Vatican News

Juneau bishop to head Dallas diocese

Vatican City, Dec 13, 2016 / 08:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After what was a very short vacancy for the Diocese of Dallas, the Vatican announced Tuesday that Bishop Edward J. Burns of Juneau will now take the reigns.

He will replace Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who led the Dallas Diocese since 2007, but in September moved to Rome as the new head of the Vatican dicastery for Laity, Family and Life.

This is how Pope Francis will celebrate his 80th birthday

Vatican City, Dec 13, 2016 / 04:58 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Saturday, Dec. 17, Pope Francis will celebrate his 80th birthday, which he will spend doing what he normally does: offering Mass and meeting with various heads of State and members of the Roman Curia.

However, as a novelty of this year’s papal birthday festivities, the Vatican has invited faithful from around the world to send their well-wishes to the Pope through a special email address in different languages.

How India's 'unreached' tribal areas are being evangelized

Vatican City, Dec 13, 2016 / 03:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Every day in the remote villages of Northeast India courageous priests and nuns are braving the elements of the wild – including tiger attacks and elephant stampedes – to bring the Good News to people who have yet to hear the name of Jesus.

People in these “unreached” areas “are very attracted to a sense of relating in a very human way to a God who loves them and is present with them,” Msgr. John Kozar told CNA Dec. 7.

Pope makes humanitarian appeal for Syria, as rebels lose Aleppo

Vatican City, Dec 12, 2016 / 02:29 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has sent a letter to Syrian president Bashar al-Assad appealing for peace and for humanitarian relief, as the Syrian government consolidates gains in Aleppo, where tens of thousands are beseiged.

In call to Coptic Patriarch, Pope says they are united by blood of martyrdom

Vatican City, Dec 12, 2016 / 05:20 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The day after an explosion at the Coptic Orthodox cathedral in Cairo killed 25 people, mostly women and children, Pope Francis called the head of the Church to offer prayer, and to say they are united the blood of their martyrs.

In a world torn by conflict, nonviolence is a Christian requirement, Pope says

Vatican City, Dec 12, 2016 / 04:34 am (CNA/EWTN News).- When it comes to the many conflicts splintering different parts of the world, Pope Francis the Christian response must be one of nonviolence, which isn’t passive, but active and has roots in a strong family life.

“To be true followers of Jesus today also includes embracing his teaching about nonviolence,” the Pope said in his message for the 50th World Day of Peace, published Dec. 12.

Pope Francis prays for Aleppo, victims of recent terrorist attacks

Vatican City, Dec 11, 2016 / 07:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During the Angelus for the third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis made a special appeal for prayers for the people of Aleppo and Syria, and for all those affected by the recent terrorist attacks which have taken place in places such as Turkey and Egypt.

Pope to seminarians: Don't let self-interest get in the way of ministry

Vatican City, Dec 10, 2016 / 11:31 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Saturday Pope Francis spoke to seminarians about the three-fold ministry of the priest: welcoming and including all, forming good relationships with God and others, and avoiding the pitfall of narcissism.

Franciscan Friars of the Renewal granted pontifical recognition

Vatican City, Dec 9, 2016 / 04:49 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has officially recognized the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal as a religious institute of pontifical right, the order has announced.

As Vatican lights Christmas tree, Pope reflects on Nativity scene

Vatican City, Dec 9, 2016 / 11:21 am (CNA/EWTN News).- As Christmas approaches, the Nativity scenes found in churches and homes around the world bid us to make room for Jesus both in our lives and in society, Pope Francis said shortly before the lighting of the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square Friday.

Retreat House Bandra