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 leads the Bishops of Italy in a solemn Profession of Faith in St. Peter's Basilica for their 65th General Assembly May 23, 2013.

Latin American religious backtrack on Pope and gay lobby

Jun 12, 2013

In response to media flurry, the Latin American Confederation of Men and Women Religious (CLAR) released a statement on June... Read more

CNA

Pope calls for end to 'plague' of child labor

Jun 12, 2013

Pope Francis has launched an appeal against child labor, calling it an “deplorable phenomenon" during his Wednesday general audience.  Read more

Pope Francis greets faithful at the end of the June 12, 2013 general audience in St. Peter's Square. ANSA/Maurizio Brambatti.

'God is stronger,' Pope insists as he urges outreach

Jun 12, 2013

Pope Francis asked the tens of thousands of Catholics gathered in Saint Peter’s Square to overcome divisions and the fear... Read more

Pope Francis preaches on June 10, 2013 in Casa Santa Marta chapel.

Pope targets longing for past, 'adolescent progressivism'

Jun 12, 2013

The progress of the Church can be hindered by the dual temptations of wanting to remain in the past and... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience, May 22, 2013.

Pope calls for 'culture of encounter' towards disabled

Jun 11, 2013

Highlighting the spiritual gift of faith seen in Jesus’ healing of the blind, Pope Francis encouraged an ‘active participation’ of... Read more

Pope Francis preaches at the June 5, 2013 morning Mass in St. Martha's House chapel.

Pope encourages Church rich in praise, not wealth

Jun 11, 2013

Pope Francis pointed out that Saint Peter did not have a bank account, as he warned against the dangers of... Read more

Pope Francis preaches during the May 27, 2013 Mass in Saint Martha's House.

Comfort of Holy Spirit, world don't mix, Pope states

Jun 10, 2013

Pope Francis said Christians cannot receive consolation from both the Holy Spirit and the spirit of the world if they... Read more

Father Antonio Spadaro discusses La Civilta Cattolica with CNA during an April 2013 interview.

Jesuit writers get quick answer to papal audience request

Jun 10, 2013

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Just one month after their request, Pope Francis has scheduled a private audience with the college of writers from La... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass on June 7, 2013.

Pope dwells on God's wordless love

Jun 7, 2013

Pope Francis said God does not love us with words but through closeness and tenderness during his morning Mass on... Read more

Pope Francis greets the young man who asked for advice on dealing with doubts at the June 7, 2013 meeting.

Pope gives children advice on facing doubts about faith

Jun 7, 2013

Setting aside his prepared text, Pope Francis tackled questions from children about having faith in times of doubt, his friends... Read more

Pope Francis responds to a question from a young girl on June 7, 2013 in Paul VI Hall.

'I didn't want to be Pope,' Francis tells children

Jun 7, 2013

Pope Francis told thousands of children who gathered at the Vatican on Friday that he did not want to be... Read more

Pope Francis preaches during the May 27, 2013 Mass in Saint Martha's House.

'Stop hiding idols in your saddles,' Pope advises

Jun 6, 2013

Pope Francis said everyone has “hidden idols” buried in their personalities and recommended discovering and discarding them in order to... Read more

Pope Francis leads the Bishops of Italy in a solemn Profession of Faith in St. Peter’s Basilica for their 65th General Assembly May 23, 2013.

Pope to future diplomats: 'don't be ridiculous'

Jun 6, 2013

Pope Francis warned priests studying to serve in the papal diplomatic corps and the Vatican’s Secretariat of State not to... Read more

The papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.

Pope Francis will brave Rome's summer heat

Jun 6, 2013

Breaking with the practice of his predecessors, Pope Francis will not take a long summer vacation and will stay in... Read more

CNA

Expert says Church's abuse prevention should differ for each culture

Jun 6, 2013

An expert on dealing with sexual abuse cases within the Church says prevention guidelines being developed with Vatican oversight should... Read more

Pope Francis preaches at the June 5, 2013 morning Mass in St. Martha's House chapel.

Pope says lamenting suffering is form of prayer

Jun 5, 2013

Pope Francis said lamenting suffering is a form of prayer and is not a sin, during his daily morning Mass.... Read more

The crowd of around 70000 pilgrims at the June 5, 2013 general audience.

Pope stresses threats to human person on Environment Day

Jun 5, 2013

Pope Francis said that it is urgent to focus on people and not just on nature on World Environment Day.  Read more

Austin Tice. Courtesy of The Tice Family.

Parents of kidnapped journalist grateful for Pope's words

Jun 5, 2013

By Kevin J. Jones

The parents of kidnapped American journalist Austin Tice have appealed again for his release, voicing gratitude for Pope Francis' words... Read more

Noujad (far right) lost her husband to the violence in Syria, and her son is still missing.

Pope to Syrian Christians: you have 'great task' of remaining

Jun 5, 2013

Pope Francis vigorously appealed for peace in Syria and told the Christians there that they have “the great task” of... Read more

Pope Francis preaches during the May 27, 2013 Mass in Saint Martha's House.

Pope: Christian speech is genuine, not self-serving

Jun 4, 2013

Instead of sugar-coated words and flattery, when Christians speak they should offer the truth with love, without seeking to serve... Read more