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 with Archbishop Charles Chaput at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on June 24, 2015.

Are Pope Francis and the US bishops split? Don't believe the critics.

Sep 3, 2015

Ahead of the papal visit to the U.S., some critics have painted a narrative pitting Pope Francis against the “conservative”... Read more

Priests celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver Jan. 17, 2015.

All priests will be able to forgive sin of abortion during Jubilee for Mercy

Sep 1, 2015

By Elise Harris

In a new set of pastoral guidelines for the upcoming Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has made some significant... Read more

Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on August 26, 2015.

Pope Francis holds virtual audience with Americans in Chicago, Texas, LA

Aug 31, 2015

Pope Francis on Monday took part in a virtual audience with a group of Americans, less than a month before... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple in St. Peter's Basilica, Feb. 2, 2015.

Pope to Catholic lawmakers: Be strong. Protect life.

Aug 31, 2015

By Ann Schneible

On Sunday, Pope Francis urged Catholic legislators to be protectors of human life, calling them to “be strong” against a... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates New Years Eve Vespers in St. Peter's Basilica on Dec. 31, 2014.

Pope Francis: conversion isn't just an appearance – it's a matter of the heart

Aug 30, 2015

By Elise Harris

In his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis said that merely obeying the rules isn’t enough to make us holy, but... Read more

Pope Francis gives the Wednesday general audience in St. Peters Square Oct. 2, 2013.

Pope Francis mourns death of 71 migrants who suffocated in abandoned truck

Aug 30, 2015

By Elise Harris

In his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis lamented the death of 71 migrants – mostly from war-torn Syria – whose... Read more

Vatican: Pope did not endorse 'gay penguin' book

Aug 28, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Vatican has rejected claims in the media that Pope Francis is supporting a book on gay adoption, saying a... Read more

Women in White.

Ahead of papal visit, Cuba's Women in White fear government crackdown

Aug 27, 2015

The leader of a human rights group is concerned that the Cuban government will repeat its 2012 crackdown on opposition... Read more

Pope Francis embraces a baby during the general audience in St. Peter's Square on August 26, 2015.

'Teach your children how to pray!' Pope tells parents

Aug 26, 2015

By Ann Schneible

On Wednesday, Pope Francis continued his weekly catechesis on the family, saying that parents have the responsibility to teach their... Read more

PopUpPope in Philadelphia.

#PopUpPope brings hope to the inner city ahead of papal visit

Aug 24, 2015

By Ann Schneible

In his nearly two-and-a-half year papacy, Pope Francis has spoken countless times about bringing the hope of Christ to society's... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square on June 15, 2015 before the Angelus.

Pope: When Jesus' words are hard to hear, you need faith to stay

Aug 23, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Those who turn away from the “uncomfortable” teaching on Jesus being the Bread of Life, Pope Francis said during his... Read more

Pope Francis gives the Angelus address in St. Peter's Square August 9, 2015.

Pope calls for peace in Ukraine ahead of Independence Day

Aug 23, 2015

By Ann Schneible

On Sunday the Holy Father renewed his appeal for peace in Ukraine as the nation faces ongoing cease-fire violations in... Read more

Pilgrims reaching out for Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience in Paul VI Hall on Aug. 5, 2015.

Our limits remind us that we are made for great things – Pope Francis

Aug 20, 2015

In a message sent on behalf of Pope Francis to the Rimini Meeting, an annual gathering organized by the lay... Read more

Pope Francis greets a newly married couple at general audience in Paul VI Hall on Aug. 19, 2015.

When it comes to work, don't feed off the backs of others, Pope says

Aug 19, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis said Wednesday that work is something sacred, and called out those who abuse it by either contributing to... Read more

Pope Francis prays with journalists on the papal flight en route to South Korea on Aug. 14, 2014.

Pope Francis assures his prayers, solidarity after deadly Bangkok attacks

Aug 19, 2015

By Elise Harris

After two bombings this week in the Thai capital of Bangkok left several dead, injured and fearful of other attacks,... Read more

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

Here's how one Catholic congressman is prepping for the Pope's US visit

Aug 18, 2015

By Matt Hadro

As the nation’s capital works to get ready for Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S. this fall, one Catholic congressman... Read more

Cardinal Laszlo Paskai.

Pope Francis mourns death of Hungarian Cardinal Laszlo Paskai

Aug 18, 2015

By Elise Harris

In a letter of condolence Pope Francis has offered his comfort and prayer to the Church of Hungary following the... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the Canonization of St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII April 25, 2014.

Pope Francis: let yourself be transformed by the Eucharist

Aug 16, 2015

By Elise Harris

On Sunday Pope Francis said that the Eucharist is no mere symbol, but is in fact the true body and... Read more

Pope Francis prays before a statue of Mary in St. Peter's Basilica on Nov. 30, 2013.

For Pope Francis, Mary's greatness comes down to this one virtue

Aug 15, 2015

By Elise Harris

On the feast of the Assumption of Mary, Pope Francis said that faith is the defining virtue of her greatness,... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience on Oct. 29, 2014.

Pope Francis baptizes children of an old friend at the Vatican

Aug 12, 2015

By Elise Harris

In a whirlwind trip, Lucas Schaerer and his family – friends of Pope Francis from his time in Buenos Aires... Read more