Pope Francis

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.'

Pope Francis, the ultimate headhunter

By David Gibson — November 17, 2016

VATICAN CITY (RNS) Many of the 17 churchmen the pontiff will honor with a red hat on Saturday were as stunned as everyone else that they were chosen. That’s because Francis is his own executive search firm.

Partisan pope? Falwell critiques Pope Francis on Twitter

By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 15, 2016

(RNS) In the Age of Pope Francis and the Era of President Trump, the union between Roman Catholics and evangelical Protestants may be fraying.

Catholic bishops follow Trump’s election with a message of their own

By David Gibson — November 15, 2016

(RNS) The bishops put a Mexican-born archbishop in line to become the first Latino to lead the American hierarchy. But they seemed hesitant to fully endorse Pope Francis' approach.

The ’Splainer: What’s a cardinal?