News of pope francis

Catholic controversy over two popes in the Vatican

31-12-2022 09:13 Shock retirement in 2013 of pope Benedict XVI, who died on Saturday aged 95, raised serious questions within the Church about the extent to which there could be two "men in white" at the Vatican.

Pope urges UN reform after Ukraine war, Covid 'limits'

16-10-2022 10:44 The United Nations is no longer fit for "new realities," writes Pope Francis in soon-to-be released book.

Inter-faith group of religious leaders meets Pope Francis at Vatican

10-09-2022 10:58 Co-founders of the nation’s first Jewish-Muslim brotherhood, Imam Marwan Gill and radio host Miguel Steuermann, have private audience with Pope Francis to strengthen interfaith relationship.

by Sam Forster

In first, Pope names three women to Dicastery for Bishops

13-07-2022 14:00 Pontiff names two nuns and a laywoman, Argentine María Lia Zervino, to the Vatican department that helps choose new bishops – the first time women have been allowed to serve on the body.

Pope Francis says Russia's 'ferocious' invasion perhaps provoked

14-06-2022 15:57 Pope Francis praises the "brave" Ukrainians defending themselves from Russia's "ferocious" onslaught, but says the war was "perhaps in some way provoked" by NATO.

Pope 'heartbroken' over Texas shooting, condemns arms trade

25-05-2022 14:48 Argentine pontiff "heartbroken" by the school shooting in Texas that killed at least 19 children and two teachers.

Cardinal slams sex abuse cover-ups at Vatican priest forum

17-02-2022 14:58 An influential cardinal opened a Vatican symposium on the priesthood Thursday apologising for "unworthy ministers" and the cover-up of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, before an audience that included Pope Francis.

Pope calls for 'reality therapy' for Covid vaccine opponents

10-01-2022 12:30 Pope Francis says "reality therapy" was needed to battle "baseless information" putting people off getting jabbed.

Biden sidesteps abortion issue in meeting with Pope Francis

29-10-2021 12:46 President Joe Biden said Pope Francis called him a "good Catholic" as they met Friday at the Vatican at the start of a European trip aimed at reasserting the United States' international credentials.

Fewer Catholics in Europe, more in Africa, Americas

21-10-2021 10:49 The Catholic Church continues to lose followers in Europe, but numbers are booming in Africa and the Americas, according to figures released by the Vatican on Thursday.

Pope Francis leaves hospital after operation

14-07-2021 09:16 Pope Francis on Wednesday left the Rome hospital where the 84-year-old pontiff underwent an operation on his colon on July 4.

Vatican: Pope to return home 'as soon as possible'

13-07-2021 12:52 Pope Francis continues to recover and will return home "as soon as possible" from hospital following surgery on his colon, according to Holy See.

UN rights experts urge Vatican to halt child sex abuse

21-06-2021 11:02 Experts voice "utmost concern about numerous allegations around the world of sexual abuse and violence committed by members of the Catholic Church against children."

Pope Francis: 'Private property is a secondary right'

18-06-2021 18:10 “We should continue exercising special care for the common good” – leader of Catholic Church speaks his mind during a video speech before the International Labour Organisation.

Fernández kicks off Europe trip as Paris Club debt payment nears

10-05-2021 10:04 Argentina has reportedly asked the Paris Club to allow it to delay upcoming US$2.4-billion payment, due at the end of May, until it has reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

Pope backs temporary suspension of vaccine patents

09-05-2021 08:28 Pope Francis offered his support Saturday for waiving coronavirus vaccine patents to boost supply to poorer countries, in a video message to the "Vax Live" concert.

Pope Francis urges vaccines for poor in Easter message

04-04-2021 09:04 Pope Francis urged Catholics to remain hopeful in his Easter Sunday address, calling vaccines an "essential tool" in ending the pandemic and urging their swift rollout to the world's poorest countries.

Vatican: Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions

15-03-2021 11:43 Vatican says Catholic Church does not have the power to bless same-sex unions despite their "positive elements," saying it was impossible for God to "bless sin."