Vatican News

What to expect from this year's synod of bishops

Vatican City, Oct 2, 2015 / 10:57 am (CNA/EWTN News).- As the synod’s schedule and methodology were rolled out ahead of its launch this weekend, some novelties came along with it, such as no midterm report and a heightened emphasis on the small groups.

Set to take place Oct. 4-25, this year’s ordinary synod will reflect on the theme “Jesus Christ reveals the mystery and vocation of the family” and will gather 279 cardinals, bishops and representatives from all over the world.

These African pastors want to maintain Christ's love, and truth, at the synod

Vatican City, Oct 2, 2015 / 06:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Ten prelates from Africa have stood up against a pastoral approach to new challenges to marriage and the family that would effectively modify the Church's doctrine, by writing essays for a book meant to be a “contribution to the Synod onf the Family by African pastors.”

Vatican clarifies background on Pope's meeting with Kim Davis

Vatican City, Oct 2, 2015 / 04:54 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After meeting with Pope Francis earlier this morning Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi confirmed that the Pope met with Kim Davis and her husband as part of a large group invited by the nunciature.

In an Oct. 2 statement, Fr. Lombardi said that Pope Francis met with Davis alongside several dozen others who had been invited by the nunciature to greet him as he prepared to leave Washington for New York City.

A Mexican exorcist advances on path to sainthood – courtesy of the Pope

Vatican City, Oct 2, 2015 / 04:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Among the eight causes for sainthood advanced by Pope Francis is a Mexican exorcist who lived during the time of the Cristero War, and was mentored by a bishop that has since been canonized.

The Pope gave the green light to move the causes on to the next step in a private Sept. 30 audience with Cardinal Angelo Amato, head of the Vatican's congregation for saint's causes.

To welcome a migrant is to welcome God himself, Pope says

Vatican City, Oct 1, 2015 / 04:43 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Pope Francis recognized the challenges involved with welcoming migrants, but stressed that despite the difficulties they should always be accepted as brothers and sisters.

“At the heart of the Gospel of mercy the encounter and acceptance by others are intertwined with the encounter and acceptance of God himself,” the Pope said in his message for the 2016 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

Pope Francis lauds Archbishop Chaput's 'great love for the family'

Vatican City, Sep 30, 2015 / 11:21 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis reviewed his recent trip to Cuba and the United States during his General Audience on Wednesday, calling the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia the “culmination” of his apostolic visit.

“I wish to convey my fraternal and warm thanks to Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia, for his commitment, his piety, his enthusiasm, and his great love for the family in the organization of this event,” the Pope said Sept. 30 in St. Peter's Square.

Sistine Chapel Choir releases sacred music album recorded in its chapel

Vatican City, Sep 30, 2015 / 03:01 am (CNA/EWTN News).- As the first album ever to be recorded inside the Sistine Chapel is released, Archbishop Georg Ganswein said the sacred music featured is not something of the past, but continues to play a role in evangelization.

“Sacred music has a past. It comes from the past, but it has a great future,” Archbishop Ganswein, prefect of the Papal Household, told CNA Sept. 29, following a presentation of the Sistine Chapel Choir’s new album Cantate Domino.

Mercy, dialogue to be the focus of World Communications Day

Vatican City, Sep 29, 2015 / 07:31 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Announced Tuesday, this year’s theme for World Communications Day is inspired by the upcoming Jubilee of Mercy, and stresses that social communications should be centered on mercy, dialogue and welcome.

The Pontifical Council of Social Communication announced the choice of “Communication and Mercy: a fruitful encounter” in a Sept. 29 communique from the Vatican.

Pope Francis explains what World Youth Day has to do with Divine Mercy

Vatican City, Sep 28, 2015 / 03:28 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- With World Youth Day coming up next year, Pope Francis has a question for young people: “Do you realize how precious you are to God, who has given you everything out of love?”

“You, dear young man, dear young woman, have you ever felt the gaze of everlasting love upon you, a gaze that looks beyond your sins, limitations and failings, and continues to have faith in you and to look upon your life with hope?” the Pope asked Sept. 28.

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