World News
Pope removes management of finances, property from Secretariat of State
Pope Francis ordered that all assets held by the Secretariat of State at the Vatican bank or in foreign accounts to be transferred to the Vatican's main economic department by Feb. 4.
Pope encourages young people to pray together, support each other
The COVID-19 pandemic required young adults to moving their Taize prayer gathering online has allowed them to involve their peers from around the world in proclaiming "hope in good times and bad," Pope Francis said.
Pope announces yearlong reflection on family, ‘Amoris Laetitia’
Pope Francis called for rediscovering "the educational value of the family unit," founded on "the love that always regenerates relationships, opening up horizons of hope."
Pope at Christmas: Jesus’ birth brings hope in troubling times
At Christmas Eve Mass in Rome, Pope Francis spoke of "this great truth" that "We are beloved sons and daughters. God’s love for us does not, and never will, depend upon us. It is completely free love, pure grace,"
Pope on Christmas: Share hope, promote peace, give vaccine to all
On a Christmas like no other, Pope Francis prayed in his "urbi et orbi" message for people separated from families and urged everyone to recognize and help those who are suffering even more.
Poverty, not presents, is at heart of Christmas celebration, pope says
Current restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic can help people put Christ, and not the constant need to purchase gifts, at the center of the Christmas season, Pope Francis said Dec. 20. "Let's not be swept up by consumerism," he said.
Last Hong Kong governor: Pope ‘badly advised’ on China bishops’ pact
Chris Patten, who was governor of Hong Kong until 1997 and oversaw the handover of the British colony to China, strongly criticized China's recent actions and the lack of response by the U.S., Britain and, especially, the Vatican.
Current COVID-19 vaccines are morally acceptable, Vatican says
The Vatican's doctrinal office said that when alternative vaccines are not available, it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines developed or tested using cell lines originating from aborted fetuses, even though there is no "moral endorsement" of such usage.
Pope again calls to divert funds from weapons to fighting hunger
In his message for World Peace Day, Jan. 1, Pope Francis appealed for a worldwide commitment to initiating a "culture of care" for one another and for the environment.
Nuclear deterrence gives ‘false sense of security,’ Vatican official says
The goal of a nuclear-free world can only be achieved through unity and solidarity among nations that breaks the dynamic of mistrust, said Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican foreign minister.