Pope Francis

Pope Mandates Strict Financial Rules For Cardinals, Senior Vatican Staff

3:38pm April 29, 2021

by Scott Neuman

The new rules are also aimed at shutting down the churches "envelope" culture — requiring a limit on the value of gifts that cardinals and managers can receive.

Pope Francis speaks prior to delivering his Urbi et Orbi blessing after celebrating Easter Mass on Sunday at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

In Easter Message, Pope Francis Urges Broad Access To Vaccines And An End To Conflicts

1:00pm April 04, 2021

by Jeannette Muhammad

During Sunday's ceremony, the pope had harsh words for armed forces, support for struggling countries, and urged the use of vaccinations to curb the pandemic.

Pope Francis arrives at Baghdad International Airport on Friday for the first-ever papal visit to Iraq.

'I Come As A Pilgrim': Pope Francis Begins Historic Visit To Iraq

3:03pm March 05, 2021

by Alice Fordham

The pontiff arrived at Baghdad International Airport where he was greeted by the prime minister. During his four-day visit, Francis will focus on Iraq's ancient but dwindling Christian community.

Pope Francis shakes hands with Joe Biden, then vice president, at the Vatican, in 2016.

In Pope Francis, Biden Has A Potential Ally — Who Shares The Same Catholic Detractors

4:35pm March 01, 2021

by Sylvia Poggioli

The pope and the president share liberal stances on climate change and economic disparity. A theology scholar argues U.S. Catholic Church leadership is increasingly allied with the political right.

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An Iraqi policeman walks by a mural depicting Pope Francis on the outer walls of Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad on Monday. Pope Francis' visit from March 5 to 8 will include trips to Baghdad, the city of Mosul and a meeting with the country's top

Pope Plans Historic Visit To Iraq As Its Christian Populations Dwindle

12:39pm February 22, 2021

by Alice Fordham

Many Iraqis — Christian and Muslim — say they are excited about the first papal visit to the country, raising hopes of religious tolerance in the face of extremist violence.

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Cardinal Robert Sarah attends a mass at the St Peter's Basilica on March 12, 2013 at the Vatican. The Holy See Press Office announced that Sarah stepped down from his leadership position.

Pope Francis Accepts Resignation Of Conservative African Cardinal

7:52pm February 20, 2021

by H.J. Mai

Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Robert Sarah as head of the Vatican's liturgy department. The Vatican did not provide a reason for the removal of the outspoken conservative.

Pope Francis is seen giving a homily on Christmas Eve. Francis on Sunday condemned the violence at the U.S. Capitol and prayed for reconciliation.

Pope Prays For U.S. Capitol Victims, Urges Americans To Protect Democratic Values

6:55pm January 10, 2021

by Matthew S. Schwartz

In remarks at the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Francis condemned the violence at the U.S. Capitol and urged Americans to come together for the "common good."

Pope Francis arrives to deliver his Christmas Day message, Urbi et Orbi, in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.

In Christmas Message, Pope Francis Urges Coronavirus 'Vaccines For All'

4:24pm December 25, 2020

by Matthew S. Schwartz

"Vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable and needy of all regions of the planet," Pope Francis said at the Vatican on a subdued Christmas Day.

Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve Mass on Thursday at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican as Italy went back into lockdown measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At The Vatican, A Christmas Eve Mass Shaped By The Pandemic

5:09pm December 24, 2020

by Laurel Wamsley

Only 100 or so people attended the service, and they wore masks and socially distanced. The Mass began two hours early so all could make it home before Italy's virus curfew.

The Vatican said Monday that it is "morally acceptable" to use COVID-19 vaccines, even if they used "cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process." Pope Francis, who approved the statement, is seen here in January.

Vatican OKs Receiving COVID-19 Vaccines, Even If Research Involved Fetal Tissue

7:34pm December 21, 2020

by Laurel Wamsley

The Vatican said it's permitted to get COVID-19 vaccines due to the "grave danger" of the pandemic, even if scientists used "cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process."