Vatican News

Holy See signs agreement with Democratic Republic of Congo

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Feb 5, 2017 / 07:18 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Holy See and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Friday signed a framework agreement to govern relations between the Catholic Church and the state.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, signed the agreement with the Congolese Prime Minister Clement Mouamba.

Pope Francis: each life is sacred. Abandon no one.

Vatican City, Feb 5, 2017 / 11:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Sunday Pope Francis stressed the sanctity of life and encouraged Christians to fulfill Jesus Christ’s command to be salt of the earth and light of the world.

“May no one be left alone and may love defend the sense of life,” Pope Francis said in his Angelus remarks Feb. 5 to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

He cited the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “Life is beauty, admire it. Life is life, fight for it.”

Pope Francis explains why your money won't save you

Vatican City, Feb 4, 2017 / 02:18 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis warned of the “hidden victims” of capitalism, the idolatry of money and false philanthropy, telling a Saturday gathering of entrepreneurs they must act to change a system that creates victims, not simply help people after the fact.

Pope: Be more than a mannequin when it comes to helping refugees

Vatican City, Feb 4, 2017 / 08:16 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his newest prayer video Pope Francis focused on the poor and refugees, saying we shouldn’t be like immobile mannequin’s when faced with their needs, but must instead reach out and help.

“We live in cities that throw up skyscrapers and shopping centers and strike big real estate deals, but they abandon part of themselves to marginal settlements on the periphery,” the Pope said in his prayer video, released Feb. 4.

Pope names Arhbishop Becciu personal delegate to Order of Malta

Vatican City, Feb 4, 2017 / 04:38 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has named Archbishop Giovanni Becciu, substitute of the Secretariat of State, as his personal delegate to oversee the “spiritual and moral” reform of the Order of Malta, with particular attention to the professed members.

Pope Francis encourages successful dialogue at Nobel Peace summit

Vatican City, Feb 3, 2017 / 03:27 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- On behalf of Pope Francis, the Vatican's Secretary of State sent a message encouraging the participants of XVI World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates to peaceful and effective communication.

“As the participants reflect on the many challenges to peace in the modern world, His Holiness encourages them in their efforts to promote understanding and dialogue among peoples,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, with greetings from the Pope.

Archbishop Fellay: offer of a personal prelature under consideration

Vatican City, Feb 3, 2017 / 07:30 am (CNA/EWTN News).- While divisions between the Vatican and the break-off Society of St. Pius X still exist, representatives from both sides have said the proposal appears to be the best option for unity, and steps are already being taken to study it.

You are called to be leaven, Pope tells consecrated men, women

Vatican City, Feb 2, 2017 / 11:24 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Everyone, but especially consecrated men and women, Pope Francis said Thursday, are called to be leaven in the world, bringing Christ to the people – even when it seems like the work goes unnoticed, or there is another who would do a better job.

The Resurrection is more than a wish – it's a reality, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Feb 1, 2017 / 06:47 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Wednesday Pope Francis said the Christian belief in the Resurrection of Christ and in our own resurrection at the end of time is more than just wishful thinking, but rather implies confidence in something certain.

“This is the Christian hope. Christian hope is the expectation of something that has already been accomplished and that certainly will be realized for each of us,” the Pope said Feb. 1.

Cardinal Tobin praises Trump admin on pro-life stance, criticizes on immigration

Vatican City, Jan 31, 2017 / 04:28 pm (CNA).- In the first days of U.S. president Donald Trump’s administration, Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark said he has seen encouragement on pro-life matters, but cause for concern when it comes to refugees.

“I think the fact that the vice president and other White House officials addressed the March for Life last week was very encouraging, and I think it’s a good boost,” the cardinal told CNA in a sit-down interview Jan. 31.

Retreat House Bandra