Vatican

Synod document asks how we can improve pastoral care to families

Dec 18, 2014

The Synod of Bishops announced Tuesday it had released its prepatory document for the 2015 Synod on the Family, asking that bishops avoid formulating pastoral care merely in terms based on doctrine.
Will a host of pontifical councils be merged into two congregations?

Dec 18, 2014

The establishment of two large congregations, to include many tasks formerly divided among several pontifical councils, was expected to be discussed in the meeting of the Council of Cardinals scheduled for Dec 9-11.
Jesuit superior sets date for 2016 congregation to elect his successor

Dec 18, 2014

The general congregation to elect a new superior general for the Jesuits will begin with a Mass the evening of Oct 2, 2016, the order announced.
Pope welcomes criticism as ‘very healthy’ in new interview

Dec 18, 2014

Pope Francis said that he welcomed “resistance” to his ideas, and said that the Synod of Bishops would not be “touching any item of Church doctrine on marriage,” in a new in-depth interview with an Argentine journal.
Pope on Youth Ministry in Europe: ‘There’s Much to Be Done’

Dec 18, 2014

Youth ministers, Pope Francis says, are called to gather the questions of young people of today and, from them, to initiate a true and honest dialogue to bring Christ into their lives.
The request of a retired pope – simply call me 'Father Benedict'

Dec 18, 2014

Rather than being called by his papal name “Benedict XVI,” the retired pontiff revealed that since his retirement he has wanted to return to his original priestly title and be called simply “Father Benedict.”
Sing Sing inmates participate in gift exchange with Pope Francis

Dec 18, 2014

Inside the chapel of Our Lady of Hope at Sing Sing Prison, inmates sitting in the penitentiary’s chapel pews were stunned by what they had received from Pope Francis.
Tea and cake for Pope Francis as he celebrates 78th birthday

Dec 18, 2014

Shouts of “Tanti auguri” – or, “Happy Birthday!” – filled St. Peter's Square Wednesday morning as Pope Francis circled around throngs of pilgrims on his popemobile during the weekly general audience.
Vatican, Pope played key role in US-Cuba prisoner release

Dec 18, 2014

The Vatican played a critical role behind a prisoner exchange and a groundbreaking new policy between U.S. and Cuba announced on Wednesday, senior administration officials said.
Final report: Vatican thanks women religious, stresses focus on Christ

Dec 17, 2014

The Vatican has published the results of its apostolic visitation examining the quality of religious communities across the U.S. in a report described as realistic yet encouraging.