Vatican News

ROME — A political science professor from the U.S. has used data analysis to show how Pope Francis differed from predecessors regarding policy, appointments, and papal trips, while notably omitting discussion of the deceased pontiff’s doctrinal differences.The University of Notre Dame in Rome hosted the lecture “Francis and His Predecessors: Quantifying Continuity and Change in ... read more

VATICAN CITY — King Felipe VI of Spain on Friday was installed as protocanon of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in a solemn ceremony that underscores the historic link of the Spanish monarchy with the oldest Marian church in the West.“Protocanon” is an honorary title reserved exclusively for the Spanish head of state, recognizing ... read more

The Vatican on Friday helped launch a campaign encouraging Catholic organizations, bishops’ conferences, and religious communities to divest from the mining sector for the sake of human ecology — one of several initiatives marking last year’s 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which called for greater care toward environmental issues.Sister Nina Krapić, MVZ, ... read more

Pope Leo XIV on March 12 appointed Spanish Augustinian Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín as papal almoner and prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, elevating him to the rank of archbishop at the same time.Marín de San Martín replaces Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who will return to his native Poland as the ... read more

Cardinal Pietro Parolin urged an immediate halt to escalating conflict involving Iran, warning that the risk of a broader war in the Middle East is imminent and calling on world leaders to pursue dialogue and diplomacy instead of military action.Speaking March 19 to journalists at the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Parolin said that if he ... read more

VATICAN CITY — Amid increased religious violence and insecurity in Nigeria, a group of Nigerian bishops recently met Pope Leo XIV during their “ad limina” visit to Rome. The Nigerian bishops described it as an opportunity to amplify the “cries of their people” to the Vatican and to counter “false narratives” from government officials about ... read more

VATICAN CITY — Ten years after Pope Francis issued a controversial document on families, Pope Leo XIV will meet with bishops from around the world to discuss the text’s application for today.Amoris laetitia, Francis’ apostolic exhortation on marriage and the family, followed two contentious synods at the Vatican dominated by debate over divorce.Pope Leo on ... read more

Modern popes of the last two centuries — from Pius IX to Francis — have sought the protection and intercession of St. Joseph in times of personal and societal need, elevating his status as a patron for all Catholics.Here’s how some of the popes of the past have contributed to the Church’s devotion to the ... read more

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the recently appointed apostolic nuncio to the United States, takes up his new role at a time of heightened tension between the Vatican and the White House over issues including immigration to the U.S. and war in the Middle East.Former collaborators say Caccia’s personal qualities and wide diplomatic experience — including in ... read more

During a meeting with Italian journalists Monday at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV warned that news reporting “must guard against the risk of becoming propaganda.”When reporting on today’s “dramatic circumstances of war,” the Holy Father urged news professionals to verify the news “so as not to become a mouthpiece for those in power,” a task ... read more

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Monday urged the Church to listen to victims of sexual abuse, and called for the recognition of the pain caused and for the creation of “a culture of care.”“It is about helping to form, throughout the Church, a culture of care, in which the protection of minors and ... read more

Pope Leo XIV on Monday met in a private audience with Gareth Gore, a British journalist whose work has criticized Opus Dei as abusive.Gore said he spoke to the pope for more than 40 minutes and presented him with testimonies from alleged victims of the organization.Gore is the author of the 2024 book “Opus,” which ... read more

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged those responsible for the escalating war in the Middle East to declare a ceasefire and open paths of dialogue, warning that violence can never lead to justice or peace.“In the name of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill, I address those ... read more

Pope Leo XIV on March 14 took possession of the traditional papal apartment within the Apostolic Palace, moving into the quarters traditionally reserved for his predecessors. The move was announced on March 14 by the Holy See Press Office, more than ten months after Leoʼs election.The Holy Father had been staying at an apartment at ... read more

In a message conveyed through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo XIV on Friday said that mathematicians can become “signs of hope for the world,” particularly in a context marked by rapid technological advancements and challenges facing humanity.The pope’s message was addressed to the Turkish mathematician and university professor Betül Tanbay, chair ... read more