Pope Francis
NJ priest suspended for supporting gay groups
By David Gibson — September 1, 2016
(RNS) Newark Archbishop John Myers has again taken action against the Rev. Warren Hall, this time for publicly backing gay support groups and gay Catholics.
Pope Francis says care of environment a new ‘work of mercy’
By Josephine McKenna — September 1, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis is calling for urgent action to stop climate change, saying care of the environment should be added to the traditional seven works of mercy like feeding the hungry.
Mother Teresa is ‘Saint of the Doubters,’ says Jesuit author
By David Gibson — August 31, 2016
(RNS) The Rev. James Martin, author of the best-selling memoir 'My Life With the Saints,' talks about the canonization of Mother Teresa and how to look at sainthood in the modern era.
Pope welcomes Colombian agreement with rebels
By Josephine McKenna — August 31, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The groundbreaking agreement between the Colombian government and FARC rebels promises to end more than 50 years of violent conflict.
Italian earthquake woke Pope Francis in the Vatican
By Josephine McKenna — August 29, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff felt the tremors at 4 a.m. and immediately celebrated Mass for the victims.
Facebook founder meets the pope. Friendly, if not yet ‘friends’
By Josephine McKenna — August 29, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Mark Zuckerberg, founder of the social media giant, said he and the pontiff discussed social justice. Whether Francis will join Facebook is another question.
Pope pledges to visit Italian quake victims
By Josephine McKenna — August 28, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis led prayers for the victims of Italy’s earthquake and announced plans to visit survivors in the affected area soon.
Vatican has high hopes of better ties with China
By Jerome Socolovsky — August 27, 2016
VATICAN CITY -- For the Vatican, a thaw in relations with China would offer the prospect of easing the plight of Christians on the mainland, who have often been persecuted by the authorities.
Cardinal Burke insists he is serving Francis, not opposing him
By David Gibson — August 22, 2016
(RNS) Ever since Pope Francis was elected, he has faced strong opposition to his push for church reforms -- and the face of that opposition has often been Cardinal Raymond Burke.
Pope Francis meets French president in wake of priest’s slaying
By Josephine McKenna — August 17, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The private meeting came just three weeks after an elderly priest was brutally murdered by Islamist militants in northern France.
Pope Francis names Dallas bishop to key new Vatican post
By Josephine McKenna — August 17, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff’s choice of a pastor much like himself signals an effort to ensure the legacy of Francis’ more welcoming approach to Catholic ministry.
Cat’s got Catholic hierarchy’s tongue on Clinton v. Trump
By Mark Silk — August 15, 2016
(RNS) With the exception of Philadelphia Archbishop Chaput. But is his voice representative of the bishops -- and the pope?
Pope Francis treats homeless to pizza and swim at the beach
By Josephine McKenna — August 15, 2016
ROME (RNS) News of the day trips for about 100 indigent Romans comes as the pontiff warns against the Catholic Church becoming too 'bureaucratic.'
Church confirms Argentine apparitions as ‘supernatural’
By guest — August 15, 2016
SAN NICOLAS DE LOS ARROYOS, Argentina (RNS) Once a month, thousands of devout Catholics descend on this city, where an uneducated resident said she began seeing visions of the Virgin Mary on Sept. 25, 1983.
Pope Francis meets women rescued from sex trade
By Josephine McKenna — August 12, 2016
ROME (RNS) The surprise visit with 20 women rescued from sexual slavery was another sign of the pontiff's strong stance against human trafficking.
