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 blows out candles on a cake for his 78th birthday in St. Peter's Square during his Wednesday general audience on Dec. 17, 2014.

Tea and cake for Pope Francis as he celebrates 78th birthday

Dec 17, 2014

By Ann Schneible

Shouts of “Tanti auguri” – or, “Happy Birthday!” – filled St. Peter's Square Wednesday morning as Pope Francis circled around... Read more

An Advent gift: God's mercy in the confessional, cardinal says

Dec 17, 2014

As Christmas approaches, priests and penitents should remind themselves of the “miracle” of confession and how we should approach the... Read more

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

Pope: Mary and Joseph exemplify mission, vocation of family life

Dec 17, 2014

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis spoke today about Jesus’ choice to be born into a family, saying that it shows the importance of... Read more

Pope Francis gives the homily during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12, 2014.

Only a repentant heart will receive salvation, Pope Francis says

Dec 16, 2014

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis touched on the importance of being humble and open to the Lord's correction, encouraging the faithful to offer... Read more

Pope Francis to media: People are more valuable than 'hits'

Dec 15, 2014

By Ann Schneible

Catholics working in media would do well to remember that communications is about informing people – not collecting “hits,” Pope... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wed. general audience on Oct. 2, 2013.

No such thing as gloomy-faced saints, Pope Francis says

Dec 14, 2014

By Ann Schneible

Christian joy is borne out of nearness to Christ, said Pope Francis during his Angelus address for the third Sunday... Read more

Pope Francis in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall on Oct. 4, 2014.

St. Lucy an example of courage for all who face disabilities, Pope says

Dec 13, 2014

By Elise Harris

In an audience with people who are blind and visually impaired Pope Francis said that St. Lucy’s courage in facing... Read more

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.

Knights donate $2 million to papal charities, Middle East relief

Dec 13, 2014

By Elise Harris

The Knights of Columbus have donated $1.6 million to the Pope’s personal charities, and are giving an additional $400,000 to... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for all cardinals and bishops who died in the last year, Nov. 3, 2014.

Pope pleads with Middle East churches to address crisis together

Dec 13, 2014

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis addressed the increasing challenges caused by violence in the Middle East with members of the Syriac Catholic Church,... Read more

Pope Francis meets with students in Paul VI audience hall on May 31, 2014.

Pope: Missing something in your spiritual life? It's probably love

Dec 11, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his daily homily Pope Francis said that God’s love is always expressed in tenderness, and cautioned that if we... Read more

 Pope Francis leads a Prayer Vigil for the 2014 Synod on the Family in St. peter's Square, Oct. 4, 2014.

Pope calls victims to be 'prophetic voices' against nuclear war

Dec 10, 2014

By Ann Schneible

In a message to an international gathering on the impact of nuclear weapons, Pope Francis called on victims to be... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his Dec. 10, 2014 general audience.

Family synod gets down to basics of marriage, Pope says

Dec 10, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his weekly general audience Pope Francis started a new catechesis on the family, and explained that discussion surrounding the... Read more

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

The politics of Pope Francis: An anti-corruption, anti-ideology populism

Dec 9, 2014

Most people “still don’t know how Pope Francis thinks,” says a longtime Catholic observer who believes the Pope’s approach to... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on August 27, 2014.

What makes the Church happy? Seeking lost sheep, Pope says

Dec 9, 2014

Like a shepherd finding lost sheep, the Church is a joyful mother who goes out and seeks her lost children,... Read more

Pope Francis married 20 couples in St. Peter's Basilica on Sept. 14, 2014.

Pope: Church must improve marriage prep, strengthen families

Dec 8, 2014

Pope Francis in his latest interview reflected on October’s Extraordinary Synod on the Family, dismissing fears of doctrinal “collapse” while... Read more

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

'Let yourselves be consoled' during Advent, Pope Francis says

Dec 7, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis asked that during Advent the faithful prepare for the Lord’s coming by... Read more

Advent meditations for Pope delve into meaning of peace

Dec 6, 2014

By Elise Harris

Papal preacher Father Raniero Cantalamessa gave his first advent homily to Pope Francis, touching on the biblical meaning of the... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Oct. 1, 2014.

Pope: the 'feminine genius' takes on theology's uncharted territory

Dec 5, 2014

By Elise Harris

In an address given to theologians, Pope Francis praised the increasing presence of women in the field, saying that their... Read more

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

Pope Francis praises the 'hidden holiness' of everyday saints

Dec 4, 2014

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis cautioned against the false appearances of those who are proud or vain, saying that true holiness is found... Read more

Presentation of the Papal Mace to St. Andrews University, Nov. 30, 2014.

Papal mace points to education's true purpose, Scottish bishop says

Dec 4, 2014

The presentation of a special Papal mace marking the 600th anniversary of Scotland’s oldest university is a reminder of the... Read more