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.

Using God’s name to justify violence is 'blasphemy,' Pope Francis says

Nov 15, 2015

By Elise Harris

On Sunday Pope Francis again expressed shock and sorrow for Friday’s terror attacks in Paris, condemning the acts as an... Read more

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

UPDATED: Pope calls Paris terrorist attacks part of 'piecemeal WWIII'

Nov 14, 2015

By Ann Schneible

The acts of terrorism which took place in Paris Friday night are the latest part in what Pope Francis has... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on Nov. 4, 2015.

Beware the 'idolatry of immanence,' Pope Francis says

Nov 13, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis cautioned against making idols out of earthly things, including our own habits, and stressed that while these will... Read more

As Pope's visit nears, Ugandans fight external push for contraception

Nov 12, 2015

By Elise Harris

One topic Ugandans expect Pope Francis to address in his upcoming visit to the country is the push by certain... Read more

Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi SJ speaks with journalists during a July 14, 2014 press conference.

Vatican launches investigation of journalists who published leaked docs

Nov 12, 2015

By Elise Harris

The two Italian journalists who made headlines last week for authoring books on confidential Vatican financial documents are under investigation,... Read more

Pope Francis has dinner with Jesuits on the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola July 31, 2014. Photo courtesy of the Jesuit General Curia.

Eat with your family, not with your smartphone, Pope says

Nov 11, 2015

By Elise Harris

For Pope Francis the dinner table is a key place to strengthen family bonds and foster a sense of “togetherness,”... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on September 3, 2014.

Pope Francis: Christian joy comes from going against the tide

Nov 11, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Florence this week, saying that joy comes from discerning the real Jesus from the image... Read more

Pope Francis in Florence's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Nov. 10, 2015.

Francis' message to the Italian Church: imitate Jesus in humility, service

Nov 10, 2015

By Elise Harris

In a lengthy speech to the Italian Church at large, Pope Francis said that true human and ecclesial advancement can... Read more

Pope Francis in Florence on Nov. 10, 2015.

In Tuscany, Pope Francis says proximity overcomes indifference

Nov 10, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis today traveled to the Tuscan city of Prato, where he told the city’s labor force – many Chinese... Read more

Episcopal consecration Mass at St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome, Italy, Nov. 9, 2015.

Pope Francis ordains new bishop at major Roman cathedral

Nov 9, 2015

At Saint John Lateran cathedral in Rome, Pope Francis ordained Monsignor Angelo De Donatis as an auxiliary bishop, encouraging the... Read more

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

Pope Francis to pro-life activists: You are the world's Good Samaritans

Nov 9, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis praised pro-life activists as “Good Samaritans” to the most vulnerable, citing their commitment to defending life at all... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on May 28, 2014.

Pope: 'Deplorable' leak of private docs doesn’t damper Vatican reform

Nov 8, 2015

By Elise Harris, Ann Schneible

On Sunday Pope Francis spoke out for the first time on what has been called the most recent “Vatileaks” scandal... 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.

If you have the right to work, you have the right to rest, Pope says

Nov 7, 2015

The dignity of workers was at the center of an address by Pope Francis on Saturday, during which the pontiff... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Nov. 5, 2014.

Money and status don't make you happy – selflessness does, Pope says

Nov 6, 2015

On Friday Pope Francis praised those Christians who serve others and renounce their own comfort. He also gave a blunt... Read more

Pope Francis waves to the general audience on April 1, 2015 in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis explains why he won't sell the Church's 'treasures'

Nov 6, 2015

In a new interview ranging from fame to finances to his childhood dreams, Pope Francis explained that despite his strong... Read more

Pope Francis poses for a photo with African Bishops outside the Synod Hall, Oct. 23, 2015.

Pope Francis is going to Kenya - and here's what people are talking about

Nov 6, 2015

By Elise Harris

As anticipation mounts in Africa ahead of Pope Francis’ coming visit, one Kenyan bishop said his country is excited to... Read more

Pope Francis during the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at St. Peter's Basilica on April 3, 2015.

For Pope Francis, unity of martyrdom is stronger than Christian divisions

Nov 5, 2015

By Elise Harris

Despite the numerous divisions among Christians today, the followers of Christ are powerfully united in the witness of martyrdom across... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the close of the Synod in St. Peter's Basilica, Oct. 25, 2015.

Excluding people isn't Christian – it leads to war, Pope says

Nov 5, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis on Thursday said that those who form private, exclusive groups mimic the attitude of the Pharisees, leading to... Read more

Pope Francis with a family on June 14, 2015 in St. Peter's Square.

Forgiveness in family has power to rebuild society, Pope says

Nov 4, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Delivering his Wednesday general audience address a little more than a week after the close of the Synod on the... Read more

Derrick Yearout, far left, inside the Colosseum on a recent pilgrimage to Rome. Photo courtesy of Tanya Cangelosi.

Rome pilgrimage gives homeless man a new perspective on life

Nov 3, 2015

By Elise Harris

Derrick Yearout has come a long way from his homeless, drug-addicted days. After changing his life and getting off the... Read more