Pope Francis

Pope Says he Hopes for ‘Reconciled Differences’ Among Christians

Pope Francis called on divided Christians to overcome their doctrinal differences and walk together in love, expressing hope especially for greater unity between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.

D.C. Cardinal Urges Prayer, Reflection Before November Elections

Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington said he hopes U.S. voters who are as concerned as he is about the "anger and vitriol" of the current election cycle will take time away from the media to think and pray about the values important to them as Catholics.

Pope Calls for Mideast Cease-Fire; Prays for Peace in Ukraine, Haiti

Pope Francis called again for "an immediate cease-fire on all fronts" in the Middle East, urging leaders to "pursue the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace."

Mission is Common Goal of Synod and Ecumenism, Pope Says

Halfway through the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis and synod participants prayed that God would "remove the divisions between Christians" so that they could proclaim the Gospel together.

Synodal Leadership Can Ease a Bishop’s Burdens, Speakers Say

A bishop who runs his diocese like a "monarch" is not only not acting synodally, but he probably is lonely and stressed, said theologians advising the Synod of Bishops.

From on High: A Rare Glimpse from the Top of St. Peter’s Baldachin

More than two dozen popes have celebrated Mass under the giant canopy that rises over the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica, but the impressive view from the top of 100-foot-tall bronze structure has been reserved for a select few: cleaners, contractors and restoration experts.

Statistically Speaking: How Pope’s Choices Change College of Cardinals

Popes have made a habit of exceeding the statutory limit on the number of cardinals under the age of 80, but Pope Francis is planning to set a record.

Powerful Impose War on Others, World Shows Indifference, Pope Says

On the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with all those suffering because of conflicts throughout the Middle East, urged Christians to be peacemakers and warned warmongers they will face God's judgment.

Pope Announces He Will Create 21 New Cardinals in December

Pope Francis announced he would create 21 new cardinals Dec. 8, including a 99-year-old former nuncio and the 44-year-old Ukrainian bishop who heads his church's eparchy in Melbourne, Australia.

UPDATE: Vatican Doctrinal Chief Tells Synod It’s Not Time for Women Deacons

"Rushing" to open the diaconate to women in the Catholic Church would short-circuit a necessary reflection on the relationship between ordained ministry and charismatic leadership, particularly as it impacts the participation of women in the church, said the head of the Vatican's doctrinal office.