FAITH/STORIES
Vatican says general absolution may be permissible during pandemic
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- In places particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic and with severe limits on people leaving their homes, conditions may exist to grant general absolution without people personally confessing their sins first, the Vatican said.
Pope Francis prays for coronavirus victims, workers who died serving others
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis asked people to pray for all victims of COVID-19, including the health care workers who sacrificed their lives caring for others.
VATICAN CITY -- Mercy, which is at the heart of the Christian life, is not a one-dimensional virtue but instead is the acceptance of God's love and the giving of that love to others, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis updates Vatican City State judicial system
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis updated the laws that govern the Vatican judicial system in an effort to establish greater transparency and independence, particularly in financial and criminal matters.
Pope Francis makes mini-pilgrimage outside Vatican to pray for end of pandemic
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceROME -- With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people.
Pope Francis prays for clergy, public service employees working during lockdown
VATICAN CITY -- Standing in the window of the library of the Apostolic Palace overlooking an empty St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis blessed the city of Rome still under lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Vatican says public will not be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The Vatican office that distributes free tickets to papal events has posted a notice on its website that "the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful."
Big graduating class brings big numbers
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterThe Serra Club’s 2020 Ordinandi Dinner on March 3 was the biggest ever, celebrating the biggest St. Augustine’s Seminary graduating class in recent memory.
Pope Francis prays for Syrian refugees at general audience
VATICAN CITY -- Amid a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus epidemic, Pope Francis soldiered on with his weekly general audience and called on people to not forget those who suffer from war and violence.
After leading 'virtual' Angelus, pope blesses crowd in St. Peter's Square
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis did not recite the Sunday Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square March 8, but he did go to the window to wave and to bless the pilgrims who showed up anyway.
French cardinal Barbarin resigns following overturned abuse conviction
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon, five weeks after a French appeals court overturned his conviction for failing to report clerical sexual abuse.
Live life, don't squander it, Pope Francis says in WYD 2020 message
VATICAN CITY -- The fast-paced nature of the digital age can cause young men and women to focus more on capturing moments for their social media rather than experiencing them, Pope Francis told Catholic young people.
Abuse rules ordered for lay movements
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Days after revelations of sexual abuse committed by Jean Vanier, a Vatican abuse expert said organizations led by a charismatic leader who is followed uncritically and commands or demands control over members are at risk for cases of physical, sexual and psychological abuse.