Vatican News

Bangladesh attack an offense against God, humanity, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Jul 2, 2016 / 08:50 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has again voiced his sorrow for another “barbarous” terrorist attack, offering his prayers for the families and victims of a July 1 a siege on a restaurant in Bangladesh left 20 people dead.

Benedict XVI talks resignation, Pope Francis in new book-length interview

Vatican City, Jul 1, 2016 / 07:06 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Though he has rarely spoken since resigning from the papacy, Benedict XVI granted several lengthy interviews to German journalist Peter Seewald shortly after stepping down - conversations that touched on themes such as the reform of the Curia, his resignation and his thoughts on Pope Francis.

How to understand Pope Francis' 'apology' to the gay community

Vatican City, Jun 30, 2016 / 09:35 am (CNA).- As Pope Francis on Sunday backed the idea of apologizing to gay individuals who may feel marginalized by the Church, discussion has once again broken out over how to interpret the pontiff’s words.

Debate flared up overnight after the Pope responded to a question about recent comments made by Cardinal Reinhard Marx, who said the Church must apologize to homosexual persons for having “marginalized” them.

Mercy without works is dead, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Jun 30, 2016 / 05:10 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his Jubilee general audience for the month of June, Pope Francis focused his speech on the works of mercy and how to put them into action. He also gave thanks for his recent visit to Armenia, and spoke of his coming trips to Georgia and Azerbaijan.

What do Catholics and Eastern Orthodox disagree about, anyway?

Vatican City, Jun 30, 2016 / 03:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- With the Eastern Orthodox wrapping up their “pan-Orthodox Council” this past weekend, it might be a good time to take a look at the factors that separate Catholics from their sister Churches in the east.

The main issues of disagreement are the primacy of the Bishop of Rome and elements of Trinitarian teaching, although conflict also exists over the Immaculate Conception, purgatory and other doctrines.

Pope Francis mourns victims of 'heinous' attack on Istanbul airport

Vatican City, Jun 29, 2016 / 04:30 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims of Tuesday’s deadly attack on an Istanbul airport, asking that God would convert the hearts of those who choose violence.

“Dear brothers and sister, yesterday in Istanbul there was a heinous terror attack, which has killed and wounded many people. Let us pray for the victims, for their families and for the dear Turkish people,” the Pope said June 29.

Prayer is the 'way out' of a closed heart and mind, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Jun 29, 2016 / 03:15 am (CNA/Europa Press).- On Wednesday Pope Francis gave 25 new archbishops the pallium, encouraging them to remain strong in prayer, which he said helps in staying open to God’s surprises, rather than closing in on oneself.

“Prayer enables grace to open a way out from closure to openness, from fear to courage, from sadness to joy. And we can add: from division to unity,” Pope Francis said June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

Catholic, Orthodox Churches united by mercy, Pope says

Vatican City, Jun 28, 2016 / 11:46 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Catholic and Orthodox Churches find unity in God's mercy and in the responsibility to spread the Gospel, Pope Francis said Tuesday to a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.

“Acknowledging that the experience of God's mercy is the bond uniting us means that we must increasingly make mercy the criterion and measure of our relationship,” the pontiff said during the June 28 audience at the Vatican.

Benedict XVI to Francis: 'your goodness is a place where I feel protected'

Vatican City, Jun 28, 2016 / 06:22 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Tuesday Benedict XVI gave his first public speech since his final day as Pope, expressing gratitude for a lengthy priesthood and for Pope Francis' “goodness,” which he said moves him deeply.

Pope Francis 'angry' over media slant on women deacons

Vatican City, Jun 27, 2016 / 01:20 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis told journalists on Sunday that he was somewhat angered when reports emerged that the Church was allegedly paving the way for the ordination of women to the diaconate, since no such change is in the works.

“The first to be surprised by this news was me,” the Pope said June 26 during an in-flight press briefing en route to Rome following his three-day visit to Armenia.

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