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 greets faithful before mass outside of Istanbul's Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.

Charity isn't just helping others – it's a way of life, Pope says

Jan 10, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis told an audience of Haiti earthquake survivors and relief agencies that restoration is only possible when communities unite... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his Oct. 29, 2014 General Audience.

Pope: Spend a lot of time looking in the mirror? You might be a narcissist

Jan 9, 2015

By Elise Harris

In his homily Friday Pope Francis cautioned against the narcissism of those who close their hearts out of fear, insecurity... Read more

Pope Francis prays before a statue of Mary in St. Peter's Basilica on Nov. 30, 2013.

Pope Francis hails motherhood as the 'antidote to individualism'

Jan 7, 2015

By Elise Harris

During his general audience Pope Francis lamented how mothers are often under-appreciated in their family role, and said they are... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates New Year's Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God on Jan. 1, 2015.

Attentive, tireless, courageous – this is Christian life, Pope says on Epiphany

Jan 6, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Like the Magi who followed the star from the East, Christians are called to follow the light of the Gospel... Read more

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin presides over the inauguration of the new wing at the Pontifical North American College in Rome on Jan 6, 2015.

Top Vatican Official: Washington, NYC likely stops on papal trip

Although it’s still not official, the Vatican’s Secretary of State confirmed today that Pope Francis will most likely visit Washington... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates mass for the solemnity of the Epiphany in St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 6, 2015.

True models of conversion: wise men believed in love, not worldly power

Jan 6, 2015

By Elise Harris

On the solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Francis said that the journey of the three wise men reflects a path... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square after Vespers on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2014.

'It's like Jesus is coming to the Philippines': Frenzy builds over Francis

Jan 6, 2015

By Elise Harris

A priest on the papal flight for Pope Francis' upcoming visit to the Philippines said the country is anxiously awaiting... Read more

Sri Lankan Catholic students.

Preparing for Francis, Sri Lanka Church considers roadmap for peace

Jan 6, 2015

Deep wounds have barely begun healing. Only few years have passed since Sri Lanka’s civil war ended in May 2009.... Read more

Cardinals pray together at the most recent consistory, held Feb. 22, 2014.

Pope Francis' new cardinals shed light on Church's minorities

Jan 4, 2015

By Elise Harris

In his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis announced the names of the 15 bishops to be created cardinal electors in... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates New Year's Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God of Jan. 1, 2015.

Without the Church, Jesus 'is at the mercy of our imagination,' Pope says

Jan 1, 2015

By Elise Harris

In his homily on New Year’s Day, Pope Francis said that Jesus and his mother Mary are “inseparable,” just like... Read more

General Audience with Pope Francis, April 17, 2013.

In peace message, Pope takes aim at modern-day slavery

Jan 1, 2015

Denouncing modern slavery as a “scourge,” Pope Francis on New Year’s Day called for concrete action and the “globalization of... Read more

Pope Francis at Dec. 31 Vespers in St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope: This New Year's, embrace gratitude, reject slavery of sin

Dec 31, 2014

By Ann Schneible

At the year's end, Pope Francis reflected on Christ’s saving presence within time, cautioning against nostalgia for the slavery of... Read more

Pope Francis delivers his first Sunday Angelus on March 17, 2013.

Saint's martyrdom strips Christmas of false 'saccharine-sweetness'

Dec 26, 2014

Pope Francis marked the feast day of Saint Stephen on Dec. 26, noting that the martyrdom of the early Church... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Dec. 24, 2014.

The Pope's Christmas prayer – deliver children who suffer due to violence

Dec 25, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing Pope Francis prayed for all who suffer due to war and conflict, asking... Read more

Pope Francis at Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica the evening of Dec. 24, 2014.

Pope Francis: Christ's birth more powerful than history of sin

Dec 24, 2014

By Ann Schneible

The birth of Jesus – a light that shattered the world's darkness on Christmas night – witnesses to God's love... Read more

Pope Francis in Paul VI Hall on March 16, 2013.

You are not 'lords of the manor': Pope Francis' tough words to curia

Dec 24, 2014

Pope Francis issued a strong message to members of the curia this week, warning them against careerism and urging them... Read more

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

A Christmas with tears – Pope Francis' words to Middle East

Dec 23, 2014

In a Christmas message to Christians of the Middle East, Pope Francis grieved the violence that has ravaged and displaced... Read more

Vatican Christmas tree lighting in St. Peter's Square on Dec. 19, 2014.

A sign of hope; Christmas tree illuminates St. Peter's Square

Dec 19, 2014

By Elise Harris

The 83-foot Italian tree in St. Peter's Square was lit for the first time this season at the unveiling of... Read more

Pope Francis arrives at the airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

New app takes Pope Francis' Philippines visit mobile

Dec 17, 2014

The new official app for the Pope’s January visit to the Philippines will help people follow the Pope’s activities and... Read more

Supporters hold signs Dec. 3, 2013 in support of imprisoned U.S. citizen Alan Gross. He was released from a Cuban prison Dec. 17, 2014.

Vatican, Pope played key role in US-Cuba prisoner release

Dec 17, 2014

By Matt Hadro

The Vatican played a critical role behind a prisoner exchange and a groundbreaking new policy between U.S. and Cuba announced... Read more