Pope Francis Latest News

These are the latest news about Pope Francis, the Vatican, and the Catholic Church, provided by the Vatican staff of Catholic News Agency, a service of EWTN News.

The Latest

Pope Francis at the Vatican, April 3, 2014.

After Istanbul attack, Pope prays for those who fight 'bloody stain' of terrorism

Jan 1, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

On the first day of the new year and the 50th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis condemned a terrorist... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God in St. Peter's Basilica Jan. 1, 2016.

Pope on New Year’s Day: Mary’s motherhood teaches us humility, tenderness

Jan 1, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

At the start of the new year, Pope Francis said that celebrating Mary, the Mother of God, highlights a beautiful aspect... Read more

Pope Francis presides over Vespers and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2015.

At close of 2016, Pope says selfishness should be a thing of the past

Dec 31, 2016

By Elise Harris

During a prayer service for the close of 2016, Pope Francis said the arrival of a new year should serve... Read more

The letter that Pope Francis wrote to a young mother in prison.

Pope Francis wrote a letter to this young mother in prison

Dec 30, 2016

A prison inmate in Chile was surprised when she received a letter this summer from Pope Francis, whom she had... Read more

Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil.

Kidnapped priest appeals for Pope’s help

Dec 26, 2016

A Salesian priest kidnapped in Yemen on March 4 personally appealed for Pope Francis’ help in an unconfirmed video posted... Read more

We've all got it wrong about women in the Catholic Church

Dec 26, 2016

By Elise Harris

When it comes to talking about women and their role in the Church, discussion tends to focus almost exclusively on... Read more

Pope Francis and the cross at the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at St. Peter's Basilica on April 3, 2015.

Pope: MidEast Christians reflect heroism of St. Stephen

Dec 26, 2016

Pope Francis has said the heroic martyrdom of St. Stephen is mirrored in the persecution of modern-day Christians, particularly in... Read more

Nun at the prayer vigil for consecrated life in St. Peter's Square , Jan. 28, 2016.

Why I wear the habit – a nun's reflection on religious life

Dec 26, 2016

By Ann Schneible

As Pope Francis' year dedicated to consecrated life comes to a close, one nun shared her thoughts on the how... Read more

Pope Francis gives

On Christmas Day, Pope Francis prays for peace around the world

Dec 25, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

In his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing Christmas Day, Pope Francis prayed that the Child Jesus, also called the Prince... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Epiphany Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 6, 2016.

Pope Francis: Want to see God this Christmas? Be humble

Dec 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis noted how the coming of Jesus as an infant is paradoxical to the images of... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica.

Knights of Malta rebuff Vatican probe into dismissal of leader

Dec 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

Two days after the announcement that Pope Francis has established a group to look into the circumstances regarding the recent... Read more

Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's square for the general audience Sept. 21, 2016.

Pope Francis' reform plan can be boiled down to this one thing

Dec 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

If there's anything Pope Francis' recent 12-point plan for the reform of the Roman Curia shows, it's that while his... Read more

Prayer candle at a Military Chaplaincy in the Ukraine. Photo Courtesy of Aid to the Church in Need.

Pope donates 6 million euro to Ukraine relief efforts for Christmas

Dec 23, 2016

By Elise Harris

After taking up a collection earlier this year to aid families affected by the ongoing crisis in Eastern Ukraine, Pope... Read more

General Audience with Pope Francis, April 17, 2013.

Pope Francis lays out 12 guiding principles for reform of the Roman Curia

Dec 22, 2016

By Elise Harris

In a lengthy, in-depth speech to members of the Roman Curia Thursday, Pope Francis dug into what he said are... Read more

Pope Francis pardons priest tied to Vatileaks scandal

Dec 20, 2016

Pope Francis has officially granted clemency to Spanish priest Msgr. Lucio Angel Vallejo Balda, who had already served half of... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square April 13, 2016.

Pope Francis pleads for end to 'homicidal madness' of terrorism

Dec 20, 2016

By Elise Harris

What are being called two major acts of terrorism in just the past 24 hours have prompted Pope Francis to... Read more

Pope Francis laughing outside of St. Peter's Basilica during the general audience on April 1, 2015.

Homework from Pope Francis: Let your joy be contagious

Dec 19, 2016

Young Catholics can be a force for joy and peace, Pope Francis told an audience with Catholic Action on Monday.  Read more

Unveiling of the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square, Dec. 9, 2016.

Amid Christmas rush, don't forget to make time for silence, Pope says

Dec 18, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Sunday Pope Francis said that with Christmas just around the corner, it’s important to stop and make time for... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Epiphany Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 6, 2016

Why speak about the poor? Look to Christmas, Pope Francis says

Dec 17, 2016

There’s a Christmas reason to speak always about the poor and about mercy, Pope Francis told a benefit concert Saturday.  Read more

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict embrace each other at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, June 30, 2015.

Benedict XVI sends birthday wishes to Pope Francis

Dec 17, 2016

The Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI sent birthday greetings to Pope Francis on Saturday, Francis’ eightieth birthday.  Read more