Vatican

No to nuclear weapons, yes to nuclear technology

May 07, 2015

In an effort to abolish the production of nuclear weapons worldwide, the Holy See is pushing an agreement – with a deadline – between nations, which zeros-in on the use of nuclear energy for positive social development.
Vatican recognizes martyrdoms of missionary, lay catechist in communist Laos

May 07, 2015

During a private audience on Tuesday, Pope Francis advanced the causes of canonization of 12 potential saints, two of whom were martyred by communist revolutionaries in Laos in 1960.
Pope Francis to meet with Raul Castro May 10

May 07, 2015

Pope Francis will receive Cuban president Raul Castro Sunday morning May 10, in a “strictly private” audience, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi announced. The meeting will take place in the Pope’s studio in the Paul VI Audience Hall.
Pope Francis blesses image of children killed in Maryland fire

May 07, 2015

After reading a letter while visiting Rome’s North American Seminary detailing the death of two young girls in a house fire, Pope Francis blessed their picture and a small statue to be given to their parents.
Jubilee: Living mercy following the Father’s example

May 06, 2015

The upcoming Jubilee based on the theme of Mercy will be celebrated in each diocese, and cannot be compared to the great Jubilee of 2000.
What to expect during extraordinary jubilee year

May 06, 2015

Prisoners may celebrate their Holy Year with the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica, says the Vatican official collaborating with the Pope for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Pope Francis: A Bishop of Rome with a heart for Argentina

May 06, 2015

Vicar of Christ to the entire world, yet still a son of his homeland: Pope Francis continues to be attentive to Argentina, as shown by the news that the Vatican may open its fileson the country's military dictatorship.
Pope to Lutherans: In Christian unity, don't be afraid of the tough issues

May 06, 2015

Christians in pursuit of unity should not be afraid to broach potential areas of disagreement such as marriage, family, and sexuality, Pope Francis said in a meeting with the head of Sweden's Lutheran church.
Blessed Junipero Serra is ‘one of the founding fathers of the United States

May 05, 2015

Pope Francis urged American seminarians to imitate the missionary zeal, Marian devotion, and witness of holiness of Blessed Junipero Serra (1713-84), the Franciscan friar who evangelized California.
Pope’s homily for day of reflection on blessed Junipero Serra at Rome's pontifical North American college

May 05, 2015

Below is the Vatican-provided translation of Pope Francis’ homily Saturday afternoon during Mass at Rome's Pontifical North American College on the Day of Reflection on "Blessed Junipero Serra: Apostle of California, Witness of Sanctity.