How to be a great confessor – Pope Francis' advice for priests

Vatican City, Feb 9, 2016 / 12:19 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Priests who are good confessors must recognize their own sins in order to forgive and comfort penitents, Pope Francis said one day before the start of the Lenten season.

High-ranking American in Vatican 'humbled' by appointment as nuncio

Vatican City, Feb 9, 2016 / 02:07 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Tuesday it was announced that Pope Francis has appointed Msgr. Peter Bryan Wells, the highest ranking American in the Vatican Secretariat of State, as his new ambassador to South Africa and Botswana.

“I am extremely humbled and honored by the faith which has been placed in me by the Church and our Holy Father, especially in this Year of Mercy,” Msgr. Wells said about his nomination.

Pope Francis grieves over victims of Taiwan earthquake

Vatican City, Feb 8, 2016 / 02:38 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis sent his condolences to those affected by a deadly earthquake which struck the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan on Saturday, causing a building collapse that has killed dozens of people.

Vatican financial reform aims to help the Church do its job better

Vatican City, Feb 7, 2016 / 04:23 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican’s recent financial reforms have the common good – not just efficiency – as their end, said an economist on the Holy See’s financial council.

Abuse commission suspends British advocate

Rome, Italy, Feb 7, 2016 / 10:17 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Children has announced member Peter Saunders will take a leave of absence from his work with the commission.

Pope appeals for 'martyred country' of Syria

Vatican City, Feb 7, 2016 / 08:37 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The plight of Syrian civilians involved in the nation's ongoing conflict was at the heart of Pope Francis' appeal to the international community on Sunday, in an address where he also called for a renewed commitment to the protection of life at all stages.

Crippling disease brought this priest to the confessional – and then sainthood

Rome, Italy, Feb 6, 2016 / 12:00 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Rome is abuzz this week with the arrival of Padre Pio’s body for the Jubilee of Mercy. But many are likely scratching their heads at the arrival of a second, lesser-known saint: Leopold Mandic.

Although St. Leopold is less recognizable than his Capuchin brother St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Leopold’s life is a moving testament to perseverance and faith despite lifelong physical ailments.

Padre Pio was a true 'servant of mercy,' Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Feb 6, 2016 / 04:57 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Saturday Pope Francis said that St. Padre Pio is a key example of someone who has given their entire life in the service of God’s mercy, but cautioned that there is only one reason he was able to do so: prayer.

“We can say that Padre Pio was a servant of mercy. He did so full-time, practicing, at times in exhaustion, the apostolate of listening,” the Pope said Feb. 6.

Pope Francis announces second soccer 'Match for Peace'

Vatican City, Feb 5, 2016 / 06:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Sitting alongside soccer stars such as Ronaldinho and Bryan Ruiz on Wednesday, Pope Francis announced that a second edition of his 2014 interreligious match for peace will take place in May.

“I invite you all to the Match for Peace. It will be here in Rome May 29,” the Pope said Feb. 3 at an event organized by the Pontifical Foundation Scholas Occurrentes.

'First in history' – Pope Francis to meet Russian Patriarch in Cuba

Vatican City, Feb 5, 2016 / 04:59 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Friday the Vatican announced that while on his way to Mexico, Pope Francis will stop in Cuba to meet with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in the first meeting between the two leaders since their churches split over 1,000 years ago.

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