Vatican News

Receiving awards, Benedict XVI credits witness of John Paul II

Vatican City, Jul 4, 2015 / 11:57 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After receiving an honorary doctorate from both the Pontifical John Paul II University of Krakow and the Krakow Academy of Music, retired pontiff Benedict XVI credited the saintly example of his predecessor for his spiritual and theological achievements.

Benedict said he received a “special joy” in receiving the doctorates, because “in this way my bond with Poland, with Krakow, with the home of our great St. John Paul II, has become even deeper.”

Evangelizing evangelicals – why Pope Francis loves to meet with charismatic movements

Vatican City, Jul 3, 2015 / 11:38 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis’ attendance for the second consecutive year at the Catholic charismatic movement’s Renewal with the Spirit convocation shows his attention to charismatic movements as means to foster ecumenical path.

Not by chance, Renewal with the Spirit styled the convocation to be heavily ecumenical.

A fourth saint for the Little Flower family?

Vatican City, Jul 3, 2015 / 06:26 am (CNA/EWTN News).- With a sister who is a Doctor of the Church and parents set to be canonized in October, Leonia Martin could be the fourth member of her family declared a saint as her own cause for canonization officially opens.

Leonia is the sister of St. Therese of Lisieux and the third daughter of Blessed Louis and Zelia Martin, who are set to be the first couple ever to be canonized at the same ceremony, which will be held Oct. 18 in the Vatican.

Vatican official says 'it's time to act' on protecting the environment

Vatican City, Jul 3, 2015 / 06:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, has expressed his hope that Pope Francis’ recent environmental encyclical will have a strong impact on the United Nations' three major gatherings this year, and will inspire global powers not only to talk, but to act.

The cardinal spoke to CNA July 2, saying he hopes the effect of the encyclical on the U.N. meetings “will be especially concrete in climate change impact.”

Human dignity must be center of political debate – Pope on Greek debt crisis

Vatican City, Jul 1, 2015 / 11:38 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis on Wednesday called for prayer for the people of Greece, shortly after the nation defaulted on a significant loan payment on its more than $300 billion debt.

“The news from Greece regarding the economic and social situation of the country is worrying,” Fr. Federico Lombardi, Holy See press officer, said in a July 1 statement. “Pope Francis invites all the faithful to unite in prayer for the good of the beloved Greek people.”

Chewed or brewed: A brief history of Popes and coca leaves

Vatican City, Jun 30, 2015 / 04:21 pm (CNA).- Pope Francis might chew coca leaves – or maybe sip coca tea – during his visit to Bolivia next week, the Vatican has said.

Bolivian Culture Minister Marko Machicao told local media that Francis had asked to chew coca leaves in the country, one of several stops during his visit to South America July 5-13.

Francis wishes Benedict XVI a good summer in Castel Gandolfo

Vatican City, Jun 30, 2015 / 11:13 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Before heading out for his two-week stay at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo this summer, retired pontiff Benedict XVI received a 30 minute visit from Pope Francis, who wished him a pleasant stay.

Francis popped by Benedict’s residence at the Mater Ecclesiae ex-convent around 10 a.m. this morning to greet the retired pope before he leaves today. The meeting lasted half an hour.

Cuba, US set to be a busy trip for Pope Francis

Vatican City, Jun 30, 2015 / 09:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis’ itinerary while in Cuba and the United States confirms several highly anticipated events including a special U.N. Summit and the canonization of Bl. Junipero Serra. He is also set to meet with groups he frequently prioritizes: homeless, prisoners and migrants.

On June 30, the Vatican issued a final schedule for Pope Francis’ upcoming 10-day trip to both Cuba and the United States of America.

Will the Vatican's new communications department prioritize new media?

Vatican City, Jun 30, 2015 / 12:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Internet content and and video production will assume a greater role in Vatican communications in the years to come, suggests the establishment and – particularly – the leadership of the newly established Secretariat for Communications.

At the same time, traditional media, such as the Vatican's newspaper and radio, are likely to diminish in prominence.

Practice what you preach, Pope encourages new archbishops

Vatican City, Jun 29, 2015 / 12:18 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- During his Mass for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul on Monday, Pope Francis called on the Church's new archbishops to be courageous witnesses who are not ashamed of Christ, and who are convinced by what they themselves teach.

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