FAITH/STORIES
VATICAN CITY - As the family gets special focus in two upcoming synods and an international gathering in Philadelphia next year, Pope Francis is highlighting the beauty and value of the family in his message for World Communications Day.
Pope: Greed, throwaway culture fuel 'hidden euthanasia' of elderly
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis warned against the abandonment and neglect of the elderly, calling it a "hidden euthanasia" rooted in today's "poisonous" culture of disposal and an economic system of greed.
Pope Francis: Albania proves to world that diverse religions can live in peace
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - People of different religious beliefs can and must live together in peace, Pope Francis said.
Send prayers, aid to those hit by Ebola, Pope Francis says
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis called for prayers and concrete help for the thousands of people affected by the deadly Ebola virus.
Vatican puts former nuncio accused of sex abuse under house arrest
By Francis X. Rocca, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - The Vatican has placed a laicized papal ambassador under house arrest as he awaits a criminal trial for sexually abusing young boys.
Pope Francis tries again on traditionalist reconciliation after Benedict XVI failed
By Josephine McKenna, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Picking up a piece of unfinished business that consumed the energies of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, the Vatican under Pope Francis is again trying to repair a decades-old breach with a controversial group of traditionalist Catholics.
Moira McQueen among five women appointed to Vatican theological commission
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterA touch of Canada, a touch of Scotland and a feminine touch has been added to the assembly of 30 theologians who advise the Pope and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — all in one appointment. Canadian Moira McQueen, a Scottish-born, University of Glasgow-trained lawyer turned moral theologian, is among a record five women appointed to the International Theological Commission.
Pope Francis calls for 'globalization of charity' to protect migrants
By Francis X. Rocca, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis called for the "globalization of charity" through an international network to fight human trafficking and ensure the rights of migrants and refugees.
Pope Francis names panel to streamline marriage annulment process
By Francis X. Rocca, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Two weeks before the start of an extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family, the Vatican announced the formation of a special commission to reform the process of granting marriage annulments.
Pope Francis to bishops: Guard the faith, build hope, love sinners as they are
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Today's bishops must be as vigilant and courageous as sentinels keeping watch over the faith, and as forgiving and patient as Moses, leading a sinning people across harsh deserts to God, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis' advisers start first draft toward document overhauling Vatican
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis' international Council of Cardinals has begun creating the first draft of a new apostolic constitution that would implement a major reform of the Vatican bureaucracy.
Vatican: Pope Francis not under threat from Islamic State militants
By Josephine McKenna, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis faces no specific threat from Islamic State militants and will not be adding extra security measures on his one-day trip to Albania next week, the Vatican said Monday (Sept 15).
Pope Francis: People have yet to learn that war is madness, indifference a sin
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - When will people ever learn that war is madness and conflicts are only resolved by forgiveness, Pope Francis asked.