the common good and upholding justice are possible.”
The Reformer Pope Has Enemies Inside And Outside the Church
A prominent church historian says that Pope Francis is a radical reformer who is facing enemies opposed to at least some parts of his agenda.
Vatican Security on Full Alert
Islamic State militants have threatened the Vatican, but there are no indications of any planned attack, according to the head of Vatican security.
Pope Greets Newlywed Couple from Brooklyn
By Paul and Alison Morisi On Valentine’s Day 2014 we were lucky enough to travel to Rome to listen to Pope Francis address to engaged couples. Not only was our trip amazing, but the experience of being there and listening to His Holiness speaking about marriage and how to prepare for not just our wedding […]
New Doctor of the Church
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A 10th-century Armenian monk has been named among the doctors of the church. Pope Francis approved the designation for St. Gregory of Narek during a meeting Feb. 21 with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. The church confers this designation on saints whose writings are considered to […]
New Cardinals’ First Official Act: Three New Saints
VATICAN CITY – With the creation of the 20 new cardinals, the College of Cardinals expanded to 227 members, 125 of whom are under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. After the new cardinals professed their faith by reciting the Creed and formally swore […]
Pope to Cardinals: Your Job Is to Serve Others
The Catholic Church cannot call itself Church if it is a “closed caste” where the sick, the wounded and sinners are shunned, Pope Francis told 20 new cardinals.
Pope, Cardinals Discuss Reform of Roman Curia
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Cardinals meeting at the Vatican discussed better ways to balance the responsibilities of local bishops and of the Roman Curia, said the Vatican spokesman. A recurring theme in the cardinals’ Feb. 12-13 meeting was “what is it that is done best where,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told journalists Feb. […]