Faith
Former nuncio dies in Vatican residence while awaiting sex abuse trial
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - A Vatican official has ordered an autopsy on the body of former archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, who was found dead Aug. 28 in the Vatican residence where he was awaiting trial on charges of child sexual abuse and possession of child pornography.
Popemobile shipped to U.S. ahead of Pope’s arrival
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - More than a month before Pope Francis was scheduled to arrive in the United States, his ride landed on U.S. shores.
Through the Holy Door: Vatican to have pilgrim reservation system
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Drawing on the experience of the public exposition of the Shroud of Turin, Vatican officials are adopting a reservation system for pilgrims who want to cross the threshold of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica during the Year of Mercy.
Pope Francis causes stir in Argentina with sign urging Falkland Islands dialogue
By Rosie Scammell, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis was unwittingly thrust into the centre of a long-running diplomatic dispute between Argentina and the U.K. after holding a sign calling for dialogue over the Falkland Islands.
Pope Francis: Unemployment ‘damages the spirit’
By Rosie Scammell, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis reflected on the “serious social damage” caused by unemployment and praised governments for their efforts to create jobs Aug. 19.
Vatican UN representative reports high interest in papal visit, Laudato Si'
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Requests for copies of Pope Francis' environmental encyclical and the demand for tickets to see him at the United Nations indicate enthusiasm and expectations for Pope Francis' visit are running high, said the Vatican representative.
Care for creation, care for each other, Pope says in radio interview
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Caring for all of creation includes paying particular attention to the needs of young people and the aged, Pope Francis told the audience of a Catholic radio station in Argentina.
Pope talks to youths about discernment, grandparents, Eucharist
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Following Jesus and doing the right thing gives believers a sense of peace, but sometimes "it comes wrapped in the cross," Pope Francis told a group of teenagers and young adults.
Church must welcome divorced, remarried Catholics, Pope says
By David Gibson, Religion News ServiceSpeaking out on one of the most contentious issues of his papacy, Pope Francis issued a powerful call for the Church to embrace Catholics who have divorced and remarried, telling a gathering at the Vatican Aug. 5 that such couples “are not excommunicated, and they absolutely must not be treated that way.”
Don’t be afraid or ashamed to go to confession, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Trusting in God's infinite mercy, people should not be afraid or embarrassed to go to confession, Pope Francis said.
"There are people who are afraid to go to confession, forgetting that they will not encounter a severe judge there, but the immensely merciful Father," Pope Francis told thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square Aug. 2 for the midday recitation of the Angelus prayer.
The Pope's 'staycation': Correspondence, trip preparation fill his days
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Returning to the Vatican in the midst of a heat wave after an eight-day, three-country trip to South America, Pope Francis took the kind of vacation he said he prefers: what has become known as a "staycation."