FAITH/STORIES
Pope Francis: Faith requires risks, helping others
VATICAN CITY -- Being faithful to God means taking the risk of setting aside one's own needs and plans in order to serve others, Pope Francis said, celebrating Mass for the World Day of the Poor.
At audience, Pope Francis renews commitment to fight abuse
VATICAN CITY -- After the Vatican released its extensive report on Theodore E. McCarrick, Pope Francis renewed the Catholic Church's pledge to uproot the scourge of sexual abuse.
McCarrick report documents repeated lack of serious investigation
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Although dogged for years by rumors of sexual impropriety, Theodore E. McCarrick was able to rise up the Catholic hierarchical structure based on personal contacts, protestations of his innocence and a lack of church officials reporting and investigating accusations, according to the Vatican report on the matter.
Prepare for heaven with faith and good works, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- People sometimes forget life's ultimate purpose is to prepare for the kingdom of heaven, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis expedites transfer of management of Secretariat of State assets
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- After the Vatican Secretariat of State missed a Nov. 1 deadline to hand over the management and monitoring of its own assets to two separate Vatican bodies, Pope Francis set up a commission to make the transfer and external oversight happen.
Vatican shuts down museums as COVID-19 cases, deaths mount in Italy
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- As COVID-19-related deaths in Italy reached their highest daily level since early May and Italy began enacting new restrictions to slow the spread, the Vatican decided it will once again close its museums to the public.
Investments by Secretariat of State now under tighter control, says bishop
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- A lack of oversight and control over the Vatican Secretariat of State's investment activities may have facilitated some bad property deals, said Bishop Nunzio Galantino, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See.
Pope Francis not changing church teaching on gay unions, Secretariat of State says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The Vatican Secretariat of State has sent an explanatory note to nuncios around the world insisting that when Pope Francis spoke about civil unions, he was not changing or challenging "the doctrine of the church, which he has reaffirmed numerous times over the years."
Being meek is rare today, but it's essential for holiness, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- The Eight Beatitudes describe the path to holiness, but the call to meekness seems particularly challenging today, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis calls for Poland to protect life amid protests over abortion law
VATICAN CITY -- As protests against a near-total ban on abortions gripped Poland, Pope Francis urged the people of the country to defend life.
Vatican court continues trial on alleged abuse at minor seminary
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- At a criminal trial involving alleged sexual abuse at a minor seminary located in the Vatican, the Vatican City State criminal court accepted a motion to allow the alleged victim to seek damages from the seminary and the religious institution that runs it.
Transcript shows pope's distinction between gay marriage, civil unions
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- When Pope Francis said gay people have a right to be in a family and that gay couples needed some form of civil law to protect their rights, he was not saying that gay couples should have a right to adopt children.
Pope Francis announces new cardinals
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis announced he will create 13 new cardinals Nov. 28, including Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Washington.