Latest stories: Catholic Church

Pope Francis Urges Catholics to Pray for People Risking Lives Searching Fundamental Rights

Pope Francis is inviting Catholics around the world to pray this month for people risking their lives by standing up for fundamental rights.

Influential and Controversial Swiss Theologian Hans Küng Dies Aged 93

The influential and controversial Swiss theologian Hans Küng has died at the age of 93.

"Never tire of seeking the risen Christ": Pope Francis at Regina Coeli, Easter Monday

At the Regina Coeli, Pope Francis encouraged Christians to “never tire of seeking the risen Christ.”

The story of Crucifix St. John Paul II Held on His Last Good Friday

Days before his death, Pope John Paul II was pictured holding a crucifix in his private chapel on Good Friday. This is the remarkable story of that crucifix.

In Christ’s Passion, We Remember Victims of Wars, Daily Violence, Abortions: Pope Francis

At his general audience, Pope Francis said that Holy Week is a time to “remember the ‘sacrificed lambs,’ the innocent victims of wars, dictatorships, everyday violence, abortions.”

Benedict XVI "delighted" by Year of St. Joseph Proclaimed by Pope Francis

In a new interview, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has expressed delight at the Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis.

Pope Francis Cautions Priests and Seminarians against Worldly Temptations

Pope Francis has told priests that “spiritual worldliness” is one of the worst temptations in clerical life.

Lift Your Eyes to the Cross in Holy Week: Pope Francis on Palm Sunday

Pope Francis urged Catholics to focus on the cross during Holy Week as he celebrated Mass on Palm Sunday.

At Angelus, Pope Francis Prays for Indonesian Catholics Injured in Palm Sunday Bombing

At the Angelus, Pope Francis prayed for Indonesian Catholics injured in a bombing as they left a Palm Sunday Mass.

Indonesian President Condemns Palm Sunday Bombing at Catholic Cathedral

Indonesian President Joko Widodo condemned a bomb attack at a Catholic cathedral after a Palm Sunday Mass that killed two suspects and wounded at least 20 people.

Vatican to Vaccinate 1,200 People in Need During Holy Week

The Vatican plans to vaccinate 1,200 people living in poverty during Holy Week with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Papal Liturgies for Holy Week to be Much Smaller than Usual Once Again amid COVID-19

The Vatican has published Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week at the Vatican this year.

Pope Francis Trims Cardinals’ Salaries by 10% to Save Money

Pope Francis has issued a letter cutting the salaries of some Vatican employees as a way to contain costs after the institution’s budget projected a deficit of $60 million in 2021.

German Catholic Archbishop Offers to Resign from Office after Abuse Report Findings

A German archbishop has announced that he is offering his resignation to Pope Francis and requesting “immediate release” from all duties.

Visitation at Vatican’s Liturgy Office Before Cardinal Sarah’s Successor Announced

An Italian bishop is carrying out a visitation at the Vatican’s liturgy office less than a month after Cardinal Robert Sarah resigned as prefect.

Support Working Mothers amid the Coronavirus Pandemic: Pope Francis

Pope Francis has called for more support for working mothers during and after the coronavirus pandemic, saying that women are vital for the renewal of society and the economy.

Cardinal Sarah Says He Has "never opposed the pope" in First Interview Since Stepping Down

Cardinal Robert Sarah said on Wednesday that claims that he and Pope Francis are enemies were false, in his first interview since stepping down from his Vatican post.

Pope Francis Entrusts Iraq Trip to Virgin Mary’s Protection

On the eve of his departure for a three-day trip to Iraq, Pope Francis visited a Rome basilica to ask for the Virgin Mary's intercession and protection on his travels.

Benedict XVI Addresses Resignation Conspiracy Theories, Iraq, and Biden in New Interview

Benedict XVI addressed conspiracy theories about his resignation as pope, Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq, and Joe Biden in an interview with an Italian newspaper published on Monday, March 1.

Where is Pope Francis Going in Iraq and why? Catholic News Agency Explainer

In a week’s time Pope Francis is expected to make history by becoming the first pope to travel to Iraq. Here is where he will be going -- and why.