Pope Francis
Trump border wall challenges America’s moral values: Catholic theologian
By Josephine McKenna — February 3, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The president’s proposed wall with Mexico would hurt the poor the most. says a leading Catholic theologian.
In a new video, Pope Francis urges compassion for refugees, people on the margins
By Josephine McKenna — February 2, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “Don’t abandon them,” the pope says in the video, released Thursday (Feb. 2), which does not directly reference President Trump's immigration ban.
Mark Shriver goes in search of Pope Francis, and gets more than he bargained for
By David Gibson — January 25, 2017
(RNS) A member of the nation’s most famous Catholic clan, Shriver talks about his new book on the pontiff, and how it changed him.
Knights of Malta head resigns on Pope Francis’ orders after dispute with Vatican
By David Gibson — January 24, 2017
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) Grand Master Matthew Festing had been locked in a bitter dispute with the Vatican over the firing of another leader of the ancient chivalric order.
Pope Francis calls on media to end ‘constant focus on bad news’
By Josephine McKenna — January 24, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a powerfully worded message, the pope said he wanted to encourage media professionals to engage in 'constructive forms of communication.'
After papal blessing, Duterte challenges abusive priests to ‘showdown’
By Reuters — January 24, 2017
(RNS) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte launched an angry rebuke on Thursday of priests and bishops critical of his drug war, accusing them of homosexuality, corruption and child abuse.
Peaceful transfer of power can make things worse, says pope
By Mark Silk — January 23, 2017
Sometimes it leads to some very bad results.
Pope Francis’ popularity among Americans goes from high to higher
By Lauren Markoe — January 18, 2017
(RNS) Seven in 10 Americans view Francis favorably.
Vatican orders Knights of Malta to cooperate with papal inquiry
By David Gibson — January 17, 2017
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) This is the latest salvo in an increasingly bitter battle between the Vatican and the global charity, which has defied Pope Francis and tried to discredit the probe.
Bishops asked to study how the Catholic Church responds to youth in crisis
By Josephine McKenna — January 13, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The survey of bishops and pastors is part of the preparation for the 2018 Synod of Bishops, which will focus on young people.
Trump’s rise and GOP economics may shift Catholic Church’s priorities
By David Gibson — January 13, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) A conference featuring leading voices from the U.S. hierarchy may be a preview of a new agenda that opposes Republican plans.
McDonald’s next to Vatican to offer free meals to the homeless
By Josephine McKenna — January 12, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The move could help to defuse the controversy over a fast-food joint opening in the shadow of St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Francis: Beware of criminals selling fake tickets
By Josephine McKenna — January 11, 2017
ROME (RNS) Tickets to the pope’s audience are printed in six different languages that indicate they are free of charge.
Pope Francis condemns ‘homicidal madness’ of ‘fundamentalist’ terrorism
By Josephine McKenna — January 9, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff told diplomats that religion was being used as a pretext for the 'rejection, marginalization and violence' that had inspired brutal attacks in the past year.
Pope says he will not increase security on travels despite risks
By Reuters — January 8, 2017
(Reuters) Unlike his predecessors, who used bulletproof popemobiles or limousines, Pope Francis uses ordinary cars on international trips.