Vatican

Testimony from Albania priest moves Pope to tears

Oct 01, 2014

With tears in his eyes, Pope Francis gave a warm embrace to Father Ernest Troshani Simoni, 84, one of the last survivors of the terrible Communist persecution in Albania.
Pope Francis calls Benedict XVI the ultimate 'grandfather'

Oct 01, 2014

Retired pontiff Benedict XVI joined some 50,000 pilgrims in Saint Peter's Square on Sunday, Sept. 28 for a meeting between Pope Francis and elderly people from around the world.
Cardinal Muller vows to persevere with SSPX reconciliation

Oct 01, 2014

Cardinal Gerhard Muller, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, held talks on Tuesday with the Superior General of the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) and both pledged to continue their dialogue aimed at achieving a full reconciliation.
Women to the fore at the Vatican’s Theological Commission

Oct 01, 2014

Pope Francis has appointed five women to the International Theological Commission, a record number that brings the percentage of women on the 30-member body to 16, or a proportion of one sixth.
Synod at heart of papal liturgies for month of October

Oct 01, 2014

The schedule of liturgical celebrations over which Pope Francis will preside in October is mainly booked with events surrounding the synod of bishops, which culminates with the beatification of Pope Paul VI.
Pope Francis: Don't 'overdramatize' your complaints to God

Oct 01, 2014

In his homily on Tuesday Pope Francis said complaining to God in times of suffering can be a prayer, but cautioned not to exaggerate our difficulties in front of those undergoing major tragedies.
Pope: Jesuits' history shows trust in God amid trials

Oct 01, 2014

The suppression and subsequent restoration of the Society of Jesus shows the importance of discernment and trusting in God even in tribulation, rather than relying on one’s own cunning or dwelling on one’s persecution, Pope Francis reflected on Saturday.
Vatican spurns UN child committee's call for changes to canon law

Oct 01, 2014

The Holy See has rejected the United Nations' Committee on the Rights of the Child's call for changes to canon law, and has formally criticized the group for a “grave misunderstanding” of the Holy See's sovereignty.
Pope: "Communicating the Family: A Privileged Place of Encounter with the Gift of Love"

Sep 30, 2014

"Communicating the Family: A Privileged Place of Encounter with the Gift of Love" is the topic the pope chose for the 49th World Communications Day, which will be celebrated in many countries around the world, on 17 May, the Sunday before Pentecost.
Pope Francis: Satan seduces by disguising evil as good

Sep 30, 2014

On Monday’s feast of the archangels Pope Francis spoke of the ongoing battle between the devil and mankind, encouraging attendees to pray to the angels, who have been charged to defend us.