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

A holy door closes at Saint Paul Outside the Walls church in Rome. Nov. 13, 2016.

As Year of Mercy ends, Holy Doors close around the world

Nov 13, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

As Holy Doors close in churches and basilicas around the world, including in Rome, it is estimated that over 20... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Pete's Basilica on Nov. 13, 2016.

What's most important? God and our neighbor, Pope says

Nov 13, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

The reality that everything in this world is passing shouldn’t frighten us, Pope Francis said, but instead it should strengthen... Read more

Pope Francis waves at pilgrims from China at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on Sept. 7, 2016.

Pope Francis appoints new bishop of Hong Kong

Nov 13, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung Coadjutor Bishop of the diocese of Hong Kong, the Vatican announced Sunday.  Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square on Nov. 12, 2016.

Pope Francis: the Church's mercy is for everyone

Nov 12, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims about how the mercy of God is for everyone, and how through the Church, we... Read more

Pope Francis meets former priests and their families at an apartment in Rome's Ponte di Nona neighborhood as his last Mercy Friday initiative, Nov. 11, 2016.

On last Mercy Friday, Francis meets men who left the priesthood

Nov 11, 2016

By Elise Harris

For his last “Mercy Friday” during the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis spent the afternoon visiting seven young men who... Read more

Pope Francis meets with participants in the Jubilee for Socially Excluded People at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, Nov. 11, 2016.

Pope tells homeless greater solidarity is found in poverty than wealth

Nov 11, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

After hearing testimonies from two homeless men Friday, Pope Francis spoke off-the-cuff about the dignity and solidarity that can be... Read more

Pope Francis.

When it comes to Trump, Pope says primary concern is about migrants

Nov 11, 2016

By Elise Harris

When asked in a new interview what he thinks of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, Pope Francis said he doesn’t judge... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square, Oct. 5, 2016.

Unity is not the same as uniformity, Pope Francis says

Nov 10, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Thursday, Pope Francis spoke about Christian unity and ecumenism, specifically what they are not. Namely, they aren’t about uniformity... Read more

Pope Francis gives a rosary to a disabled child during his general audience Feb. 24, 2016.

We have to meet people where they are, Pope Francis says

Nov 9, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Wednesday Pope Francis said that in order to be more like Jesus, we must not be indifferent to others,... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square at the general audience on Oct. 19, 2016.

What is a leader, really? A servant, Pope Francis says

Nov 8, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

During Mass at the Vatican Tuesday, Pope Francis warned that the desire for power and money is an obstacle which... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Oct. 1 2014.

Pope Francis lauds women religious in fight against trafficking

Nov 7, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis met in Rome with a unique group involved in the fight against human trafficking, where he noted the... Read more

Reported bishop ordinations in China not authorized by Holy See

Nov 7, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

A statement made by the Vatican on Monday declared that unverified reports of bishop ordinations taking place within the so-called... Read more

Episcopal ring.

Archbishop Joseph Tobin named as head of Newark archdiocese

Nov 7, 2016

By Elise Harris

The Vatican announced Monday that recently nominated Cardinal-elect Archbishop Joseph William Tobin of Indianapolis will soon be taking over as... Read more

Pope Francis receives a cross made by an inmate at the CeReSo n. 3 prison in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Feb. 17, 2016.

Pope asks authorities to grant clemency for prisoners during Jubilee

Nov 6, 2016

By Elise Harris

After celebrating Mass for prisoners in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis in his Angelus address appealed for better prison conditions... Read more

Prisoners serve at Mass with Pope Francis Nov. 6, 2016, for the Jubilee of Prisoners.

During jubilee for prisoners, Pope tells inmates not to lose hope

Nov 6, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Sunday, Pope Francis held a special Mass held for prisoners inside St. Peter’s Basilica, telling them that while paying... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to the crowd gathered in St. Peters Square June 15, 2015.

Fear is an 'existential whip' that can destroy society, Pope warns

Nov 5, 2016

By Elise Harris

In a lengthy, wide-ranging speech to members of international NGOs, Pope Francis offered a clear and stern warning against modern... Read more

Pope Francis washes the feet of migrants and refugees during Holy Thursday Mass March 24, 2016.

Anyone could be forced to migrate, Pope says in latest prayer video

Nov 4, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

In his most recent prayer video, Pope Francis focuses on migrants, refugees and countries who assist them, stressing that it's... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for deceased cardinals and bishops in St. Peter's Basilica Nov. 4, 2016.

Pope honors deceased bishops, says death unites us more fully in Christ

Nov 4, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

Reflecting on the faithful work of the bishops and cardinals who have died in the past 12 months, Pope Francis... Read more

Pope Francis visits the Rebibbia prison in Rome, April 2, 2015.

Prisoners to be Pope Francis' special guests at Mass in St. Peter's

Nov 3, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Nov. 6, a special Jubilee for Prisoners will be celebrated at the Vatican, drawing detainees and their families from... Read more

Pope Francis.

Pope calls on religions to condemn acts of terrorism, violence

Nov 3, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis spoke to representatives of different religions Thursday, telling them that acts of terrorism and violence must be very... Read more