Pope Francis
In ex-Soviet Georgia, pope issues veiled criticism of Russia
By RNS staff — September 30, 2016
TBILISI — But Francis measured his words carefully, in an apparent attempt not to hurt the Vatican's increasingly warm ties with the Kremlin-backed Russian Orthodox Church.
Shimon Peres’ death moves religious leaders
By Lauren Markoe — September 28, 2016
(RNS) Jewish, Christian and other religious leaders react to the death of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Pope Francis warns Syria aggressors they will face divine wrath
By Josephine McKenna — September 28, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff's latest appeal came as he authorized a church charity to auction cars used during his recent trip to Poland to support those hard hit by the war.
Pope Francis heading east on Caucasus peacemaking mission
By Josephine McKenna — September 27, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Building interreligious dialogue has been one of the pope’s top priorities.
Another priest slain in Mexico as Pope Francis appeals for end to violence
By Josephine McKenna — September 26, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The body of yet another cleric was discovered on Monday, and now at least 15 Catholic priests have been murdered in the past four years in the violence-plagued nation.
A year later, Pope Francis’ address to Congress looks even more prophetic
By John Gehring — September 21, 2016
WASHINGTON (RNS) But will Americans, and our politicians, heed his beautiful words on the common good in the midst of this ugly presidential election?
Clergy abuse survivor says Vatican commission is making progress
By Josephine McKenna — September 21, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Marie Collins said she would always like to see more done and faster, while another victim is more skeptical but wants to return to the papal commission.
Vatican delegate urges Pope Francis to fire Guam archbishop over abuse
By Josephine McKenna — September 19, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Archbishop Anthony Apuron has refused to step down so the investigator Francis appointed to look into allegations against him says he must be dismissed.
Pope Francis makes surprise visits to neonatal unit, hospice
By Josephine McKenna — September 16, 2016
ROME (RNS) The impromptu visits, part of the Holy Year of Mercy events, were aimed at highlighting the Catholic Church's teaching on the sanctity of all life at all stages.
Pope Francis to new bishops: Dispense mercy, don’t be ‘charming liars’
By Josephine McKenna — September 16, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) People don't like whiny bishops, the pontiff said, and they can 'sniff out narcissists, manipulators and hawkers of vain crusades.'
Austrian cardinal clarifies: It’s not ‘Islamic conquest’ but Christian surrender
By Josephine McKenna — September 16, 2016
ROME (RNS) The archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, said his provocative Sept. 11 homily was not a call to bar Muslim refugees.
Pope Francis of Assisi? A pontiff boosts the birthplace of a saint
By Josephine McKenna — September 15, 2016
ASSISI, Italy (RNS) When the pontiff visits this Umbrian hilltown next week it will mark the third time in less than four years -- and locals couldn't be happier.
Pope Francis hails slain French priest as a saintly martyr
By David Gibson — September 14, 2016
(RNS) In effectively declaring the Rev. Jacques Hamel a saint, the pontiff also wished that all religious traditions would reiterate that 'to kill in the name of God is satanic.'
‘The Loves of the Popes’ and the Vatican’s new normal
By David Gibson — September 12, 2016
(RNS) So it turns out Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was a real catch before he decided to become a priest. What revelations about the passions of popes say about the papacy.
Pope Francis gives confirmation sacrament to gravely ill teen
By Josephine McKenna — September 11, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Administering the rite for Giuseppe Chiolo, a 16-year-old Sicilian suffering from cancer, was the pontiff's latest gesture toward the sick and disabled.
