Vatican City
Vatican-owned hospital makes history by separating conjoined twins
By Claire Giangravé — July 9, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — 'When you encounter lives that can be saved, it must be done. We cannot and we must not turn our gaze away,' said Mariella Enoc, the president of the hospital Bambino Gesú, where the twins were successfully separated days before their second birthday.
Vatican prelate calls fences around White House ‘unacceptable’ at vigil for George Floyd
By Claire Giangravé — June 8, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — 'To see barricades around the White House is something I never experienced in all the years I lived in Washington. I don't find that acceptable. I think it's a terrible image for the United States to have,' said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, amid anti-racist vigils and protests this weekend in Rome.
Vatican reiterates two-state solution as Israeli-Palestinian relations escalate
By Claire Giangravé — May 20, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Once again, the Vatican issued a statement reinforcing its support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after the recently installed government of Israel announced plans to vote for the annexation of the West Bank territory.
Pope Francis shines a light on prisoners during Good Friday’s unusual Via Crucis
By Claire Giangravé — April 10, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — This year the procession took place in St. Peter's Square and without the presence of the faithful. Only a few, including Pope Francis, were present as lights placed at several stations of the large square guided their steps.
A deserted city: Dispatches from Rome in the time of coronavirus
By Claire Giangravé — March 12, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Overnight, the state has made itself visible in full force while the Catholic Church is nowhere to be found.
Vatican tightens safety measures after Italy reports second-highest coronavirus death toll
By Claire Giangravé — March 9, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The walled city adjusts as Italy's death toll from coronavirus continues to climb.
God and goal: Catholic priests and seminarians compete in 13th annual Vatican soccer tournament
By Claire Giangravé — March 2, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis is the honorary captain of the 13th annual Clericus Cup in Rome this weekend, where Catholic priests and seminarians will toss their cassocks aside and give their all on the soccer field.
Coronavirus outbreak in Italy challenges Lenten celebrations
By Claire Giangravé — February 27, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As parts of northern Italy are under curfew and quarantined amid growing coronavirus concerns, Catholic priests in the region look for new and creative ways to administer Mass in the days leading up to Lent.
Tim Tebow and the Vatican join forces to give disabled an epic prom night
By Claire Giangravé — February 6, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — 'I don’t think God gives us strength so we can lift things, I think he gives us strength so we can lift other people,' said the former NFL quarterback in an interview with Religion News Service.
Religions can be part of the solution for peace, not the problem, faith leaders say
By Claire Giangravé — January 16, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The Abrahamic Faiths Initiative group united 25 religious leaders representing Christian, Muslim and Jewish faithful to discuss practical ways of promoting peace and fraternity at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome this week.
Do not lose hope, Pope Francis says at Christmas vigil: God loves you no matter what
By Claire Giangravé — December 24, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Under the dome of Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis celebrated the Christmas vigil Mass on Tuesday (Dec. 24) by reminding faithful of the redeeming power of grace and admonishing them to 'take courage,' because 'God loves you.'
In Christmas message, Pope Francis calls on Vatican officials to embrace change
By Claire Giangravé — December 21, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The pope began his speech with the acceptance of the resignation of the 92-year-old Cardinal Angelo Sodano as dean of the College of Cardinals.
Pope Francis removes pontifical secrecy for sexual abuse cases
By Claire Giangravé — December 17, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis ushered in a new era of transparency and accountability for the Catholic Church by removing pontifical secrecy for cases of sexual abuse and cover-up, allowing lawful authorities to have access to reports, testimonies and documents.
Pope Francis taps Filipino Cardinal to Vatican’s evangelization powerhouse
By Claire Giangravé — December 9, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a surprise move, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Philippines, as the head of Propaganda Fide, the major Vatican department for evangelization, and signaling a possible papal successor.
Pope Francis welcomes refugees to a new life in Italy
By Claire Giangravé — December 4, 2019
(RNS) — Pope Francis welcomed more than 30 refugees Wednesday in Rome. The refugees — mostly from Lesbos — will begin a new life in Italy.
