Vatican News

Vatican: Remains of missing teen not found among bones

Vatican City, Jul 29, 2019 / 05:01 am (CNA).- The Vatican reported Sunday that bones discovered in previously hidden ossuaries pre-date the 20th century – and therefore cannot be the remains of a Vatican teen who went missing in the 1980s.

After deadly shipwreck, Pope Francis appeals for safety of migrants

Vatican City, Jul 28, 2019 / 05:45 am (CNA).- As up to 150 migrants are feared to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, Pope Francis made an appeal to the international community Sunday to act decisively to ensure the safety and dignity of migrants.

“I learned with pain the news of the dramatic shipwreck that occurred in recent days in the waters of the Mediterranean,” Pope Francis said July 28.

Cardinal Jaime Ortega, Archbishop of Havana for 34 years, dies at 82

Vatican City, Jul 27, 2019 / 09:04 am (CNA).- Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino, who served as Archbishop of Havana for more than 34 years, died Friday at the age of 82 after a months-long battle with cancer.

The Cuban cardinal oversaw the papal visits of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis to the island during his tenure, playing a principal role in the dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba brokered by Pope Francis in 2014.

Students say changes at Rome's JPII Institute undermine its mission

Vatican City, Jul 26, 2019 / 11:45 am (CNA).- More than 150 students at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Rome have signed a letter saying that newly approved statutes will undermine the institute’s mission and identity.

Benedict XVI pays a surprise visit to Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Jul 26, 2019 / 04:00 am (CNA).- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI left Vatican City Thursday to make a surprise visit to Castel Gandolfo.

The pope emeritus visited the Pontifical Villa July 25 for the first time in four years, and walked the garden paths where he used to pray, according to Italian media.

Pope Francis names vice director of Holy See press office

Vatican City, Jul 25, 2019 / 05:00 am (CNA).- Pope Francis Thursday appointed Cristiane Murray as vice director of the Holy See Press Office.

Murray, 57, has worked for Vatican Radio for more than 25 years, where she provided live commentary on papal events and international trips.

On prevention of child abuse, Pope Francis points to St. John Bosco's example

Vatican City, Jul 24, 2019 / 02:00 pm (CNA).- In an unscripted video message that appears to have been recorded on a cell phone, Pope Francis spoke of the need for an “apostolate of prevention” to protect minors from abuse.

Brennan appointment hailed as 'new day' after Bransfield scandals in West Virginia

Wheeling, W.V., Jul 23, 2019 / 09:55 am (CNA).- Bishop Mark Brennan will be installed as the ninth Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston next month, as West Virginia’s sole diocese looks to move forward from the scandals of its previous leader, Bishop Michael Bransfield.

“It will be my highest priority to work with you on true reform and to open our hearts and minds to the healing power of Christ’s unconditional love,” Brennan said at the July 23 press conference announcing his appointment.

Pope Francis names Mark Brennan to follow Bransfield at West Virginia diocese

Vatican City, Jul 23, 2019 / 04:01 am (CNA).- Pope Francis Tuesday named Bishop Mark Brennan the Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia following financial corruption and alleged sexual assault by the former bishop of the diocese Michael J. Bransfield.

Brennan, 72, is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, where he has served since his appointment in 2016.

Records on life of Father Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, presented at Vatican

Vatican City, Jul 23, 2019 / 03:01 am (CNA).- The cause for canonization of Servant of God Edward Flanagan, the priest who founded Nebraska's Boys Town community for orphans and other boys, advanced Monday with the presentation of a summary of records on his life.

The positio, which summarizes the records collected by the Archdiocese of Omaha, was presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints July 22, along with a letter of support from Archbishop George Lucas.

Retreat House Bandra