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

Scientists play a key role in solving global problems, Pope Francis says

Nov 28, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis told a group of scientists Monday that their role in finding creative solutions to the world’s problems is... Read more

Pope Francis delivers the Angelus address, June 15, 2015.

Papal Advent advice: Don't be dominated by material things

Nov 27, 2016

The season of Advent is a reminder to us to open our horizons and have concern for more than just... Read more

Pope Francis and Fidel Castro in a private meeting, Sept. 20, 2015. Photo courtesy of Alex Castro.

UPDATED: Fidel Castro, communist leader who met three Popes, dies at 90

Nov 26, 2016

By Elise Harris

After hearing of the death of Fidel Castro, former president and leader communist revolution in Cuba, late Friday evening, Pope... Read more

Pope Francis at the General Audience in St. Peter's Square, April 13, 2016.

Drugs a 'new form of slavery', Pope Francis says

Nov 25, 2016

By Elise Harris

Drug addiction is a contemporary form of slavery, Pope Francis lamented Thursday, emphasizing that a rehabilitation which restores victims' joy... Read more

Flag of Vietnam.

Advancing relations core of meeting between Pope, Vietnam president

Nov 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Wednesday Pope Francis met Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang at the Vatican for a meeting largely focused on collaboration... Read more

A view of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica from the Vaticans Apostolic Palace.

In latest meeting, Synod of Bishops finalizes preparatory doc for 2018

Nov 23, 2016

By Elise Harris

The Synod of Bishops met in Rome this week to finalize the preparatory document and questionnaire that will form the... Read more

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

Pope Francis: we all have doubts, but living the faith helps

Nov 23, 2016

By Elise Harris

While the Jubilee might be over, Pope Francis hasn’t stopped talking about mercy, telling faithful Wednesday that the works of... Read more

Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, shortly after his elevation to cardinal, Nov. 19, 2016.

For Cardinal Tobin, Pope Francis is in step with his predecessors

Nov 23, 2016

By Elise Harris

In a sit-down interview with CNA Monday, Cardinal Joseph Tobin opened up about his appointment and his thoughts on the... Read more

Pope Francis and a cross during the Stations of the Cross at the Coliseum in Rome, Italy on April 3, 2015.

Want to stop fearing death? Trust in God, Pope Francis says

Nov 22, 2016

Death and God’s judgment should be on everyone’s mind, but faithfulness to God will conquer our fears, Pope Francis has... Read more

Pope Francis with a statue of Mary and baby Jesus in St. Peter's Square during the general audience on Sept 9, 2015.

After Krakow, Mary at heart of next World Youth Day gathering

Nov 22, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Tuesday the Vatican announced the themes for the next three World Youth Day encounters, which are focused on Mary... Read more

Priests concelebrate with Pope Francis during the Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica March 24, 2016.

Pope extends Jubilee mandate on abortion, SSPX confession

Nov 21, 2016

Although the Jubilee of Mercy has ended, Pope Francis has decided that some of the novelties he applied in the... Read more

Pope Francis meets with former prostitutes assisted by the Pope John XXIII Community in Rome Aug. 12, 2016.

How an ex-prostitute's horrific suffering moved Pope Francis

Nov 20, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis still remembers meeting with a former prostitute during the Jubilee of Mercu, and hearing how she suffered untold... Read more

Pope Francis closes the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica Nov. 20, 2016.

At close of Jubilee, Pope Francis says it’s a reminder of what’s essential

Nov 20, 2016

On Sunday Pope Francis closed the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, officially marking the end of the Jubilee of... Read more

Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario. Nov. 19, 2016.

For Bangladesh's new cardinal, papal visit will boost faith

Nov 19, 2016

By Elise Harris

After becoming the first prelate from Bangladesh to ever get a red hat, newly-elevated Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario said his country... Read more

Cardinal Joseph Tobin greets guests at the Pontifical North American College Nov. 19, 2016.

American cardinals reflect after Pope's anti-division comments

Nov 19, 2016

By Elise Harris

When Pope Francis spoke out sharply against the “virus of polarization,” three new American cardinals saw a chance for a... Read more

Pope Francis elevates 17 new cardinals during the Nov. 19, 2016, consistory.

Pope warns new cardinals against falling into polemics, division

Nov 19, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Saturday Pope Francis handed a red hat to 17 new cardinals, warning them against the danger of falling into... Read more

Cardinal's biretta.

So what is a consistory, anyway?

Nov 18, 2016

By Andrea Gagliarducci

In a simple rite this Saturday, 17 prelates will receive a red biretta from Pope Francis and thus join the... Read more

Pope Francis meets with the Roman Rota at the Vatican, Jan. 22, 2016.

Pope tells bishops to have compassion on those with failed marriages

Nov 18, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Friday Pope Francis stopped by a formation course for bishops on the new marriage nullity process, telling attendees that... Read more

Like money too much? It'll ruin your life, Pope Francis warns priests

Nov 18, 2016

Pope Francis on Friday had a question for priests: “Are you attached to money?”  Read more

Red cardinal's biretta.

New Venezuelan cardinal says country's crisis prompted red hat

Nov 18, 2016

By Elise Harris

Venezuelan Archbishop Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo is one of the Pope's picks from the peripheries who will get a red... Read more