Vatican News

Benedict XVI's students to discuss spiritual crisis in Europe at annual meeting

Vatican City, Aug 19, 2016 / 06:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The annual meeting of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's former students will discuss Europe's spiritual crisis during their gathering later this month, according to the group's organizer.

The Ratzinger Schuelerkreis has gathered to discuss topics in theology and the life of the Church since 1978, shortly after their mentor was pulled from academia to become a bishop.

Papal pizza? Rome's homeless get a special treat from Francis

Vatican City, Aug 17, 2016 / 11:27 am (CNA/EWTN News).- As summer temperatures soar in Rome, a trip to the beach and pizza dinner may sound like an ideal way to spend an afternoon. And Pope Francis is making it happen for some of the city’s homeless residents.

The mathematics of mercy – Pope Francis sees a lesson in Jesus' miracles

Vatican City, Aug 17, 2016 / 09:47 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Jesus’ miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes is a lesson for us all, Pope Francis said Wednesday.

“His compassion is not a vague sentiment,” the Pope said, adding that Jesus “loves us so much, and wants to be close to us.”

The Pope reflected on the miracle of Jesus’ feeding of 5,000 people as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, saying that the miracle offered a lesson for Christ’s disciples.

Holy See urges UN to protect children in armed conflict

Vatican City, Aug 17, 2016 / 06:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After a recent report confirmed that violence against children has increased in conflict zones, the Holy See is urging the United Nations and local governments to protect the innocent youth who are caught in the crossfire of violence around the world.

Pope taps Dallas bishop to head new Vatican department for laity

Vatican City, Aug 17, 2016 / 04:13 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas has been appointed the head of Francis’ new 'mega-dicastery' for laity, family, and life – a decision that marks the second major appointment of an American to a Vatican position this summer.

Pope Francis voices solidarity, closeness to victims of Portugal fires

Vatican City, Aug 16, 2016 / 10:42 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Tuesday, Pope Francis voiced his sorrow for the damage done by wildfires raging on the Portuguese island of Madeira, entrusting the victims to the intercession of Our Lady and offering his closeness to their families.

Pope prays for massacre victims in the DR Congo

Vatican City, Aug 15, 2016 / 03:59 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis marked the feast of the Assumption of Mary by praying for the dozens of people massacred over the weekend in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and decrying the “shameful silence” which surround these attacks.

Don't be held back: Pope calls Christians to be set ablaze by the Holy Spirit

Vatican City, Aug 14, 2016 / 03:37 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Church does not need “cold or lukewarm Christians” who are held back by fear, Pope Francis said Sunday; it needs Christians who are on fire with the Holy Spirit and committed to proclaiming the Gospel, even if it costs them their lives.

The Church needs “passionate missionaries, consumed by zeal to bring the consoling Word of Jesus and his grace to everyone,” the Pope said during his weekly Angelus address.

Former prostitutes get special visit from Pope Francis

Vatican City, Aug 12, 2016 / 11:15 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has visited a special community for women freed from prostitution and violent abuse as his latest ‘Mercy Friday’ initiative during the Jubilee.

On Aug. 12 he met the 20 women, all of whom have suffered severe physical violence and live under protection, who are cared for at the “Pope John XXIII Community” in Rome. Pope Francis has met with members of the community at the Vatican on several occasions.

Pope Francis invites 21 Syrian refugees to lunch

Vatican City, Aug 11, 2016 / 09:58 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Thursday Pope Francis invited 21 Syrian refugees to join him for lunch at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, exchanging gifts, toys and drawings with the children.

The Syrian families were those brought by Pope Francis after his day-trip to Lesbos, Greece in April. Pope Francis brought the first group back to Rome with him on his flight April 16, and the second group arrived to Rome in mid-June.

Retreat House Bandra