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

Fr. Federico Lombardi at the July 22 press conference at the WYD 2013 media center in Rio. Michelle Bauman/CNA.

Vatican spokesman: Pope's energy strikes us all

Jul 25, 2013

Despite jetlag, rainy weather and an intense schedule, Pope Francis is showing no sign of slowing down as he meets... Read more

Rodrigo the umbrella seller waits for customers in the rain on July 24, 2013. Walter Sanchez Silva/CNA.

Unusual weather not dampening enthusiasm in Rio

Jul 25, 2013

Rio de Janeiro experienced another day of rain on Wednesday along with lower than normal temperatures, forcing World Youth Day... Read more

A rescue worker sifts through the crash scene outside of Santiago de Compostela, Spain on July 25, 2013. Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images News.

Pope 'deeply moved' by train crash in Spain

Jul 25, 2013

Pope Francis is praying for the victims and families of the 77 people who have died in a train derailment... Read more

(L-R) Aux. Bishop Stephen Robson, Msgr. Leo Cushley, Archbishop-elect of St. Andrews & Edinburgh, and Archbishop Philip Tartaglia. Courtesy of the Archdiocese of St. Andrews & Edinburgh.

Vatican diplomat named new Edinburgh archbishop

Jul 24, 2013

Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Leo Cushley as the new Archbishop of St. Andrews & Edinburgh, replacing Cardinal Keith O’Brien... Read more

Pope Francis' car is swarmed by pilgrims as he makes his way to Guanabara Palace on July 22, 2013. ANSA/FERMO IMMAGINE SKY.

Pope's unpredictability challenges security planners

Jul 24, 2013

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The rules for the Pope’s security during international trips have had to change since Pope Francis was elected, bringing into... Read more

Pope Francis arrives at the airport in Rio.

Pope rearranges Rio schedule to meet with Argentine youth

Jul 24, 2013

By Michelle La Rosa

Pope Francis has modified his World Youth Day schedule to plan a meeting this Thursday with several thousand young people... Read more

CNA

Bomb found at Aparecida shrine ahead of Pope's visit

Jul 22, 2013

The Brazilian military discovered an improvised bomb in a parking garage bathroom at the shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida... Read more

Pope Francis gives his first address at the Presidential Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pope comes to spark 'flame of fraternal love' in Rio

Jul 22, 2013

Affirming the “great heart” of the Brazilian people, Pope Francis said at a welcome ceremony that he comes to World... Read more

CNA

Pope targets 'throwaway culture' during Brazil visit

Jul 22, 2013

Pope Francis said as he flew to Rio de Janeiro that he is going to meet young people and help... Read more

Pope Francis boards the papal plane carrying his black bag at Rome's Fiumicino Airport on July 22, 2013. ANSA/TELENEWS.

Pope Francis' style changes papal flight

Jul 22, 2013

As he boarded the plane for Rio de Janeiro and the 28th World Youth Day, Pope Francis brought his down-to-earth... Read more

CNA

Pope prays for WYD before famous Marian image

Jul 21, 2013

Two days before his departure to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil for World Youth Day, Pope Francis made a surprise trip... Read more

Pope Francis (

Always unite prayer and action, Pope Francis says

Jul 21, 2013

In his Sunday Angelus message, Pope Francis told crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square to unite prayer and action in... Read more

CNA

'Everything is lost in war,' Pope says of WWII church bombing

Jul 19, 2013

Pope Francis echoed the words of World War II pontiff Pius XII in a message today marking 70 years since... Read more

Msgr. Fabian Pedacchio Leaniz in the Vatican on June 23, 2013.

Pope Francis' shadow: Monsignor Pedacchio Leaniz

Jul 19, 2013

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Pope Francis now counts on the discreet presence of his new, 49-year-old Argentinean secretary, Msgr. Fabiàn Pedacchio Leaniz.  Read more

Indulgences not a 'magical formula,' canon lawyer explains

Jul 18, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

In contrast with media reports of “time off of purgatory” for Pope Francis' Twitter followers, a canon lawyer says indulgences... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013.

Pope Francis will visit slum, not use popemobile in Rio

Jul 18, 2013

During next week's World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Pope Francis will be staying in a modest residency, visiting... Read more

World Youth Day Rio 2013 logo.

Vatican: Change of Popes 'intensified' World Youth Day

Jul 18, 2013

A Vatican spokesman said the change of Popes which occurred from the announcement of World Youth Day to its fruition... Read more

Pope Francis greets the crowd at Castel Gandolfo before the Angelus, July 14, 2013.

Pope Francis urges Irish, British to value each human life

Jul 17, 2013

Ahead of Day for Life Sunday in the U.K., Pope Francis has sent a message to British and Irish Catholics... Read more

Bishop Guillermo Leaden.

Argentine bishop turning 100 assures Pope is 'a holy man'

Jul 16, 2013

Bishop Guillermo Leaden, who resides in Buenos Aires and will turn 100 on July 20, reflected on the election of... Read more

Philosopher lauds Pope's thriving Latin Twitter account

Jul 16, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

With media outlets taking notice of the unexpected success of the Pope's tweets in Latin, a scholar conversant in the... Read more