Pope Francis
Vatican exhibits Rembrandt in gesture of Christian unity
By Josephine McKenna — December 8, 2016
(RNS) For the first time in history, the Dutch master has a show in the Holy See.
Outcry greets Vatican decision to reaffirm ban on gay priests
By Josephine McKenna — December 8, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A decision to reaffirm Rome's opposition to gay priests has angered activists fighting for change within the Catholic Church.
Vatican launches website in response to clergy sex scandals
By Josephine McKenna — December 6, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The site aims to provide resources to dioceses around the world and to raise awareness in regions where the problem has not received much coverage.
Director Martin Scorcese discusses meeting ‘disarming’ Pope Francis
By RNS staff — December 6, 2016
Scorsese met Francis to discuss his film "Silence" (opening Dec. 25), where Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver portray Jesuit priests in 17th century Japan.
What changes when Pope Francis grants priests the authority to forgive abortions?
By Mathew Schmalz — December 5, 2016
Francis’ decision in relation to abortion is part of an overall approach to Catholic teaching and practice that seeks to make it more humane, more merciful and more easily adaptable to the vicissitudes of everyday human life.
At Advent, grass-roots organizers prepare to fight for the least of these
By guest — December 5, 2016
(RNS) Since his installation, Pope Francis has called not only for fundamental structural changes in the economy and society, but for people to organize from below to create change.
Will the Catholic Church split over marriage?
By Mark Silk — December 2, 2016
(RNS) Unlikely, but the agita on the right is something to behold. Is there a way forward?
Oklahoma City priest declared first American martyr by Pope Francis
By Josephine McKenna — December 2, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) An American missionary priest killed in Guatemala in 1981 has moved a step closer to being named a Catholic saint after Pope Francis declared him the first-ever American martyr.
Standing Rock activists see Pope Francis as spiritual ally
By John Thavis — December 2, 2016
STANDING ROCK, North Dakota (RNS) The pontiff hasn't been asked directly about the oil pipeline controversy, but his writings show where his sympathies could lie.
Italian prisoners honor Pope Francis with flash mob dance
By Josephine McKenna — December 1, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The 'Pope is Pop' Zumba routine by dozens of prisoners highlighted the pontiff's calls for prison reform and greater acceptance of the world’s migrants.
Martin Scorsese meets pope as film on Jesuits screens in Rome
By RNS staff — November 30, 2016
(Reuters) For Scorsese, the meeting came almost thirty years after his film 'The Last Temptation of Christ' outraged many conservative Christians.
Pope Francis says mercy demands an ‘inclusive’ church open to all
By David Gibson — November 21, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a message to wrap up the Holy Year of Mercy, the pontiff adds that all priests will continue to be able to absolve the 'grave sin' of abortion.
Pope Francis: A poor and welcoming church spreads the gospel
By David Gibson — November 20, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Using “power and success” to evangelize betrays the core of the Gospel message, the pontiff said as he closed a special holy year of mercy.
Pope Francis denounces growing ‘demonization’ of enemies and outsiders
By David Gibson — November 19, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff’s exhortation, at a ceremony to elevate 17 new cardinals, seemed to take aim at nationalist anger roiling countries around the world, including the U.S.
Is the pope Catholic? Francis dismisses critics of his teachings
By David Gibson — November 18, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) 'I don’t lose sleep over it,' the pontiff said in a new interview. Foes accusing him of 'Protestantizing' the church are legalists trying 'to foment divisions.'
