Faith
Pope thanks women as dozens gather in Vatican to share faith stories
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - On International Women's Day, Pope Francis thanked women, "who in thousands of ways, witness to the Gospel and work in the church."
Vatican brings leaven of Gospel, experience of humanity to UN, says nuncio
By Beth Griffin, Catholic News ServiceNEW YORK - The Vatican is a credible and admired presence at the United Nations because it speaks from practical experience, according to the Holy See's permanent observer to the UN.
Show value of life by affectionately caring for elderly, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - The most serious ailment the aged face and the greatest injustice they suffer is abandonment, Pope Francis said.
Rules for Vatican finance offices include protection for whistleblowers
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - New rules governing the guidance, oversight and control of Vatican financial and administrative activities include the power to levy sanctions and take "civil or criminal action" in cases of "damage to assets," as well as providing protection for whistleblowers raising red flags about "anomalous activity."
Vatican security always on high alert, chief says after IS threats
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - The head of Vatican security said Islamic State militants have threatened the Vatican, but there are no indications of any planned attack.
Profit is tool for measuring success, but people come first, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Profit must never be a Christian's god, although it is one of the tools for measuring the effectiveness of business choices and the ability of a company to help workers feed their families, Pope Francis said.
Return with tears to God's loving embrace during Lent, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceROME - Lent is a journey of purification and penance, a movement that should bring one tearfully back to the loving arms of the merciful Father, Pope Francis said at an Ash Wednesday Mass that began with a procession on Rome's Aventine Hill.
Pope Francis calls for a welcoming church that isn’t afraid of the margins
By David Gibson, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY - In a powerful homily that signalled his desire to push ahead with historic reforms, Pope Francis on Sunday (Feb. 15) said the Roman Catholic Church must be open and welcoming, whatever the costs.
Becoming a cardinal is a call to greater love, patience, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - In a Valentine's Day ceremony to create 20 new cardinals, Pope Francis offered a meditation on Christian love and, especially, what it means for those who guide and minister in the church.
Pope Benedict has no regret, doubt about decision to retire, aide says
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Retired Pope Benedict XVI has never doubted or regretted his decision to resign, knowing it was the right thing to do for the good of the Church, said Archbishop Georg Ganswein, prefect of the papal household and personal secretary to the retired pope.
Pope Francis wants “absolute transparency,” pushes Vatican reform
By David Gibson, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis called for a Vatican that operates with “absolute transparency” as he gathered more than 165 cardinals in Rome for high-level meetings aimed at tackling one of the toughest challenges of his reformist papacy: overhauling the dysfunctional bureaucracy of the Roman Curia.