Pope Francis and Vatican II: It’s not a battleground, but the future

For the Catholic Church in the modern world and its future health and holiness, Pope Francis is convinced that the Second Vatican Council --especially its liturgical reforms -- holds the key.

A look at the 21 new cardinals appointed by Pope Francis

Hailing from Singapore to San Diego and Mongolia to Marseille, the churchmen who will be inducted Aug. 27 bring a wide array of pastoral experiences to the College of Cardinals.

In Malta, Pope Francis warns of spreading war, migration

The pope praised Maltese officials for welcoming migrants from Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, before he strongly condemned the war in Ukraine and the "destructive aggression" there.

Pope Francis speaks with Russian Orthodox patriarch

Although he expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, Patriarch Kirill, a staunch ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While Pope Francis has not directly criticized Russia, he has condemned the war.

Pope Francis on Ukraine: ‘Stop this massacre’

Appealing again for an end to the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis said those who invoke God to justify violence "profane his name." He cited Mariupol, Ukraine, a city named in honor of Mary, which has been besieged by Russian troops.

Papal pleas for peace: Even if unheeded, Pope Francis continues tradition

Continuing a papal obligation of working for peace among world leaders, Pope Francis knows his appeals for an end to the war in Ukraine carry little weight with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he has done so often for almost a year.

Ukraine deserves peace, Pope Francis says

On the day Pope Francis set as a day of prayer for peace in Ukraine Jan. 26, he hoped the prayers would "touch the minds and hearts of world leaders" and ease the threat that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict would spread.

Pope Francis names Scranton, Pa., pastor to head Diocese of Gaylord, Mich.

Father Jeffrey J. Walsh, currently serving in Carbondale, Pa., was named the sixth shepherd of the midwestern diocese Dec. 21.

Pope Francis leads the call to urge more COVID vaccinations

The Holy Father has joined with cardinals and archbishops from North, Central and South America to record a public service announcement calling on everyone who is able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to do so as "an act of love."

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Polish bishop accused of cover-up

The Polish bishops' conference said the Vatican had investigated "reported negligence" of a diocesan bishop who reassigned a priest who had propositioned boys and was arrested for possessing child porn.