Vatican

Pope Francis says Holy Land visit aided Christian unity

May 29, 2014

Pope Francis on Wednesday said his pilgrimage to the Holy Land fed the desire for Christian unity and he encouraged Catholics to pray that God may help “heal the wounds” that divide the faithful.
Synod on family will have broad focus, Pope notes

May 28, 2014

Pope Francis has said that the upcoming synod on the family will focus on the “vast” pastoral problems facing families – not specifically Communion for the divorced and remarried.
Sex abuse will not be tolerated, Pope Francis says

May 28, 2014

Pope Francis strongly denounced clerical sex abuse of children, saying that such abuse will not be tolerated and announcing a special Mass for abuse victims, as well as efforts to investigate offenders.
At Gethsemane, Pope urges religious to live without fear

May 27, 2014

Religious, priests, and seminarians gathered in the Church near the garden of Gethsemane to meet with Pope Francis, who urged them to follow Christ with courage.
Pope Francis urges two-state solution in first remarks to Israel

May 26, 2014

Late Sunday afternoon Pope Francis arrived in Tel Aviv, where he urged Israeli President Shimon Peres and other authorities to adopt a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Pope makes new Christian unity step in meeting with Patriarch

May 26, 2014

In a declaration delivered at the end of a private meeting, Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch of Costantinople Bartholomew I marked a new step on the journey towards unity, stressing their commonality in areas such as respect for the sanctity of life and the protection of the family.
Remain in God's love, Pope Francis encourages faithful

May 23, 2014

Pope Francis has especially encouraged Christians to “remain in the love of God” in a Thursday reflection on the three “key words” of Jesus: peace, love and joy.
Pope rejects armoured car for trip to Holy Land

May 22, 2014

Pope Francis has refused to travel in a bulletproof vehicle during his visit to the Holy Land, the Vatican has disclosed.
Pope Francis reflects on God’s creation and the Holy Spirit’s gift of knowledge

May 22, 2014

Continuing his weekly catechesis on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis devoted his May 21 general audience to the gift of knowledge.
Follow Christ, Pope Francis tells the bishops of Italy

May 21, 2014

In his address Monday at the opening of the Italian bishops’ general assembly – the first time a Pope has delivered the inaugural lecture – Pope Francis reflected on the nature of episcopal ministry.