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

Cardinals gathered in St. Peter's Basilica for a consistory, Nov. 4, 2012.

What's the thought behind Pope Francis' choices for cardinals?

Oct 12, 2016

By Andrea Gagliarducci

With the Consistory of Cardinals in November, Pope Francis will shape the College of Cardinals to give the widest representation... Read more

Pope Francis with Our Lady of Fatima at the General Audience, Wednesday May 13, 2015.

Cardinal Parolin visits Fatima ahead of Pope's trip

Oct 12, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, is traveling to Fatima, Portugal ahead of Pope Francis’ own visit, which... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square, April 13, 2016.

Pope pleads for ceasefire amid 'inhuman conflict' in Syria

Oct 12, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Wednesday, Pope Francis begged for an end to the terrible conflict in Syria, asking for an immediate ceasefire to... Read more

Pope Francis at the Jubilee Audience in St. Peter's Square on April 9, 2016.

In service, conversion of heart is the first step, says Pope Francis

Oct 10, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

In this transitory and often difficult life, it is necessary to have Christ as the center of everything you do,... Read more

Pope Francis embraces Rev. Ernest Troshani in Tirana's St. Paul Cathedral, Albania.

Albanian priest who moved the Pope to be named Cardinal

Oct 9, 2016

The Albanian priest whose testimony moved Pope Francis to tears in 2014 is one of the 17 international bishops and... Read more

Participants begin to enter the Vatican's Synod Hall before the Friday session of the Synod on the Family, Oct. 10, 2014.

Pope Francis announces new consistory to coincide with close of Jubilee

Oct 9, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Sunday Pope Francis announced that he will hold a consistory of cardinals on the Nov. 19 vigil of the... Read more

Pope Francis prays in front of the icon of Salus Populi Romani during an Oct. 8 2016, prayer vigil for the Marian Jubilee.

Pope Francis: the most godlike people might not be who you expect

Oct 9, 2016

By Elise Harris

At the close of the Marian Jubilee, Pope Francis said that it’s often strangers and even people from other religions... Read more

A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday General Audience with Pope Francis on April 22, 2015.

Mary imitated God through service, Pope says

Oct 8, 2016

By Elise Harris

During a special Jubilee weekend dedicated to Mary, Pope Francis said Mary was not only Christ’s mother, but also his... Read more

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims during his June 15, 2016 general audience in St. Peter's Square.

Charity is the heart of all missionary action, Pope Francis says

Oct 7, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

After electing their new General Superior, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate had a meeting with Pope Francis, who told... Read more

Pope Francis gives the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on Oct. 2, 2013.

Pope offers prayer, support for a Haiti devastated by hurricane Matthew

Oct 7, 2016

By Elise Harris

After Hurricane Matthew killed more than 300 people and left thousands more homeless, Pope Francis has written a telegram assuring... Read more

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

For Pope Francis, legalism makes Christians stupid.

Oct 6, 2016

The Holy Spirit is the “great gift” of God the Father who helps us avoid the stupidities of a legalistic... Read more

Pope Francis arrives to meet with youth at Kasarani stadium in Kenya on Nov. 27, 2015.

Youth, discernment Pope's pick for next synod theme

Oct 6, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

The theme for the 2018 Synod of Bishops has been released, and will focus on how to best teach the... Read more

Pope Francis and Anglican Primate Archbishop Justin Welby walk into the church of San Gregorio al Cielo to pray First Vepsers together.

Despite hiccups, Pope Francis and Welby committed to unity

Oct 6, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis and Anglican Primate Archbishop Welby have signed a joint-declaration emphasizing that while topics such as homosexuality and the... Read more

Oil refinery.

Catholic groups around the world break ties with fossil fuels

Oct 5, 2016

On the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi this week, seven Catholic organizations on five continents announced they are divesting... Read more

Pope Francis holds a soccer ball in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Aug. 26, 2015. L'Osservatore Romano.

Who benefits from sports? Everyone, Pope Francis says

Oct 5, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

The beauty and joy found in sports, whether playing or watching, is something that benefits and unites everyone, regardless of... Read more

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims during his June 15, 2016 general audience in St. Peter's Square.

The Church must be close to Caucasus nations, Pope Francis says

Oct 5, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Wednesday Pope Francis gave a recap of his recent trip to Georgia and Azerbaijan, noting how this year both... Read more

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

Pope Francis and China – attempts for a thaw?

Oct 5, 2016

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Improved Holy See relations with China are a major effort of this papacy, with an ongoing focus on disputes appointment... Read more

Pope Francis prays at Rome's Piazza di Spanga to begin the Year of Mercy, Dec. 8, 2015.

The Pope's latest prayer intention? That journalists be truthful

Oct 4, 2016

By Elise Harris

In his latest prayer video Pope Francis dedicates the month of October to praying for journalists – specifically that their... Read more

Opening Mass for the synod of bishops on the family Oct. 8, 2015.

Dioceses of Anchorage, Arlington get new bishops

Oct 4, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis has tapped two active bishops to head new dioceses, naming Bishop Paul D. Etienne of Cheyenne as the... Read more

Pope Francis prays at the red zone in Amatrice during a private Oct. 4, 2016, visit to those affected by a massive earthquake in August.

Pope Francis makes surprise visit to Amatrice to pray for earthquake victims

Oct 4, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Tuesday Pope Francis made an unannounced private visit to the small Italian city of Amatrice to offer support  areas... Read more