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

U.S. Capitol.

Speaker Boehner invites Pope Francis to address Congress

Mar 13, 2014

Speaker of the House John Boehner has extended an open invitation to Pope Francis to address a joint meeting of... Read more

Pope Francis prays during his General Audience on Sept. 25, 2013

Fr. Lombardi: Pope is spending anniversary in prayer

Mar 13, 2014

By Elise Harris

In light of the Pope Francis’ first anniversary as Bishop of Rome, the Vatican has stated that the pontiff is... Read more

Paul and Jakob Badde with Bl. John Paul II, Nov. 17, 1980. Courtesy of Paul Badde.

Pope to hold first official audience with the blind, deaf

Mar 12, 2014

By Elise Harris

As the first pontiff to meet with those who are blind and deaf in an exclusive audience, Pope Francis will... Read more

Bishops laud Pope’s humility, care for poor on anniversary

Mar 12, 2014

By Elise Harris

In a statement released on the occasion of the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate, US bishops praised the pontiff... Read more

Global youth garner thanks for Pope on first anniversary

Mar 11, 2014

A group of young people from around the world have launched a campaign called Grazie Francesco – Thank You Francis... Read more

Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, arrives at the Vatican for pre-conclave meetings, March 5, 2013.

Before conclave, Bergoglio stressed need to focus on Christ

Mar 10, 2014

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone has shared some of his memories of the meetings held in preparation for the 2013 conclave, recounting... Read more

The Pontifical Villa called Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo.

Papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo now open to public

Mar 10, 2014

By Elise Harris

Known as the Barberini Gardens, the historic area of Castel Gandalfo has been declared open to the general public by... Read more

Pope Francis greets the crowds outside the Basilica of St. John Lateran on April 7, 2013.

In first year, Pope Francis has challenged 'all' to live Gospel

Mar 9, 2014

By Carl Bunderson

Anticipating the one-year anniversary of the election of Pope Francis as the Bishop of Rome, Catholic leaders nationwide have reflect... Read more

Pope Francis greets the faithful in St. Peter's Square for Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013.

Pope encourages Rome's lay faithful to serve poor

Mar 9, 2014

In a message to participants at a conference on the mission of the laity in Rome, Pope Francis urged the... Read more

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

Thwart temptation with the word of God, Pope exhorts

Mar 9, 2014

In his Sunday Angelus message today, Pope Francis stressed the importance of resisting temptations by finding refuge in God’s word.  Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his Wednesday audience on Oct. 2, 2013.

Religious urged by Pope Francis to avoid 'theoretical poverty'

Mar 8, 2014

Pope Francis on Saturday sent a message to participants in an international symposium on the religious life, encouraging them to... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica from the Via de la Conciliazione in December 2010.

Pope chooses global leadership for Vatican economic office

Mar 8, 2014

The Pope has announced the names of eight cardinals and seven lay experts from around the world chosen to serve... Read more

Pope Francis visits the community of Varginha July 25, 2013

Pope: we will be judged by our behavior towards others

Mar 7, 2014

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis dedicated his daily homily to the virtue of charity, stressing that we shouldn't be “ashamed” to touch those... Read more

Fr. Thomas Rosica in the Vatican Press Office Feb 26, 2013.

Priest clarifies misconceptions on Pope's civil union remarks

Mar 7, 2014

By Elise Harris

A priest connected with the Vatican press office addressed Pope Francis' recent words on civil unions in an interview, noting... Read more

Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience on Sept. 25, 2013.

Path of self-denial brings joy, fruitfulness, Pope reflects

Mar 6, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his daily homily Pope Francis spoke of the Christian “style,” explaining that in order to be authentic, it must... Read more

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

In interview Pope talks marriage, family, scandals and life

Mar 6, 2014

By Elise Harris

As part of a recent interview given to an Italian news agency, Pope Francis discussed hot-button issues in the Church... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany in St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 6, 2014.

Lent is a 'strong' time of conversion, Pope Francis reflects

Mar 5, 2014

By Elise Harris

During his general audience on Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis called Lent a moment of renewal which allows us to look... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience Dec. 4, 2013.

Pope: More martyrs exist today than in the early Church

Mar 4, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his daily homily Pope Francis called persecution a “reality” of Christian life, challenging faithful to take up the cross... Read more

Bishop-designate Peter Leslie Smith.

Portland, Ore. diocese receives new auxiliary bishop

Mar 4, 2014

By Elise Harris

The Vatican announced earlier this morning that Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Peter Leslie Smith to assist in leading the... Read more

European publisher launches new Pope Francis magazine

Mar 3, 2014

By Elise Harris

One of the largest publishing companies in Europe is releasing a first-ever weekly magazine dedicated entirely to Pope Francis due... Read more