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

Bishop John Michael Botean. Courtesy of the Eparchy of St. George in Canton.

Romanian Catholic bishop glad to serve Canadian faithful

May 7, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

The bishop of the Eparchy of Saint George in Canton is thankful that the area now extends across both Canada... Read more

The Pontifical Swiss Guard's annual commemoration of fallen guards on May 6, 2013.

Absorb Church's Catholic identity, Pope tells new Swiss Guards

May 6, 2013

On the day that it will swear in 35 new members and commemorate the fallen, the Swiss Guard was told... Read more

CNA

Pope suggests daily Holy Spirit review

May 6, 2013

Pope Francis said people should ask themselves what the Holy Spirit did within them at the end of each day.  Read more

Bishop Mark J. Seitz. File photo courtesy of Diocese of Dallas.

Pope sends Dallas auxiliary bishop to El Paso

May 6, 2013

Pope Francis has appointed Spanish-speaking Bishop Mark J. Seitz to lead the El Paso diocese in western Texas, placing him... Read more

CNA

Pope remembers child abuse victims, offers prayers

May 5, 2013

At the end of Mass, Pope Francis noted that the Day of Child Victims of Violence is observed today and... Read more

Pope Francis at a Papal Mass to celebrate Confirmation on April 28, 2013.

Pope uses Latin American experience to guide confraternities

May 5, 2013

Drawing on the experience of the Latin American Church, Pope Francis called on groups dedicated to specific saints to grow... Read more

Pope Francis rides through St. Peter's Square after Mass on April 28, 2013.

Pope: Mary helps us not be 'teenagers for life'

May 4, 2013

After praying the Rosary this evening, Pope Francis reflected on how Mary “gives us health” by helping Christians mature in... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square for his installation on March 19, 2013.

Pope moves queen, Italian laywoman closer to sainthood

May 3, 2013

Pope Francis has approved miracles attributed to a Sicilian queen and a 20th-century Italian laywoman, placing them one step closer... Read more

CNA

Lebanese president discusses Syria refugees with Pope

May 3, 2013

Pope Francis and Lebanese president Michel Sleiman met to discuss the Syrian fighting and the influx of refugees it has... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass on May 3, 2013 with some of the Swiss Guard.

Pope warns against lukewarm faith with personal story

May 3, 2013

In keeping with his style, Pope Francis cautioned about the dangers of a lukewarm faith by telling a childhood story... Read more

CNA

Pope names Jesuit to lead Oakland diocese

May 3, 2013

Pope Francis has appointed Jesuit Father Michael C. Barber the next bishop of the Oakland, California diocese.  Read more

CNA

Pope: 'yes' to Holy Spirit prevents division

May 2, 2013

Pope Francis said that Church divisions begin when it does not say ‘yes’ to the Holy Spirit and allow it... Read more

Pope Francis welcomes Benedict XVI back to the Vatican at Mater Ecclesia monastery on May 2, 2013.

Pope Francis welcomes Benedict back to Vatican

May 2, 2013

Benedict XVI has returned to the Vatican after moving to the papal summer household outside of Rome to not interfere... Read more

CNA

Flood of reform rumors premature, Vatican official states

May 2, 2013

The number two official from the Vatican’s Secretariat of State has dismissed wide-ranging speculation about the reforms Pope Francis will... Read more

Pope Francis rides through St. Peter's Square after Mass on April 28, 2013.

Pope's book shows desire to draw re-married persons to Christ

May 2, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

A recently translated book by Pope Francis exhibits a call for Catholics who have been divorced and are re-married to... Read more

Pope Francis at a Papal Mass to celebrate Confirmation on April 28, 2013.

Pope warns against work that enslaves man

May 1, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

Marking the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, Pope Francis said at his General Audience this week that work should... Read more

CNA

Israeli president discusses Middle East conflict, invites Pope to visit

Apr 30, 2013

Israeli president Shimon Peres invited Pope Francis to visit the Holy Land during an April 30 meeting with him at... Read more

CNA

Pope targets worldly Church as biggest threat

Apr 30, 2013

The “greatest danger” for the Church is if it becomes worldly, since this prevents her from communicating the message of... Read more

Pope Francis greets the faithful from the loggia of St. John Lateran Basilica on April 7, 2013.

Poverty linked to respect for life in Pope's book

Apr 29, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

In his newly translated book, Pope Francis proposes a Christ-centered understanding of human dignity that yields a comprehensive respect for... Read more

CNA

Confessional not a 'dry cleaner,' says Pope

Apr 29, 2013

Pope Francis said the Sacrament of Confession does not work like a dry cleaner but is a moment in which... Read more