Pope: Sometimes Marital Separation 'Morally Necessary'
Francis, speaking during his weekly general audience, said couples splitting may be needed to protect "the weaker spouse" and children.
Vatican
Will Pope's Much-Anticipated Encyclical Be A Clarion Call On Climate Change?
On Thursday, the Vatican releases Pope Francis' document on the environment and poverty. He has said he believes global warming is a moral, and man-made, issue — angering climate change skeptics.
Vatican Prosecutor Indicts Defrocked Priest On Pedophilia Charges
Jozef Wesolowski, the former Vatican ambassador to the Dominican Republic, is the first person arrested in the Vatican on charges of pedophilia. If convicted, he could face up to 12 years in jail.
Vatican Establishes Tribunal To Investigate Bishops In Abuse Cases
Pope Francis sets up a tribunal to hear cases against senior clergy accused of not protecting children who were abused by priests. A victims' group says the Vatican isn't going far enough.
Palestinian Nuns Among Latest Saints Declared By Pope Francis
Two nuns from 19th-century Palestine were among four sisters who were canonized by the pontiff in a ceremony at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.
Vatican Officially Recognizes State Of Palestine
In a treaty between the two sides, the Holy See switches its diplomatic relations from the Palestine Liberation Organization to the state of Palestine. Israel said it was "disappointed."
Raul Castro Says Pope Inspiring Him To Return To Church
The Cuban leader, who went to Jesuit schools as a child, says he might "resume praying and turn to the Church again" if Francis "continues in this vein."
Vatican Affirms Plan To Make Missionary Junipero Serra A Saint
The choice of Serra, whom the church sees as an evangelist, has drawn criticism over his role in the California mission system of the 18th century.
Learning About The Quran ... From A Catholic Archbishop
As a young priest, Michael Fitzgerald studied Islam and served the Vatican in Muslim countries. Devoted to promoting Catholic-Muslim understanding, he's now teaching Jesuit students about the Quran.
Vatican Ends Scrutiny Of U.S. Nuns
It's an abrupt conclusion to a five-year doctrinal overhaul of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the main umbrella group for nuns in the U.S., that began in 2012.