Vatican

The Latest

Faithful pray in a special event dedicated to the Virgin Mary the Vatican Gardens on May 31, 2014.

Candlelight vigil in Vatican celebrates Mary's faith, witness

Jun 1, 2014

Hundreds of clergy, religious, and laity processed through the Vatican gardens in a candlelight vigil on Saturday evening to mark the close... Read more

Fr. Federico Lombardi answers questions on the Pope's visit to the Holy Land on May 15, 2014.

Proposed Nicea ecumenical meeting 'nice' idea, Vatican spokesman says

May 31, 2014

In response to media reports that Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I will meet for an ecumenical gathering in Nicea... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his general audience on May 14, 2014

Christian joy is based in hope, Pope Francis reflects

May 30, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his first daily homily since returning from the Holy Land Pope Francis centered on the theme of Christian joy,... Read more

Pope Francis meets with seminarians from the Pontifical Roman universities on May 12, 2014

Holy Spirit is what keeps the Church going, Pope reflects

May 12, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his daily homily Pope Francis recalled the conversion of the first pagans to Christianity, explaining that the Holy Spirit... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during the Wednesday General Audience on April 23, 2014

Pope Francis: gift of counsel illuminates the will of God

May 7, 2014

By Elise Harris

During his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis reflected on the Holy Spirit’s gift of counsel, explaining that through it... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to pilgrims during his General Audience on September 25, 2013

Pope responds to Venezuelan peace talks invitation

Apr 11, 2014

By Elise Harris

Responding to an invitation from Venezuela's foreign affairs minister to participate in the country’s peace talks, Pope Francis sent a... Read more

A panel of participants in a Vatican conference on human trafficking speak with journalists during an April 10, 2014 press conference

Vatican, civil authorities join forces against human trafficking

Apr 10, 2014

By Elise Harris

Gathered in Rome to discuss methods for the eradication of human slavery, both law enforcement and Vatican officials exchanged ideas... Read more

Queen Elizabeth arrives to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis on April 3 2014

Pope, Queen enjoy casual tea during first meeting

Apr 3, 2014

By Elise Harris

Although short, the April 3 encounter between Pope Francis and Queen Elizabeth in the Vatican has been described as cordial... Read more

Ancient Biblical texts from the Verbum Domini II Bible exhibit

New Bible exhibit evangelizes through history of scripture

Apr 3, 2014

By Elise Harris

Featuring ancient biblical artifacts from all over the world, the Verbum Domini II exhibition has officially opened at the Vatican,... Read more

Fr. Hans Zollner, S.J. speaks with CNA in Rome, March 25, 2014.

Protection of minors a priority for Pope, commission member says

Mar 31, 2014

By Elise Harris

A German priest and psychologist recently appointed to the new Vatican commission for the protection of minors has stated that... Read more

Pope Francis and U.S. President Barack Obama during a meeting in the Vatican, March 27, 2014.

Pope, Obama discuss relations between Church and State

Mar 27, 2014

By Elise Harris

During the March 27 meeting between Pope Francis and President Barack Obama, the two exchanged cordial discussion regarding the state... Read more

Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz van Elst on June 1,2012

German bishop accused of luxurious lifestyle resigns (Updated)

Mar 26, 2014

By Elise Harris

In a March 26 statement the Holy See announced its acceptance of the resignation of Bishop Franz-Peter Tebarts-van Elst, noting... Read more

Br. Guy Consolmagno speaks with CNA on Nov. 22 2013 at the Vatican Observatory in Rome

Vatican launches astronomy class for parish educators

Mar 24, 2014

By Elise Harris

The Vatican’s Observatory has announced that for the first time it will be hosting a workshop analyzing the relationship of... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Nov. 27, 2013

'I need the people of God to sustain me,' Pope says in interview

Mar 15, 2014

By Elise Harris

During a recent radio interview given to a station in a slum of Argentina, Pope Francis explained his frequent request... Read more

Fr. Federico Lombardi in the Vatican Press Office Feb. 26, 2013

Vatican confirms papal visit to South Korea

Mar 10, 2014

By Elise Harris

In a statement released earlier this morning, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi confirmed Pope Francis’ apostolic trip to the Republic... Read more

St. Peter's Square.

Frontline episode on Church scandals one-sided, critic says

Mar 6, 2014

By Kevin J. Jones

The PBS Frontline documentary series’ recent episode “Secrets of the Vatican” largely covered old scandals in a one-sided way, said... Read more

Cardinal George Pell speaks to CNA, March 2013.

Cardinal Pell to head new Vatican office for economic oversight

Feb 24, 2014

Today Pope Francis announced the establishment of a new entity for oversight of Vatican economic and administrative affairs, headed by... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica.

UN anti-Vatican report 'payback' for pro-life work, critic says

Feb 13, 2014

A recent United Nations report criticizing the Catholic Church on sex abuse and its moral teachings should be understood in... Read more

Pope Francis greets bishops and cardinals after his general audience address on Sept. 25, 2013

New York welcomes new bishops for Albany, Rockville dioceses

Feb 11, 2014

By Elise Harris

The Vatican announced earlier this morning that Msgr. Edward B. Scharfenberger will take the helm as the new Bishop of... Read more

Cardinal Seán O'Malley at the Ecclesia in America Conference Dec 12, 2012.

Cardinal O'Malley: UN report showed ideological influence

Feb 11, 2014

A United Nations commission report on the Vatican’s response to abuse of children was not “fair or particularly helpful,” but... Read more