Vatican News

Vatican paper blasts Charlie Hebdo cover as 'insulting' to all faiths

Vatican City, Jan 7, 2016 / 10:01 am (CNA/EWTN News).- One year after the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris that left 12 dead, the Vatican daily newspaper has condemned the French satirical paper’s anniversary cover which depicts God as an armed terrorist.

The illustration on the paper’s front cover “is insulting toward faithful of all religions,” Anouar Kbibech, President of the Conseil français du culte musulman said in a Jan. 7 article in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano.

In first video message, Pope Francis stresses unity: 'We are all children of God'

Vatican City, Jan 7, 2016 / 04:40 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Pope’s first-ever video message on his monthly prayer intentions was released Tuesday, highlighting the importance of interreligious dialogue and the beliefs different faith traditions hold in common, such as the figure of God and love.

Pope: Humanity seeks God, and the Magi show us where to find him

Vatican City, Jan 6, 2016 / 04:29 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a restless age when humanity fails to find the answer to their continuous searching, the Magi who go out looking for Christ only to find him in a humble stable in Bethlehem are a key example of where to turn, Pope Francis has said.

Missionaries of Mercy to be sent out under the gaze of Padre Pio

Vatican City, Jan 6, 2016 / 12:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The body of Padre Pio will be on display for veneration at next month’s Ash Wednesday Mass in the Vatican, where a group of priests will be sent out as “Missionaries of Mercy” for the Jubilee Year.

New eparchy in US to serve Catholics with roots in ancient Indian Christianity

Elmont, N.Y., Jan 5, 2016 / 02:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis on Monday established a new eparchy for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in the United States and Canada, to serve several thousand Catholics of the India-based Church.

The eparchy was created Jan. 4 by elevating an existing apostolic exarchate.

Pope Francis makes surprise visit to birthplace of the Nativity scene

Vatican City, Jan 4, 2016 / 02:02 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis made a surprise visit Monday to the Italian hill town of Greccio where, centuries earlier, St. Francis created the first nativity scene.

Pope prays first Angelus of 2016 calling for vigilance against evil

Vatican City, Jan 3, 2016 / 12:03 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis lead the first Marian prayer of the new year with swarms of pilgrims gathered at the Vatican Sunday, urging an openness to Jesus in our hearts so that evil won't prevail in our lives.

Speaking to a packed St. Peter's square Jan. 3, the Pope reflected on the day's reading from the first chapter of St. John's Gospel where “the Word” was “made flesh and dwelt among us.”

Pope Francis: Mary is the 'mother of forgiveness'

Vatican City, Jan 1, 2016 / 12:35 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Reflecting particularly on Mary’s title as “mother of mercy,” Pope Francis opened the Holy Door at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome on Jan. 1.

Mercy is stronger than violence and injustice, Pope says

Vatican City, Jan 1, 2016 / 05:38 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The miseries of the world are powerless against the mercy of God, whose entrance into history brought about a new era for humanity, Pope Francis said at the opening Mass of the new year.

“History does not determine the birth of Christ; rather, his coming into the world enables history to attain its fullness,” the Pope said in his homily Friday morning in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Look for the presence of God in your life, Pope says on New Year's

Vatican City, Dec 31, 2015 / 06:12 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- As this year comes to an end, Pope Francis has encouraged faithful to look back at the events of 2015, telling them to be attentive to the presence of God, and watch for the signs he is giving us.

Retreat House Bandra