Pope Francis
Franklin Graham rebuts pope on Islam: ‘This is a war of religion’
By David Gibson — August 1, 2016
(RNS) The evangelist says the Roman pontiff's latest remarks are dead wrong: 'Radical Islamists are following the teachings of the Quran.'
Pope Francis will await judgment on Cardinal Pell over sex abuse claims
By Josephine McKenna — July 31, 2016
ROME (RNS) Pope Francis said that once Australian judicial authorities complete their investigation of the Vatican's finance chief he will take any necessary action.
In Poland, Pope Francis tries countering message of religious violence
By David Gibson — July 31, 2016
KRAKOW, Poland (RNS) At the World Youth Day gathering that ended here Sunday, the pontiff encouraged a positive role for faith.
Pope condemns ‘wave of terror,’ urges young people to shun indifference
By Yonat Shimron — July 30, 2016
KRAKOW, Poland — 'Once and for all, may we realize that nothing justifies shedding the blood of a brother or sister,' the pope told a gathering of youth.
Francis writes an appeal for mercy in silent visit to Auschwitz
By guest — July 29, 2016
KRAKOW, Poland (RNS) The pontiff spent intense moments in prayer at the infamous concentration camp, then embraced Holocaust survivors and met some who helped Jews persecuted by the Nazis.
Vatican finance minister rejects latest abuse allegations
By Josephine McKenna — July 28, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) This week a TV report by the Australian Broadcasting Corp. said police in the state of Victoria were investigating claims that Pell had touched boys inappropriately.
Pope thanks Poles for clinging to faith in difficult times
By Yonat Shimron — July 28, 2016
CZESTOCHOWA, Poland -- The pope, whose main purpose in Poland is to preside at an international gathering of Catholic youth in Krakow, prayed before the shrine of the Black Madonna, an ancient Byzantine icon.
Pope Francis faces up to his followers’ fears
By Josephine McKenna — July 27, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis has a tough act to follow in the footsteps of his Polish predecessor as he visits Poland. His concern about the poor and the homeless sits in stark contrast to the Polish church’s conservative approaches.
Pope Francis sends video message to young Catholics in Texas
By Josephine McKenna — July 27, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis sends the Spanish-language video to the diocese of Brownsville, described by the Vatican as 'one of the most impoverished areas' of the U.S. on the Mexican border.
Pope Francis condemns slaying of French priest
By Josephine McKenna — July 26, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pope expressed his “pain and horror over this absurd violence" as armed men burst into the church in a small town in Normandy and slit the throat of the Rev. Jacques Hamel.
5 faith facts about Tim Kaine: ‘I do what I do for spiritual reasons’
By Kimberly Winston — July 22, 2016
(RNS) He was raised a Roman Catholic, worked alongside Jesuits in Honduras and loves Pope Francis. But Tim Kaine separates the personal from the political when it comes to religious doctrine.
US cardinal says ‘Christian nations’ in West must counter Islamic influx
By David Gibson — July 21, 2016
(RNS) Rome-based Cardinal Raymond Burke, a critic of Pope Francis' policies, says Islam “wants to govern the world” and Americans must respond by reasserting “the Christian origin of our own nation.”
Pope Francis telephones Nice leaders: ‘What can I do for you?’
By David Gibson — July 18, 2016
(RNS) The pontiff called out of the blue on Sunday evening, apologizing for his lack of fluency in French and promising to meet with families of the victims "as soon as possible."
Bastille Day attack reignites terrorism and religion debate
By Jerome Socolovsky — July 15, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis and other religious leaders condemn terrorism and expressed solidarity with France but some political leaders' responses are criticized.
Pope Francis’ new spokesman is a St. Louis native
By Yonat Shimron — July 12, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The appointment of an American as the Vatican’s chief spokesman -- serving as the voice of Pope Francis -- is the latest move to reform its vast communications machine.
