Pope Francis

Pope Francis’ short trip to Sweden a big step on a longer journey

By David Gibson — November 2, 2016

ROME (RNS) The pontiff wanted to use the anniversary of the Reformation to set ecumenism on a new path that stresses a shared witness. But will that convince a skeptical world?

Pope says he believes ban on female priests is forever

By Yonat Shimron — November 1, 2016

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — 'St. Pope John Paul II had the last clear word on this and it stands, this stands,' Francis said.

Pope Francis praises secular Sweden for taking in asylum seekers

By Jerome Socolovsky — November 1, 2016

MALMÖ, Sweden (Reuters) - The main purpose of the pope's two-day trip was to take part in a joint commemoration with Lutherans of the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation.

Pope names Detroit bishop to Guam archdiocese rocked by sex abuse allegations

By Josephine McKenna — October 31, 2016

ROME (RNS) Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Byrnes was appointed to Guam after the archbishop there refused to stand down voluntarily.

False charges of ‘anti-Catholicism’ are anti-Catholic

By David Gibson — October 28, 2016

(RNS) Leaked emails aren't anti-Catholic and neither is Hillary Clinton. But spreading such charges goes against canon law, and is more about politics than the faith.

EXCERPTS: Pope Francis on ecumenism, secularism, terrorism and gossip

By David Gibson — October 28, 2016

(RNS) In a wide-ranging interview published on the eve of his visit to Sweden to mark the anniversary of the Reformation, the pontiff is as quotable as ever.

Harvey Cox seconds Pope Francis on capitalist critique

By Josephine McKenna — October 27, 2016

VATICAN CITY (RNS) In another step forward for Catholic-Protestant reconciliation, Pope Francis and one of America's leading Protestant theologians agree on a major heresy: the worship of the free market.

Pope Francis the manager — surprising, secretive, shrewd

By RNS staff — October 26, 2016

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) Pope Francis is keeping his cards close to his chest as he tries to push through a progressive agenda to make the church more welcoming in the face of conservative opposition.

Vatican to Catholics: Cremation can be OK, but don’t scatter ashes!

By Josephine McKenna — October 25, 2016

VATICAN CITY (RNS) New guidelines also forbid loved ones from dividing up the 'cremains' or keeping them in jewelry or on the mantelpiece.

Pope gives up another indulgence: His summer palace

By Josephine McKenna — October 21, 2016

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (RNS) Without ever having spent a night there, the pope ordered Castel Gandolfo, where pontiffs have holidayed for nearly 400 years, be turned into a museum.

Philadelphia Archbishop Chaput welcomes ‘smaller church’ of holier Catholics

By David Gibson — October 20, 2016

(RNS) The stark prognosis is part of a debate on whether Catholicism should be exclusive or inclusive, but Chaput also used this week's speech to slam Catholic Democrats like Joe Biden and Tim Kaine.

Catholic charity in India says it will recruit transgender people to fight bias

By Josephine McKenna — October 20, 2016

VATICAN CITY (RNS) The decision by Caritas could have implications for Indian society and the rest of the church.

New Jesuit leader is Latin American, like the pope

By Josephine McKenna — October 14, 2016

ROME (RNS) The Rev. Arturo Sosa is the first Latin American to hold the post, much as Pope Francis, also a Jesuit, is the first Latin American elected to the papacy.

The pope is not the only keeper of the keys in the Vatican

By Josephine McKenna — October 13, 2016

VATICAN CITY (RNS) Gianni Crea has 2,797 of them. And he and his team of official 'key keepers' use them to open 300 doors around the Vatican, and lock them again each night. Now if only he could find his house key.

Pope urges protection of ‘invisible and voiceless’ child migrants