Pope Francis
Pope Francis calls for a universal ban on surrogacy. He says it exploits mother and child
By Nicole Winfield — January 8, 2024
ROME (AP) — He said the life of the unborn child must be protected and not “suppressed or turned into an object of trafficking.”
Is being rich bad for your soul? Yes, but not for the reason you expect
By Charles C. Camosy — January 4, 2024
(RNS) — The rich don’t just end up making themselves unhappy. They want us to be unhappy too.
Vatican says no heresy in allowing blessings for same-sex couples after pushback by some bishops
By Frances D'emilio — January 4, 2024
ROME (AP) — After pushback by some bishops in Africa, Poland and elsewhere, the Vatican on Thursday defended the recent move by Pope Francis to allow blessings for same-sex couples.
Young Catholics bring the spiritual lessons of the Synod on Synodality home
By Kyle Desrosiers — January 3, 2024
(RNS) — Invited to participate in a global meeting of Catholic bishops and lay leaders, young Philadelphians found themselves hopeful about the future of the church.
Pope recalls Benedict XVI’s love and wisdom on anniversary of death, as secretary reflects on legacy
By Luigi Navarra and Nicole Winfield — January 2, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Speaking at the end of his weekly noon blessing, Francis said the faithful feel “so much love, so much gratitude, so much admiration” for Benedict.
Christ the Redeemer lit in Pele shirt as Brazil honors first anniversary of his death
By Mauricio Savarese — January 2, 2024
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Christ the Redeemer had a projection of a Brazil shirt with Pelé's name and number 10 and a message from Pope Francis
Pope says ‘our hearts are in Bethlehem’ as he presides over the Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s
By Associated Press — January 1, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis, draped in white robes, led the Mass standing at the foot of one of St. Peter’s grand columns.
RNS reporters look ahead to the big religion stories they expect in 2024
By RNS staff — December 30, 2023
(RNS) — From papal reforms to psychedelics to presidential elections, here are the big religion stories RNS reporters anticipate this coming year.
The top religion stories of 2023
By Paul O'Donnell — December 29, 2023
(RNS) — Some of the year's most dramatic global events had religion at their center.
The most important stories from the Vatican in 2023
By Claire Giangravé — December 27, 2023
(RNS) — Francis has continued to push for changes in the church, braving daunting opposition and several medical scares.
After approving blessings for same-sex couples, Pope asks Vatican staff to avoid ‘rigid ideologies’
By Nicole Winfield — December 22, 2023
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis urged Vatican bureaucrats Thursday to avoid “rigid ideological positions” that prevent them from understanding today’s reality.
Activists hope pope’s approval of same-sex blessings could ease anti-LGBTQ+ bias and repression
By Nicole Winfield — December 21, 2023
ROME (AP) —The pope's decision to officially spell out his approval could send a message of tolerance to places where gay rights are far more restricted.
Historic Vatican sentence leaves questions about the power of the pontificate
By Claire Giangravé — December 20, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Don’t expect Vatican police to arrest Cardinal Angelo Becciu anytime soon.
Pope Francis’ approval of blessings for LGBTQ+ couples is a historic gesture, according to a Catholic theologian
By Steven P. Millies — December 20, 2023
(The Conversation) — In emphasizing the church’s love for all, including people in LGBTQ+ relationships, the pope has sidestepped thorny doctrinal issues.
On same-sex blessings, some Catholics celebrate change while others point to limits
By Claire Giangravé — December 19, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The Vatican’s declaration allowing blessings for ‘irregular’ couples seems to have deepened an already strong divide between conservatives and progressives in the church.
