Vatican News

Benedict XVI meets with advocates of Traditional Latin Mass

Vatican City, Sep 4, 2014 / 02:01 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Benedict XVI met in a private audience with two leaders involved in promoting the Traditional Latin Mass, or the extraordinary form of the Roman rite, on Monday afternoon.

The 'Unknown Pope' – how Benedict XV is relevant today

Vatican City, Sep 3, 2014 / 01:21 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Despite a biography title labeling him the “Unknown Pope,” Benedict XV had a tremendous impact on life of the Church, and his legacy of diplomacy and efforts for peace live on today.

On Sept. 3, 1914 – 100 years ago today – Giacomo Giambattista della Chiesa was elected Bishop of Rome.

Pope: the Church is a mother who guides her children

Vatican City, Sep 3, 2014 / 04:42 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his general audience Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the Church, turning to the aspect of her maternity, of which the Virgin Mary is a model encouraging us to reach out to our brothers and sisters.

Christian identity comes from Holy Spirit, not 'theology degrees'

Vatican City, Sep 2, 2014 / 09:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A Christian earns his ability to speak with authority from the Holy Spirit, not from a theology degree, Pope Francis said during his daily Mass at the Vatican's Saint Martha Residence Sept. 2.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading for the day, the Pope noted how those who heard Jesus were amazed by his teaching because his word “had authority.”

Faith is rooted in God - not human approval, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Sep 1, 2014 / 10:32 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Faith is not founded upon human wisdom, but on the power of God, as made manifest in the Gospel. This was one of the main themes of Pope Francis' homily on Monday morning, resuming daily Mass at the Santa Marta residence following the summer holidays.

Addressing the congregation, the Pope said that we do not read the Gospel simply to learn, but to find Jesus. This is “because Jesus is truly in His Word, in His Gospel.”

Pope Francis to Iraqi priest: I'll never leave or forget you

Vatican City, Sep 1, 2014 / 09:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After sending a letter to Pope Francis on the plight Iraqi refugees fleeing ISIS violence, Fr. Behnam Benoka received a phone call from the pontiff who gave his blessing and assured of his prayers.

“'I read your letter,' said the Pope. He said he was very sorry for everything that was happening to us and he said, 'Know that I am with you in prayer always. I never forget you,'” Fr. Benoka told CNA Aug. 31.

Pope: When we become worldly, we lose Christian flavor

Vatican City, Aug 31, 2014 / 09:39 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Christians must avoid the temptation to conform to the world, Pope Francis cautioned Aug. 31, stressing that they should instead allow their faith to transform the world around them.

Pakistani leader talks persecuted Christians with Pope Francis

Vatican City, Aug 29, 2014 / 02:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a brief encounter with Pope Francis following his general audience Wednesday, former Pakistani minister Paul Bhatti discussed persecuted Christians and invited the pontiff to visit his country.

“I met him with my mom and it was a desire and a heartfelt wish of my mom to see the Holy Father and to share her views regarding peace in the world and regarding the persecution of Christians in the world,” Bhatti told CNA Aug. 28.

Pope Francis' Korea visit ignites movement toward unity

Vatican City, Aug 27, 2014 / 04:04 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- A South Korea-based U.S. missionary who frequently crosses the border to North Korea to bring medicine and support says that Pope Francis' visit advanced efforts to heal a divided country.

Father Gerard Hammond, an 81-year-old Maryknoll missionary, has lived in South Korea since 1960 and has made 51 trips to North Korea since 1995.

Pope: division is the greatest sin of Christian communities

Vatican City, Aug 27, 2014 / 05:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During his weekly general audience Pope Francis spoke on the unity and holiness of the Church, stating that despite the fact we are sinners, we are called to live as a community centered on Christ.

Retreat House Bandra