Vatican News

Society needs priests 'enamored' with the Gospel, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Dec 1, 2016 / 05:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his message for the 2017 World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis focused on the need to be “missionary disciples” who first fall in love with God, and are then propelled into action, zealously spreading the Good News they have heard.

“The People of God need to be guided by pastors whose lives are spent in service to the Gospel,” the Pope said in his message, published Nov. 30.

Francis appeals to the martyrs in ecumenical message to Patriarch

Vatican City, Nov 30, 2016 / 04:15 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Bishop of Rome sent a message to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople on Wednesday, continuing a recent tradition of ecumenism between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Pope Francis meets Martin Scorsese, director of 'Silence,' at Vatican

Vatican City, Nov 30, 2016 / 08:18 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Wednesday Pope Francis added world famous director Martin Scorsese to the list of Hollywood stars he has welcomed for a private meeting in the Vatican, following an official Rome preview of Scorsese’s new film “Silence.”

We have to pray for both the living and the dead, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Nov 30, 2016 / 05:38 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his last set of catechesis on mercy, Pope Francis focused on the works of praying for the living and the dead, as well as burying the dead, insisting that since we are all part of one family in Christ, we must remember to pray constantly pray for one another.

Vatican foundation exploring pros, cons of new technologies

Vatican City, Nov 30, 2016 / 03:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Alongside the various technological advances booming throughout the world, the digital age has also brought with it questions as to exactly what effect these new technologies are having on the global market, particularly when it comes to jobs.

Pope Francis himself has brought up both the benefits as well as the concerns of technology on several occasions, including in his 2015 environmental encyclical, Laudato si'.

Pope Francis offers prayer, condolences after Colombia plane crash

Vatican City, Nov 30, 2016 / 02:57 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After a plane crash in Colombia claimed the lives of 71 people, including the majority of Brazil’s up and coming Brazil's Chapecoense soccer team, Pope Francis has offered his prayer and solidarity for the victims and their families.

Pope Francis: Humility is childlike, not theatrical

Vatican City, Nov 29, 2016 / 11:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Christians must pursue true humility as they remember the “smallness” of Christmas, Pope Francis said in his Tuesday homily.

“Humility is the virtue of the childlike and this is true humility and not a rather theatrical humility: no, not that: the humility of somebody who said: ‘I am humble but proud of being so.’ No, that is not true humility,” the Pope warned.

Here's what Pope Francis is doing for Christmas

Vatican City, Nov 29, 2016 / 10:47 am (CNA/EWTN News).- While signs of bustling pilgrims who came for the Jubilee of Mercy are mostly gone, new signs of Christmas are springing up around St. Peter’s Basilica, including the construction of the large Nativity scene in the middle of the square, and the placement of a Christmas tree alongside it.

Pope mourns death of Fr Kolvenbach, former head of Jesuits

Vatican City, Nov 28, 2016 / 10:34 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After the death of Jesuit Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, former head of the order, over the weekend, Pope Francis has sent a letter to the Society praising the priest’s fidelity and offering prayers for the repose of his soul.

Pope taps Tallahassee bishop to lead St. Petersburg diocese

Vatican City, Nov 28, 2016 / 05:31 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Monday the Vatican announced that Pope Francis has named Bishop Gregory Parkes of Pensacola-Tallahassee as the new head of the St. Petersburg diocese, where he will take over as their fifth bishop.

“I am filled with joy that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Parkes as the new Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg,” the diocese’s outgoing bishop, Bishop Robert Lynch, said in a Nov. 28 press release announcing Parkes’ appointment.

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