Vatican News

Vatican confirms papal trip to Turkey in November

Vatican City, Sep 12, 2014 / 09:30 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A statement released by the Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Turkey in November, where he is expected to participate in celebrations surrounding the orthodox feast of St. Andrew.

“This morning the Holy See received the official letter of invitation from the part of the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for a trip of Pope Francis to the country,” the Sept. 12 statement, signed by Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., read.

Pope Francis: correction without charity is 'a slap in the face'

Vatican City, Sep 12, 2014 / 06:35 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his daily Mass on Friday Pope Francis spoke about fraternal correction, explaining that it heals and builds up the body of Christ but only when done out of love rather than gossip or hypocrisy.

“Gossip hurts; gossip is a slap in the face of a person’s reputation, it is an attack on the heart of a person,” the Pope told those present in the Santa Marta residence on Sept. 12.

Pope's appointment may signal advances in new abuse office

Vatican City, Sep 12, 2014 / 12:48 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis’ latest appointment to a commission designed to fight sexual abuse of minors may have an effect in shaping the upcoming Vatican office also dedicated to combatting abuse.

“Delicta Graviora” are serious crimes in the Church, and they include grave offenses against morality: the sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric, or the acquisition, possession, or distribution of child pornography by a cleric.

Francis encourages us as did Don Bosco, Lateran rector says

Vatican City, Sep 11, 2014 / 03:27 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- As the bicentenary of the birth of St. John Bosco approaches, a Salesian who is rector of the Pontifical Lateran University has said that Pope Francis is close to the saint, as both view education not as a job but as a way life.

Christian life is not navel-gazing – it's self-giving, Pope says

Vatican City, Sep 11, 2014 / 10:12 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During his homily at daily Mass on Thursday Pope Francis focused on authentic Christian love, stressing that it’s not selfish, but freely and mercifully gives itself to others.

The Pope drew from the day's Gospel reading from Luke chapter six, where Jesus tells his disciples to love their enemies and “do good” to those who hate them.

Pope 'deeply saddened' by brutal killing of missionary nuns

Vatican City, Sep 11, 2014 / 02:05 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has expressed his condolences following the brutal murder of three Italian nuns in Burundi over the weekend, assuring the community of his closeness.

“The Holy Father begs the Lord to welcome into his kingdom of peace and light these three faithful and devout nuns,” reads Sept. 8 a telegram addressed to Archbishop Evariste Ngoyagoye of Bujumbura, Burundi, where the sisters were serving in the parish of Saint Guido Maria Conforti.

Italian prime minister meets with Vatican Secretary of State

Vatican City, Sep 11, 2014 / 12:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The newly created Italian cardinals lunched Tuesday with Matteo Renzi, prime minister of Italy, discussing with him and his associates persecuted Christians, immigration, and employment challenges.

The Sept. 9 lunch also set the basis for an official meeting between Renzi and Pope Francis.

Vatican state secretariat strengthens its control over 'the Pope's hospital'

Vatican City, Sep 10, 2014 / 08:04 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican Secretariat of State established June 28 a Comittee of Presidency for the Pediatric Hospital “Bambino Gesù,” owned by the Holy See, thereby strengthening its control over the institution.

The committee is composed of five members, including the president of the Board of Directors, and is entrusted with some of the Board of Administration’s tasks.

Child protection is 'gospel priority' for Church, Pope Francis

Vatican City, Sep 10, 2014 / 04:28 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The protection of minors from sexual abuse is a number one priority for Pope Francis, says the new secretary of a papal commission to protect minors, who believes that the global Church can play a leading role against abuse.

Boston priest named secretary of Vatican commission to protect minors

Vatican City, Sep 10, 2014 / 09:58 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican announced today that Msgr. Robert W. Oliver will leave his position as promoter of justice to take on a new role as the secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

Msgr. Oliver originally hails from the Boston archdiocese, and served there in various capacities until his appointment as promoter of justice for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith by Benedict XVI in January 2013.

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