Vatican News

Reported bishop ordinations in China not authorized by Holy See

Vatican City, Nov 7, 2016 / 08:45 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A statement made by the Vatican on Monday declared that unverified reports of bishop ordinations taking place within the so-called “underground Church” in China had neither the authorization of the Holy See, nor had they been officially communicated.

Archbishop Joseph Tobin named as head of Newark diocese

Vatican City, Nov 7, 2016 / 04:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican announced Monday that recently nominated Cardinal-elect Archbishop Joseph William Tobin of Indianapolis will soon be taking over as the new head of the Newark, N.J. Archdiocese.

Born in Detroit May 3, 1952, Tobin has since 2012 served as the 6th Archbishop of Indianapolis. He was ordained a Redemptorist priest in 1978 and served as the order’s superior general from 1997 to 2009.

Pope asks authorities to grant clemency for prisoners during Jubilee

Vatican City, Nov 6, 2016 / 04:56 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After celebrating Mass for prisoners in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis in his Angelus address appealed for better prison conditions and asked that as part of the Jubilee of Mercy, competent global authorities would consider granting clemency to eligible inmates.

“I would like to make an appeal for better conditions in prison life, so that the human dignity of the detained is fully respected,” the Pope said Nov. 6.

During jubilee for prisoners, Pope tells inmates not to lose hope

Vatican City, Nov 6, 2016 / 03:23 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Sunday Pope Francis held a special Mass held for prisoners inside St. Peter’s Basilica, telling them that while paying the price for their crimes is necessary, they must never lose hope for the future or the desire for true freedom.

In his Nov. 6 homily, the Pope pointed to how in his letter to the Romans St. Paul refers to God as “the God of hope.”

Fear is an 'existential whip' that can destroy society, Pope warns

Vatican City, Nov 5, 2016 / 02:08 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- In a lengthy, wide-ranging speech to members of international NGOs, Pope Francis offered a clear and stern warning against modern attitudes of fear that close us to others and ultimately ruin society, suggesting love and collaboration as opposed to false solutions as a remedy.

Anyone could be forced to migrate, Pope says in latest prayer video

Vatican City, Nov 4, 2016 / 08:37 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his most recent prayer video, Pope Francis focuses on migrants, refugees and countries who assist them, stressing that it's possible for anyone to be placed in a situation forcing them to leave home.

The video, released Nov. 4, shows men and women refugees, law enforcement, media and a doctor walking through a revolving door as the Pope asks the question, “can one country alone manage the problems of forced migration?”

Pope honors deceased bishops, says death unites us more fully in Christ

Vatican City, Nov 4, 2016 / 06:36 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Reflecting on the faithful work of the bishops and cardinals who have died in the past 12 months, Pope Francis said Friday that death does not separate us, but in fact unites us more closely in the Body of Christ.

Have souls in Purgatory visited people on earth?

Vatican City, Nov 4, 2016 / 03:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Nestled in Rome just outside the Vatican, a small unassuming museum dedicated to the souls in Purgatory displays simple items such as prayer books and clothing.

Nothing too unusual, until you realize that each allegedly show the marks of the deceased – such as inexplicably burned fingerprints – when they appeared to loved ones asking for prayers from Purgatory.

Prisoners to be Pope Francis' special guests at Mass in St. Peter's

Vatican City, Nov 3, 2016 / 07:07 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Nov. 6, a special Jubilee for Prisoners will be celebrated at the Vatican, drawing detainees and their families from around Italy and beyond to St. Peter’s Basilica for Mass with Pope Francis and a special reception after.

Pope calls on religions to condemn acts of terrorism, violence

Vatican City, Nov 3, 2016 / 06:03 am (Aid to the Church in Need).- Pope Francis spoke to representatives of different religions Thursday, telling them that acts of terrorism and violence must be very clearly condemned, while love and mercy – the heart of authentic religion – must be promoted.

Retreat House Bandra