Vatican News

Journalism can't be a 'weapon of destruction', Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Sep 22, 2016 / 05:05 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Emphasizing the importance of respect for human dignity, Pope Francis told journalists Thursday that their profession can never be used as a destructive weapon, nor should it be used to nourish fear.

How Catholics brought women's equality to a Cameroon clan

Vatican City, Sep 21, 2016 / 03:03 pm (CNA).- A region of Cameroon that traditionally believed women to have no value now sees them as equal to men, thanks to a lay Catholic apostolate in the area.

“Before the coming of the Focolare Movement, the women had no say, but the movement has taught us a lot of things,” said Nicasius Nguazong, who is the Fon – similar to a king – of the Cameroonian chiefdom of Nwangong.

Being 'merciful like the Father' isn't a slogan – it's a way of life, Pope says

Vatican City, Sep 21, 2016 / 08:34 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Wednesday Pope Francis reflected on the theme of Jubilee of Mercy “Merciful like the Father,” telling pilgrims that while imitating God’s love can seem impossible, it’s genuine effort, rather than quantity, that matters.

To be “merciful like the Father” is not just “a slogan for effect, but a life commitment,” the Pope said Sept. 21.

Pope Francis condemns ‘inexcusable violence’ in murder of Mexican priests

Vatican City, Sep 21, 2016 / 06:41 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After hearing of the murder of two priests in Mexico, Pope Francis sent a telegram to the country’s bishops condemning the violent act, offering his prayers as a sign of closeness to the community and their families affected.

Peace requires us to do more than 'change the channel,' Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Sep 20, 2016 / 11:13 am (CNA/EWTN News).- While in Assisi for an interreligious prayer gathering, Pope Francis cautioned against an indifference that ignores the suffering of others as easily as flipping through TV channels, stressing that peace only comes through action and solidarity.

Church unity with a global focus: lessons from 'bishop school'

Vatican City, Sep 20, 2016 / 06:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican holds a special seminar series each year for new bishops to help them learn their new role.

Among these new bishops was Bishop Ruben Tierrablanca Gonzalez, the vicar apostolic of Istanbul.

Papal ambassadors issue global appeal to step-up peace efforts

Vatican City, Sep 19, 2016 / 10:35 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After spending three days in Rome to celebrate the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis’ diplomatic representatives throughout the world have called on government leaders to make greater efforts in ending conflict and promoting peace.

Corruption is worst form of criminality, Pope tells Vatican police

Vatican City, Sep 18, 2016 / 03:23 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Sunday Pope Francis celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Vatican Gendarme by thanking the security force for their tireless service, and warned against modern crimes linked to exploitation and corruption.

“Crooks love the scam and hate honesty. Crooks love bribes, agreements done in the dark. This is worse than anything, because he believes he's being honest,” the Pope told members of the Vatican Gendarme Sept. 18.

Pope tells ambassadors to serve in humility, not get lost in politics

Vatican City, Sep 17, 2016 / 09:39 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a special Jubilee audience with nearly all of his 108 ambassadors around the world, Pope Francis thanked them for their dedication, and encouraged them to continue their work in humble service, without getting caught up in useless politics.

Man rams car through police barrier into St. Peter's Square

Vatican City, Sep 17, 2016 / 08:15 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A mentally ill man rammed his car through a police checkpoint at St. Peter’s Square on Friday evening, demanding to meet with Pope Francis.

Retreat House Bandra