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May 16, 2012
At audience, pope says work should help, not hinder, family life
Work obligations should not harm a person's family relationships but should provide support, giving couples the resources to have and raise children and spend time together, Pope Benedict XVI said at the end of his weekly general audience May 16.
May 16, 2012
Vatican says reconciliation talks with SSPX still ongoing
Reconciliation talks between the Vatican and the Society of St. Pius X have not reached their conclusion but will continue, the Vatican said May 16, after members of its doctrinal congregation examined the latest communication from the head of the breakaway traditionalist group.
May 15, 2012
Traditionalists and Rome strike contrasting notes on Jews
Of all the controversies associated with the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, no topic provokes stronger reactions inside or outside the church than the question of the society's attitude toward Jews.
May 15, 2012
Vatican, Benetton reach out-of-court settlement over kissing-pope ad
The Vatican and the Italian fashion house Benetton reached an out-of-court settlement after the Vatican took legal action against an ad campaign that depicted Pope Benedict XVI kissing a Muslim leader.
May 15, 2012
Eastern Catholics have much to offer US church, cardinal tells bishops
While their numbers are small and their material resources are few, members of the Eastern Catholic churches in the United States have much to offer the country in terms of their fidelity to Christ despite persecution and their deeply religious cultures, said the prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches.
May 14, 2012
U.S. seminarians win first Clericus Cup championship title
For the first time, the Pontifical North American College took home the champion's title in the Clericus Cup soccer series, beating last year's champions, the Pontifical Gregorian University, 3-0.
May 14, 2012
Christians' civic commitment must respect beliefs of others, pope says
Celebrating the 1,000th anniversary of a town founded to be a model of Gospel peace and justice, Pope Benedict XVI said Christians today must find ways to infuse their cities and nations with Gospel values while welcoming and respecting people with other beliefs.
May 11, 2012
All nations urged to help Syria implement peace plan
Syria's fragile peace plan is at risk of unraveling without the international community’s help to bolster it, says Vatican spokesman.
May 11, 2012
Messengers of hope, peace still face persecution, pope says
People spreading the Gospel still subject to persecution even though they are bringing message of peace, hope to world marked by crises, anxiety and desperation, says pope.
May 10, 2012
Half a century later, still answering Fatima questions
A small but highly dedicated group of people believes the Vatican is still hiding a portion of the third secret of Fatima.
May 10, 2012
Archbishop hopes June congress will help heal wounds of Irish church
The wounds and divisions within the Catholic Church in Ireland make the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress an important moment for renewal and reconciliation, said Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin.
May 9, 2012
Bishops know challenges, but also joy of sharing faith, archbishop says
Being a bishop means being no stranger to debates and challenges, but also knowing the joy of sharing the faith, Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski said during Mass at a Rome basilica.
May 8, 2012
On ‘ad limina’ trip, bishops talk about defense of traditional marriage
A few hours before voters in North Carolina were to go to the polls to vote on a referendum defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman, Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte, N.C., prayed with his brother bishops for the courage always to defend the Gospel.
May 7, 2012
About-face! Swiss Guard marches into social networking sites
In an effort to boost recruitments through more modern methods of outreach, the Pontifical Swiss Guard has opened a page on Facebook.
May 5, 2012
Pope tells American colleges to strengthen Catholic identity
Pope Benedict XVI called on America's Catholic colleges and universities to reaffirm their Catholic identity by ensuring orthodoxy in theological studies and accepting the oversight of bishops.
May 4, 2012
At 96, Blessed John XXIII’s secretary tells tales of his famous boss
Archbishop Loris F. Capovilla has outlived his former boss by nearly half a century, but remains an indefatigable custodian of his legacy.
May 4, 2012
US bishops reflect on their role in the new evangelization
Celebrating Mass in Pope Benedict XVI's cathedral, Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran, a group of U.S. bishops prayed for the pope and reflected on what they need to do to respond to his call for a new evangelization.
May 4, 2012
Church should not accept members who deny Vatican II, official says
A Roman Rota judge who grew up in a Jewish family says the Catholic Church should not offer concessions to those who do not accept its teaching.
May 2, 2012
Vatican strengthens oversight of Caritas Internationalis
A Vatican decree established new statutes and norms for Caritas Internationalis, giving Vatican offices, including the Secretariat of State, greater authority over the work of the Vatican-based umbrella group of Catholic aid agencies.
May 2, 2012
US bishops discuss LCWR reform, visitation with Vatican officials
Recent Vatican investigations of religious women have created opportunities for growth through reflection and for dialogue with their bishops, two U.S. bishops said after discussing the matter with Vatican officials.
May 2, 2012
Closeness to God gives strength to withstand everything, pope says
The church's first martyr found the strength to face his accusers because of his close relationship with God, Pope Benedict XVI said during his general audience in St. Peter's Square May 2.
May 1, 2012
US bishops offer prayers for workers, families on May 1 holiday
Bishops of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming concelebrated Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary Major May 1, marking the beginning of the month traditionally devoted to Mary, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and the Worker's Day public holiday in Italy and many other countries.
May 1, 2012
Pope donates quarter million dollars to ordinariate in England, Wales
Pope Benedict XVI donated $250,000 to the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham to help support its clergy and work.
May 1, 2012
Priests must live holy lives to be effective ministers, Vatican says
Ten years after a historic papal response to clerical sex abuse, the Vatican urged priests to strive for greater holiness in their own lives so that they might effectively minister to others and reverse the tide of atheism.
April 30, 2012
Wikipedia head joins Vatican meeting, talks about abortion controversy
The co-founder of Wikipedia told a Vatican audience that his online encyclopedia could contribute to peace by promoting "a more thoughtful world," even as the site was under fire for how it referred to those who oppose and support legalized abortion.
April 30, 2012
Don't let fear, search for the superficial deafen God's call, pope says
God is always calling people to dedicate themselves fully to serving him, but they often don't hear because they are either too distracted or afraid they would no longer be free if they answered the call, Pope Benedict XVI said on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
April 30, 2012
Pope says quest for peace must also be quest for truth
The quest for justice and peace will bear fruit only if it's also a quest for the truth about the human person, created by God and "endowed with intelligence and freedom, capable of knowing and loving," Pope Benedict XVI said.
April 27, 2012
New generation, old rite: the enduring appeal of Catholic tradition
Of all the Catholic Church's modernizing reforms that followed the Second Vatican Council, none was more evident to ordinary members of the faithful than changes to the liturgy. Most embraced or accepted these changes, but a minority persisted in their devotion to the traditional Tridentine Mass.
April 27, 2012
'Pacem in Terris' is model for preaching, teaching, archbishop says
As the Catholic Church increases its new evangelization efforts and works for justice and peace in the world, it would be wise to imitate the positive, prophetic approach taken by Blessed John XXIII in his encyclical "Pacem in Terris," a French archbishop said.
April 26, 2012
Celebrating in different languages, pope sees translation troubles
Pope Benedict XVI told the German bishops that, as pope, he has celebrated Mass in different languages and "sometimes it is hard to find common ground" in the various translations.
April 26, 2012
Vatican commission says illicit ordinations in China cause scandal
Lay Catholics in China have been scandalized by priests who are ordained bishops without papal approval and by the participation of Vatican-recognized bishops in those ordinations, said the Vatican Commission for the Catholic Church in China.
April 25, 2012
Self-regulating markets don't serve common good, Vatican official says
The global financial crisis and the worldwide recession it triggered have demonstrated that allowing financial markets to self-regulate does not serve national interests, a Vatican official said.
April 25, 2012
Charity, social justice must be coupled with prayer, pope says
Without daily prayer, people risk being suffocated by workloads and risk their hearts hardening to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, Pope Benedict XVI said at his general audience.
April 24, 2012
Hidden helpers: Vatican ushers bring tots, disabled closer to pope
Vatican ushers attend every weekly general audience, helping visitors with special needs and picking out the cutest babies in the crowd for the photo op of a lifetime. And they welcome dignitaries and heads of state visiting the pope with all the pomp and circumstance suited for their stature as "gentlemen in waiting."
April 23, 2012
Northwest bishops pray for courage in proclaiming Gospel, truth
Dressed in red vestments in honor of the martyred apostle Paul buried at Rome's Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the bishops of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska chanted the creed in Latin and reflected on what faith calls them to do.
April 23, 2012
Reform of US nuns group an opportunity for dialogue, archbishop says
A newly announced reform of an association of women's religious congregations in the U.S. offers the sisters and their bishops an opportunity to communicate and work together more closely, said the archbishop named by the Vatican to oversee the reform process.
April 23, 2012
Prepare kids for first Communion with zeal, moderation, pope says
Around the world, many children receive their first Communion during the Easter season, the pope told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square April 22 for the recitation of the "Regina Coeli."
April 23, 2012
Pope names cardinals to Vatican congregations, councils
Pope Benedict XVI named Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington to be a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and gave cardinals created in February their assignments as members of other Vatican congregations and councils.
April 23, 2012
Pope asks US donors to pray for religious freedom
Meeting a group of major U.S. donors to Catholic charitable works, Pope Benedict XVI asked them to pray "for the freedom of Christians to proclaim the Gospel and bring its light to the urgent moral issues of our time."
April 20, 2012
Religious liberty: Why a battle 1,700 years ago is relevant today
For Vatican historians, the roots of a Christian idea of religious liberty go way back: in fact, back 1,700 years to the Emperor Constantine's victory on Rome's Milvian Bridge and to his conversion.
April 20, 2012
Cardinal says Vatican bank meeting reassured US donors
Trustees of the U.S.-based Papal Foundation, which donates millions of dollars to papal charities each year, spent two hours at the Vatican bank April 20 and came away convinced that the institution's bad press was undeserved, said Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington.
April 20, 2012
Holy Spirit inspires church's interpretation of Bible, pope says
While the text of the Bible is fixed, the same Holy Spirit that inspired its writing continues to inspire its proclamation and interpretation in the church, Pope Benedict XVI said.
April 19, 2012
Catholic communicators must obey church teaching, US cardinal says
Church communicators have an important and serious duty to obey church teaching and defend the church's mission of saving souls and safeguarding truth, said the head of the Vatican's highest court.
April 19, 2012
Vatican offers 'widget' containing content from Vatican website
Marking the seventh anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican is offering a "widget" -- a software application -- that will allow anyone with a website or blog to provide readers with automatically updated news and documents from the Vatican.
April 18, 2012
Citing doctrinal problems, Vatican announces reforms of US nuns' group
Citing "serious doctrinal problems which affect many in consecrated life," the Vatican announced a major reform of an association of women's religious congregations in the U.S. to ensure their fidelity to Catholic teaching in areas including abortion, euthanasia, women's ordination and homosexuality.
April 18, 2012
Prayer, not strategic campaign, is needed during crisis, pope says
When a community is faced with crisis, persecution and trouble, it should come together in prayer for strength from God, not formulate strategic plans to defend itself from difficulties, Pope Benedict XVI said at his weekly general audience.
April 18, 2012
Italian cardinal says US religious freedom debate a warning for Europe
The current U.S. debate over religious freedom should inspire Catholics in Europe to seek greater legal protection of their right to conscientious objection, according to a retired Vatican cardinal.
April 18, 2012
Vatican says traditionalists' response marks 'step forward' in talks
In what the Vatican described as an encouraging "step forward," the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X has revised its response to a Vatican document laying out certain basic doctrinal principles and criteria for interpreting church teaching.
April 16, 2012
Bishops on 'ad limina' pray for courage to defend religious liberty
Bishops from California, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah began their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican with prayers for courage in defending religious freedom and in sharing faith in the risen Lord.
April 16, 2012
Bavarian band, dancers celebrate pope's birthday in apostolic palace
Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his 85th birthday with guests who treated him to Bavarian "oompah" music and folk dancing in the apostolic palace.
April 16, 2012
Cardinal marks pope's birthday, anniversary defending his teaching
Pope Benedict XVI does not want to undo the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, but he is working to ensure that "the foundation and heart of the Christian faith shines again," said Swiss Cardinal Kurt Koch in a book released in time for the seventh anniversary of the pope's election.
April 13, 2012
Making an icon is pilgrimage of faith, says US Augustinian artist
The precise 22-step process of making an icon is like a spiritual journey and a reflection of the Christian faith, says a Philadelphia-born priest who also describes a religious icon as “a window that opens up to eternity."
April 12, 2012
As a man grows older: Papal milestones prompt celebration, speculation
Pope Benedict XVI's 85th birthday, April 16, and the seventh anniversary of his election, April 19, are obviously occasions for wishing the pope well and reflecting on the events of his reign thus far. Inevitably, however, these milestones also prompt speculation about what Vatican officials and observers refer to diplomatically as "papal transition."
April 12, 2012
Vatican Library, Oxford's Bodleian launch major digitization project
In collaboration with the Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford, England, and thanks to a grant of more than $3 million, a million pages of material from the Vatican Library will be digitized over the next five years.
April 11, 2012
Encounter the risen Lord in the Scriptures, Eucharist, pope says
With Easter flowers and blossoming trees still decorating St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI held his weekly general audience and encouraged Catholics to let the risen Lord into their hearts and to share his peace with the world.
April 9, 2012
Cardinal Daoud, former Syriac Catholic patriarch, dies at 81
Mourning the death of Syrian-born Cardinal Ignace Moussa Daoud, who died April 7 in a Rome hospital, Pope Benedict XVI also prayed for the people of the Middle East "living through difficult times."
April 9, 2012
Pope asks Christians to reread Gospel accounts of Easter
Like many residents of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI spent the Easter Monday holiday outside the city, but he suggested that people use at least part of the extra day off to look again at the Gospel accounts of the Easter story.
April 8, 2012
Christ's resurrection changed the world, pope says at Easter
Light and darkness, truth and lies, hope and despair are in a constant battle in the world, but with his death and resurrection Jesus conquered sin and death for all time, Pope Benedict XVI said on Easter.
April 6, 2012
Adoring cross in stocking feet, pope leads Good Friday celebrations
Following tradition, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion in St. Peter's Basilica.
April 5, 2012
At Holy Thursday Mass, pope criticizes dissent from church teachings
Surrounded by more than 1,600 priests, bishops and cardinals, Pope Benedict XVI cautioned against calls for women's ordination.
April 4, 2012
Pope reviews trip to Mexico, Cuba, says religious freedom is needed
At his weekly general audience April 4 in St. Peter's Square, the pope told an estimated 11,000 pilgrims and visitors about his March 23-28 trip.
April 4, 2012
Can business lead to holiness? Promoting virtue in the executive suite
In an effort to help businesses stay strong and healthy, and avoid the occupational hazards of greed, overwork and exploitation, the Vatican's justice and peace council has released a handbook for business educators and entrepreneurs.
April 4, 2012
Joys, sufferings of families focus of pope's Good Friday Via Crucis
An Italian couple, married 59 years, let the joys and sufferings of families guide the reflections they prepared for Pope Benedict XVI, thousands of pilgrims and potentially millions of television viewers to meditate on during the Stations of the Cross at Rome's Colosseum.
April 3, 2012
Youths' hopes spur dialogue among adults, cardinal tells Buddhists
"Young people are an asset for all societies," said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, in a message marking the upcoming Buddhist celebration of Vesakh, a feast commemorating the key events in the life of the Buddha.
April 2, 2012
On anniversary of Blessed John Paul's death, Vatican focuses on WYD
On the seventh anniversary of the death of Blessed John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI paid homage to one of his predecessor's innovations -- World Youth Day – as he greeted an estimated 5,000 cheering young people from Spain April 2.
April 2, 2012
After papal request, Cuba makes Good Friday 2012 a national holiday
The Vatican spokesman praised Cuba's decision to accept Pope Benedict XVI's request to make Good Friday a national holiday this year.
April 2, 2012
Pope donates funds to aid people affected by violence in Syria
The Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Vatican's charity promotion and coordinating office, announced March 31 that the pope made the donation to fund "the charitable work of the local church in Syria supporting the population" that has been hit by the ongoing violence in the country.
March 30, 2012
Vatican-Jewish dialogue calls for economy based on moderation, justice
National and international leaders and policymakers should also turn to ethics consultants as part of their decision-making process, representatives of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Vatican's Commission for Religious Relations With the Jews said in a joint statement.
March 29, 2012
Patience, progress: Differing opinions on dealing with Cuba's regime
The Cuba that Pope Benedict XVI visited March 26-28 is a country where the Catholic Church enjoys significantly more freedom and official recognition than it did when Blessed John Paul II made the first papal visit to the island in 1998. But in other dimensions of human rights, the reform record of the Cuban regime has been less encouraging.
March 29, 2012
Vatican doctrinal office warns Catholics against schismatic group
The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith sounded a warning against four excommunicated priests who continue to claim they represent the Ukrainian Catholic Church, the largest of the Eastern churches in full communion with Rome.
March 28, 2012
Pope criticizes US embargo, renews call for more freedom in Cuba
Preparing to leave Cuba at the end of a three-day pastoral visit, Pope Benedict XVI made his first reference to the U.S. embargo of the island and the embargo's impact on the country's poor.
March 28, 2012
Pope meets Fidel Castro before leaving Cuba
Pope Benedict XVI met former Cuban President Fidel Castro in the apostolic nunciature in Havana March 28 and answered the ailing former leader's questions, the Vatican spokesman said.
March 28, 2012
Pope, at Mass, calls for full religious freedom in Cuba
Preaching at Mass in Havana's Revolution Square, location of the headquarters of Cuba's Communist Party, Pope Benedict XVI called for full religious freedom and greater respect for human rights on the island.
March 28, 2012
Vietnam pulls visas of diocesan group promoting cardinal's sainthood
The Vietnamese government revoked the visas of representatives of the Rome Diocese, including Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, postponing the delegation's plans for a visit to the communist country.
March 28, 2012
Ladies in White arrested before pope's Havana Mass
A few hours before they planned to attend an outdoor Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI, members of a Catholic dissident group were reportedly arrested by Cuban police.
March 28, 2012
Pope asks Castro for more church freedom, Good Friday holiday
Pope Benedict XVI spent more than 40 minutes meeting privately with Cuban President Raul Castro and asked the Cuban leader for further freedoms for the Catholic Church in Cuba and attention to certain "humanitarian" situations.
March 27, 2012
Pope urges young people to find joy in Christ, not prestige or power
In his message for World Youth Day 2012, he told the world's young Catholics to start making the world a better, more just and humane place right now, even while they continue to pursue their studies, talents and interests.
March 27, 2012
Pope asks Our Lady of Charity to protect, guide, help suffering Cubans
Entrusting people to Mary's maternal care is a normal Catholic practice, but when Pope Benedict XVI prayed that Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre would wrap her golden mantle around the people of Cuba, it was particularly poignant.
March 27, 2012
Pope earmarks Holy Thursday collection to aid Syrian refugees
Pope Benedict XVI has decided the collection taken up at his Holy Thursday evening Mass will be used to offer humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees.
March 26, 2012
At Mass, pope recognizes Cubans' struggles, calls freedom a necessity
Celebrating an outdoor Mass on his first day in Cuba, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged the struggles of the country's Catholics after half a century of communism and described human freedom as a necessity for both salvation and social justice.
March 26, 2012
In Mexico, pope says social change will come with revival of faith
Visiting Latin America for the second time in his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI offered a message of hope for social progress rooted in a revival of Catholic faith.
March 26, 2012
Pope thanks Latin American bishops, urges continued evangelization
Pope Benedict XVI thanked Latin America's bishops for their hard work in a troubled region and urged them to continue the evangelization campaign he launched with them at their first meeting five years earlier.
March 25, 2012
Cuban official says government wants dialogue with pope
Cuba's foreign minister said his government is looking forward to welcoming Pope Benedict XVI and exchanging points of view with him, even after the pope used his in-flight news conference to criticize Marxist ideology.
March 25, 2012
Trust in God to help change society, pope says in Mexico's heartland
Celebrating Mass in the Catholic heartland of Mexico, Pope Benedict XVI told a nation and a continent suffering from poverty, corruption and violence, to trust in God and the intercession of Mary to help them bring about a "more just and fraternal society."
March 23, 2012
Pope arrives in Mexico as 'pilgrim of faith, of hope, and of love'
Arriving in Mexico on his second papal visit to Latin America March 23, Pope Benedict XVI said he came as a "pilgrim of faith, of hope, and of love," promoting the cause of religious freedom, social progress and the Catholic Church's charitable works.
March 23, 2012
Pope calls for patience in fight to bring freedom to communist Cuba
En route to Latin America for his second papal visit to the region, Pope Benedict XVI called for patience with the Catholic Church's effort to promote freedom in communist Cuba and criticized Catholics who participate in illegal drug trade or who ignore their moral responsibilities to seek social justice.
March 22, 2012
Pope names bishop once accused of improprieties to Vatican council
Pope Benedict XVI has appointed a German bishop who had been accused of financial irregularities and hitting children to the Vatican's health care council.
March 21, 2012
The cry of the poor: Pope likely to repeat criticism of Cuba embargo
The Vatican's position on economic embargoes -- not just the embargo against Cuba -- has been repeated many times.
March 20, 2012
Despite past shortcomings, Irish church is fighting abuse, Vatican says
A Vatican-appointed investigation of the church in Ireland recognized serious shortcomings in the handling of accusations of the sexual abuse of minors, yet found that bishops, clergy and lay faithful are doing an "excellent" job in creating safe environments for children today.
March 19, 2012
Pope offers condolences to Coptic Orthodox on death of patriarch
Praising the ecumenical commitment of the late Coptic Orthodox Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria, Pope Benedict XVI offered his condolences to Orthodox Christians in Egypt on the death of their patriarch.
March 19, 2012
Vatican announces investigations into document leaks
Pope Benedict XVI has established a commission to investigate a series of leaks of letters exchanged among Vatican officials and between the officials and the pope himself.
March 16, 2012
Tapping on heaven's door: Seminarian keeps a foot in the dance world
David Rider still does the occasional barrel roll, but now he usually does it wearing a Roman collar. He's kept his tap shoes since entering the seminary, but his goal has changed dramatically.
March 16, 2012
In Cuba, pope could advance Father Felix Varela's sainthood cause
"It isn't on the program," but "if the pope wants to say he's approving it, he'll say it," the Vatican spokesman told reporters during a briefing on the pope's trip.
March 16, 2012
Vatican says SSPX response to basic doctrinal principles 'insufficient'
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, with the approval of Pope Benedict XVI, has defined as "insufficient" the position of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X on certain basic doctrinal principles and criteria for interpreting church teaching
March 16, 2012
'Ad limina' visits are occasion to grow in unity, Texas archbishop says
"Ad limina" visits are an occasion for bishops to confirm and strengthen their unity with one another and with Pope Benedict XVI in order to give a more effective witness to the Gospel, said the archbishop of San Antonio.
March 14, 2012
Bishops see need to defend church, but also explain its teaching
The U.S. bishops' attempts to defend religious freedom and the traditional definition of marriage must be accompanied by stronger efforts to educate Catholics about the church's real teaching about sexuality and marriage, several of the bishops said while at the Vatican.
March 14, 2012
Pope rings bell symbolizing call to turn out for eucharistic congress
Pope Benedict XVI blessed and rang the official International Eucharistic Congress bell, which has been on tour across Ireland for nearly a year, in preparation for the world meeting in June.
March 13, 2012
Water is human right, not a for-profit commodity, says Vatican council
Clean and potable water is a human right, not a for-profit commodity dependent on market logic, said the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace
March 12, 2012
Catholics, Anglicans need to renew commitment to unity, pope says
The pope and Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, held an evening prayer service March 10 at Rome's Church of St. Gregory on the Caelian Hill, the church from which Pope Gregory the Great sent St. Augustine of Canterbury and his fellow monks to evangelize England in 597.
March 12, 2012
Vatican says number of Catholics, priests, bishops worldwide increased
The number of Catholics in the world and the number of deacons, priests and bishops all increased in 2010, while the number of women in religious orders continued to decline, according to Vatican statistics.
March 9, 2012
In Mexico and Cuba, papal trip to highlight local and regional issues
Pope Benedict's trip to Mexico and Cuba March 23-28 will be a relatively brief one, consisting of a little more than two days in each country. Yet his visit is bound to highlight a wide range of prominent issues affecting an entire continent of crucial importance to the Catholic Church.
March 9, 2012
Recognizing gay unions devalues marriage, official tells UN council
The Catholic Church condemns violence and discrimination against homosexual persons, but recognizing same-sex unions as a marriage devalues the unique identity and social contributions of the union of a man and a woman, a Vatican official told the U.N. Human Rights Council.
March 9, 2012
Church must better explain teaching on sexuality, pope tells US bishops
Permissive attitudes toward sex, cohabitation before marriage and acceptance of same-sex marriage can damage individuals and are harmful for society, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of U.S. bishops at the Vatican.
March 9, 2012
Vatican vulnerable to money launderers despite new laws, says US report
The U.S. government has put the Vatican on a list of countries that are vulnerable to money launderers, though not as vulnerable as the United States itself.
March 8, 2012
Eucharistic congress won't ignore abuse scandal, Vatican official says
The International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin will be characterized by humility, moderation and a renewed focus on the Eucharist as the source and nourishment of unity in the church, said the president of the Vatican committee charged with overseeing the gathering.
March 8, 2012
Migration offers opportunity for growth, mission, say speakers in Rome
While migration brings struggles for the migrant and the host country, in the long term it provides opportunities for stability, cultural enrichment and religious growth, said speakers at a Rome event sponsored by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.
March 7, 2012
Vatican website succumbs to online attack
The Vatican's official website suffered an attack by computer hackers March 7, cutting off access by users for several hours.
March 7, 2012
Don't lose hope, even in hardship, pope tells Middle East Christians
"I extend my prayerful thoughts to the regions in the Middle East, encouraging all the priests and faithful to persevere with hope through the serious suffering that afflicts these beloved people," he said at his weekly general audience.
March 5, 2012
Bishops from 3 states begin 'ad limina' remembering Mary's solidarity
Just as she stood by at the foot of the cross by her son, Mary continues to stand alongside bishops and all the faithful in times of suffering, Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis told his fellow bishops at the beginning of their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican.
March 5, 2012
US seminarians win first match of Clericus Cup soccer series
Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College scored a 1-0 win against three-time tourney champions Redemptoris Mater in the first round play of the Clericus Cup March 3.
March 5, 2012
Archbishop says attacks on Christians tripled in 2003-2010
Terrorist attacks on Christians in Africa, the Middle East and Asia tripled in a seven-year period, a Vatican official told a U.N. meeting.
March 5, 2012
Faith is light at end of dark tunnel of life's struggles, pope says
When life feels like a dark and silent tunnel, faith gives a Christian light and music, Pope Benedict XVI said at the end of his weeklong Lenten retreat.
March 2, 2012
God's Word: New exhibit shows Bible's evolution, beauty, perseverance
Desecration, censorship, the ravages of time and even nesting mice have been unable to destroy the word of God, handed down for millennia by people of faith.
March 2, 2012
Bishops have last word on faith, Vatican theological panel says
Theologians and bishops have complementary roles in furthering understanding of the Catholic faith, but the former must ultimately defer to the latter on questions of definitive interpretation, according to a new report from a Vatican panel of theological advisers.
March 2, 2012
Seminarians take to the soccer field in annual Rome tournament
More than 350 seminarians and priests from 71 countries will take to the field in early March for the kickoff of the sixth edition of Rome's Clericus Cup soccer tournament.
March 1, 2012
Vatican Secret Archives marks 400th anniversary with Rome exhibit
Working with the city of Rome, the Vatican Secret Archives is celebrating its 400th anniversary with an exhibit designed to shed light not only on its holdings, but on some of the myth and mystery surrounding its collection of millions of documents.
March 1, 2012
Vatican asks Catholics to help Christians in Holy Land
Tension, hostility and even violence are the "daily bread" of many of the Christian communities living in the biblical lands of the Middle East, said Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches.
Feb. 29, 2012
Building democracy harder than toppling dictators, Tunisian leader says
A conference sponsored by the Sant'Egidio Community, a Rome-based lay movement, brought together Christian and Muslim religious and political leaders from around the Mediterranean to discuss the pro-democracy movement and, especially, its impact on Christian-Muslim relations.
Feb. 28, 2012
Vatican says relations with Vietnam continue to improve
The government of Vietnam has agreed to allow the pope's special envoy to have greater freedom to visit Catholics in the communist country, the Vatican spokesman said.
Feb. 28, 2012
Pope to join Catholic families for international celebration in Milan
The Archdiocese of Milan, which will host the World Meeting of Families 2012, announced Pope Benedict XVI would spend three days in the northern Italian city in June, celebrating the event's closing Mass, but also attending a concert at the world famous La Scala theater.
Feb. 27, 2012
CNS exclusive excerpt: Msgr. Ratzinger discusses his brother, the pope
Here is an exclusive excerpt from the English translation of "My Brother the Pope" by Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, which will be released March 1 by Ignatius Press.
Feb. 27, 2012
Teddy bears and tabernacles: the pope's childhood, told by his brother
Recounting their rural Bavarian childhood and subsequent lifelong friendship, the elder brother of Pope Benedict XVI offers a privileged look at the personal side of the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics.
Feb. 27, 2012
Pope begins retreat, encourages prayer, fasting, charity
Pope Benedict XVI asked Catholics for their prayers as he began his weeklong Lenten retreat Feb. 26.
Feb. 27, 2012
Profit cannot be primary motive in treating infertility, pope says
An almost exclusive reliance on technology and a focus on financial profit seem to dominate the field of medical responses to infertility, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Feb. 24, 2012
Former Anglicans celebrate Mass in St. Peter's, give thanks to pope
Anglican hymns, chants and prayers reverberated off the marble walls of St. Peter's Basilica as some members of the world's first ordinariate for former Anglicans celebrated their coming into the Catholic Church.
Feb. 24, 2012
Vatican diplomat attends Friends of Syria summit
Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald, apostolic nuncio to Egypt and the Holy See's delegate to the Arab League, was an observer at the so-called Friends of Syria meeting Feb. 24 in Tunis, Tunisia
Feb. 22, 2012
Chapter and verse: Pope uses Bible reflection to address 'his' priests
Speaking 38 minutes without a prepared text, Pope Benedict XVI gave priests of the Diocese of Rome a look not only at how he approaches Scripture, but also at his priorities and personality.
Feb. 22, 2012
Lenten ashes are call to repentance, humility, pope says at Mass
The pope's Ash Wednesday Mass Feb. 22 was preceded by a procession from Rome's Church of St. Anselm to the Church of Santa Sabina. Unlike last year, when Pope Benedict walked the block between the two churches, this year he rode in a golf cart modified to be a mini-popemobile.
Feb. 22, 2012
Lent should be time of grace, defeating temptation, pope says
The 40 days of Lent are a time of spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter, but they also are a time to recognize that evil is at work in the world and even the Catholic Church faces temptations, Pope Benedict XVI said at his weekly general audience on Ash Wednesday.
Feb. 21, 2012
Top Vatican official asks Peru university to protect Catholic identity
The Pontifical Catholic University of Peru must amend its statutes in conformity with Vatican norms for the good of the university and the whole church in Peru, said the Vatican's secretary of state.
Feb. 21, 2012
Arms treaty need to protect poor, Vatican's UN observer says
The unregulated sale and transfer of weapons and weapons' technology harm the poor and threaten peace and security around the world, a Vatican official told a U.N. meeting.
Feb. 20, 2012
Cold feet, warm hugs: Pilgrims do what it takes to see new cardinals
More than 10,000 friends, family and supporters bore chilly morning temperatures, pressing crowds and long lines to get a chance to see Pope Benedict XVI place a red hat on their favorite cardinal. Only a few thousand got to see it happen.
Feb. 20, 2012
Church leaders called to preserve tradition, pope tells new cardinals
The 22 new Catholic cardinals concelebrated Mass with Pope Benedict XVI.
Feb. 18, 2012
Meet the press: New US cardinals share quips, serious reflections
Dressed in red from head to toe -- well, almost -- the two new U.S. cardinals met the press after the consistory Feb. 18.
Feb. 18, 2012
Pope creates 22 new cardinals, including three from US, Canada
Pope Benedict XVI placed red hats on the heads of 22 new cardinals and called them to lives of even greater love and service to the church.
Feb. 17, 2012
Of cardinal importance: new princes of the church on their role
Practically everyone knows two things about cardinals -- that they wear red hats and elect the pope. But what other purpose do these men serve in the Catholic Church?
Feb. 17, 2012
Catholics must know truth if they are to share it, pope tells cardinals
An awareness of the truth of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ makes life "rich and beautiful" and is essential for sharing the Christian faith with others, the pope said Feb. 17 at the end of a daylong meeting of the College of Cardinals.
Feb. 17, 2012
Cardinal-designate Dolan leads cardinals' reflection on evangelization
Secularism has had an easy time spreading through many traditionally Christian cultures because so many Christians do not know their faith and do not grasp the truth it teaches, Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan of New York told the College of Cardinals.
Feb. 16, 2012
Family is key to new generation rooted in Gospel, pope says
The family is the church's best ally for raising a new generation resistant to materialism and committed to living out the Gospel, Pope Benedict XVI told bishops from Africa and Europe.
Feb. 16, 2012
Cardinals hopeful about 2012 Vatican budget despite global crisis
The Vatican budget forecast for 2012 pleased an international group of cardinals who advise the Vatican on economic matters, but the cardinals still expressed concern about the impact of the global economic crisis on central church offices.
Feb. 16, 2012
British official sees Vatican as ally against global challenges
Strengthening its ties to the Vatican will help the United Kingdom in its efforts to confront the global challenges of poverty, arms proliferation, climate change, regional conflicts and threats to religious freedom, said a high-ranking British government official.
Feb. 15, 2012
Pope says no future without children, urges support for large families
Pope Benedict XVI, at his weekly general audience, called on governments and communities to help large families, saying children represent hope and the well-being of every nation.
Feb. 14, 2012
US bishop: Church must discover why victims don't report abuse
Catholic bishops should find out what is keeping sex abuse victims around the world from coming forward, said the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People.
Feb. 13, 2012
Obama's revised HHS mandate won't solve problems, USCCB president says
Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan of New York said Feb. 13 that President Barack Obama's proposed revision to the contraceptive mandate in the health reform law did nothing to change the U.S. bishops' opposition to what they regard as an unconstitutional infringement on religious liberty.
Feb. 13, 2012
Pope: Vocations are born from openness to the love of God
Love of God nurtures love of neighbor, especially in people with vocations to the priesthood or religious life, said Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
Feb. 13, 2012
Pope calls on Syria to address citizens' legitimate demands
As a sectarian conflict in Syria intensified, Pope Benedict XVI called on all Syrians to begin a process of dialogue and reminded the government of its duty to recognize its citizens' legitimate demands.
Feb. 11, 2012
Sex abuse lawsuit against Vatican withdrawn
The lawsuit was filed in April 2010 in the U.S. District Court in Milwaukee by an unnamed Illinois man who claimed he had been molested by Father Lawrence Murphy during the latter's time on the staff of Milwaukee's St. John's School for the Deaf.
Feb. 10, 2012
Don't wait for explosion: Speakers say church must prevent abuse
The take-away message from a Vatican-backed symposium on clerical sex abuse was clear: Victims, truth and justice come first. And the church can no longer wait for a crisis to erupt before it begins to address the scandal of abuse.
Feb. 10, 2012
Pope says world must help Africans in Sahel
Pope Benedict XVI urged the international community to address the problems of poverty and malnutrition in Africa's Sahel region.
Feb. 9, 2012
Hong Kong cardinal warns of 'schism' within Chinese church
Chinese Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun warned that the Chinese Catholic Church is "on the verge of a schism" between communities cooperating with government structures and those who refuse to register with government authorities, and he called on the Vatican and other Catholics to shun "organisms that are not only foreign but clearly hostile to the church" in China.
Feb. 9, 2012
Bishops from Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin begin visits to Vatican
Members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Region VII -- which includes the states of Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin -- started their "ad limina" visits to Rome Feb. 9 with morning Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, before the Altar of the Tomb of St. Peter.
Feb. 8, 2012
Vatican sex abuse investigator says bishops should be more accountable
The Vatican's top sex abuse investigator called for greater accountability under church law of bishops who shield or fail to discipline pedophile priests.
Feb. 8, 2012
Though prayers may seem unheard, God never abandons people, pope says
God is near even though it may seem like he does not hear people's prayers or has abandoned his flock, Pope Benedict XVI said at his weekly general audience.
Feb. 7, 2012
For Midwestern bishops in Rome, tradition and topical concerns
Bishop Bernard A. Hebda of Gaylord, Mich., said he was not sure what to expect when he made his first "ad limina" visit to the Vatican in early February.
Feb. 7, 2012
Lent is time to help others spiritually, materially, pope says
In his Lenten message, Pope Benedict XVI called on the faithful to be concerned for one another and "not to remain isolated and indifferent" to the fate of others.
Feb. 3, 2012
Church representatives to ask forgiveness for protecting abusers
A Vatican cardinal will lead a penitential vigil Feb. 7 to show contrition for the sexual abuse of children by priests and for the actions of Catholic officials who shielded the perpetrators from justice.
Feb. 3, 2012
US court drops suit state insurance officials brought against Vatican
A federal court in Mississippi Feb. 2 dismissed a 10-year-old lawsuit accusing the Vatican of complicity in a scheme to bilk more than $200 million from insurance companies.
Feb. 3, 2012
Richer orders should share with poorer religious, says Vatican prefect
Wealthier religious orders should share their resources with struggling religious communities, said the prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
Feb. 2, 2012
Creating cardinals: Ceremony features something old, new, borrowed, red
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something red will be part of the mix Feb. 18 when Pope Benedict XVI creates 22 new cardinals.
Feb. 2, 2012
Strong bond with God is defining quality of religious life, pope says
Celebrating vespers with members of religious orders Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day for Consecrated Life, the pope said the day was a way of bringing greater attention to the witness of faith of religious men and women worldwide.
Feb. 1, 2012
At the Vatican, southern bishops voice regional, national concerns
Religious freedom and environmental disaster were on the agenda in late January for U.S. Catholic bishops from five southern states making their periodic "ad limina" visits to Rome.
Feb. 1, 2012
True freedom, strength come when human will guided by God, pope says
Only by fully following God's will can humanity find true freedom and the strength to bear the fear or suffering in one's life, Pope Benedict XVI said at his weekly general audience.
Jan. 31, 2012
Pope to visit Mexico, Cuba March 23-28, meet leaders, Catholic faithful
Pope Benedict XVI will meet with Cuban President Raul Castro, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and bishops and Catholics from the region when he visits Mexico and Cuba in late March. Here is the schedule for the trip as released by the Vatican Jan. 31.
Jan. 30, 2012
Bishops, religious to attend major conference on preventing abuse
Representatives of most of the world's bishops' conferences and 30 religious orders will meet in Rome in early February to launch a global initiative aimed at improving efforts to stop clerical sexual abuse and better protect children and vulnerable adults.
Jan. 30, 2012
Confession: Celebration of mercy, not trial before prosecution
Priests hearing confessions need to replace any negative or aggressive attitudes with meekness and mercy toward the penitent, said a Vatican expert on confession.
Jan. 30, 2012
Pope prays for peace, watches dove fly back into his apartment
"Mamma mia," Pope Benedict XVI said as a dove flew over his head and back into his apartment Jan. 29 after he and two Italian school children released the bird as a symbol of peace.
Jan. 27, 2012
Half a century after Vatican II, a year of faith and debate
Because Vatican II was one of the monumental events in modern religious history, its golden anniversary will naturally be the occasion for numerous commemorative events, including liturgical celebrations, publications and academic conferences.
Jan. 27, 2012
Christianity, religion risk oblivion in many parts of world, pope says
"Across vast areas of the earth, faith runs the danger of extinguishing like a flame that runs out of fuel," he said.
Jan. 26, 2012
Vatican downplays charges of financial 'corruption'
Insisting on the Holy See's continuing commitment to transparency and rectitude in economic affairs, the Vatican's spokesman downplayed references to "corruption" in a letter apparently sent to Pope Benedict XVI by a Vatican official who is now apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Jan. 26, 2012
Vatican signs treaties against drug trade, organized crime, terrorism
The Vatican has signed three international treaties supporting the fight against the illegal drug trade, financing terrorism and organized crime.
Jan. 25, 2012
Evangelization can never be just a marginal concern, pope says
"All elements of the great mosaic of the church must feel themselves strongly called on by the Lord's mandate to preach the Gospel, so that Christ may be proclaimed everywhere," the pope said in his message for World Mission Sunday.
Jan. 25, 2012
Consecrated life means living for God, others, pope says at audience
Speaking at his weekly general audience Jan. 25, the pope continued his catechesis on Christian prayer, looking at the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the ministerial priesthood.
Jan. 24, 2012
Sex-selective abortions moving to West with immigration, author says
Aborting unborn girls on account of their gender has been a documented trend in certain Asian countries for at least two decades. Now, according to an Italian biologist and author, the practice is also growing in the West.
Jan. 24, 2012
Silence is key ingredient to meaningful communication, pope says
Amid the deluge of information and nonstop chatter in today's media, the church needs to help people find safe havens of silence, Pope Benedict XVI said
in his message for the 2012 celebration of World Communications Day.
Jan. 23, 2012
Nigerian bishops deplore fatal attacks in north by Islamic group
Two Nigerian bishops deplored bloody attacks in a northern city by a radical Islamist group, warning of deep social divisions and displaced populations, the Vatican missionary news agency Fides reported.
Jan. 20, 2012
Pope says neocatechumenal celebrations must lead members to parish Mass
As the Vatican approved the Neocatechumenal Way's unique rite, Pope Benedict XVI underlined that its celebrations were not "strictly liturgical" and that their aim must be to encourage members to partake fully in the liturgical life of the parish.
Jan. 20, 2012
Cardinal Wuerl: Education a key to the new evangelization
A day after Pope Benedict XVI warned visiting U.S. bishops about the threat of "radical secularism" to American moral values, Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl reflected on the implications of the pope's remarks, giving special emphasis to the role of Catholic education.
Jan. 20, 2012
Cutting-edge science: the church and the study of human anatomy
Many readers of the Vatican's official newspaper might have been taken by surprise in mid-January by an article effusively praising a well-known exhibition of "plastinated" human bodies, which was making an extended stop in Rome.
Jan. 19, 2012
Pope urges agreement between Christians on ethical questions
The pope, in a meeting Jan. 19 with an ecumenical group of Catholic and Lutheran leaders from Finland, said that differences among Christians regarding the "proper understanding of human nature and its dignity" had grown in recent years.
Jan. 19, 2012
Pope warns of threat to freedom of religion, conscience in US
Pope Benedict XVI warned visiting U.S. bishops that "radical secularism" threatens the core values of American culture, and he called on the church in America, including politicians and other laypeople, to render "public moral witness" on crucial social issues.
Jan. 18, 2012
Archbishop Broglio speaks with pope about spiritual care of US military
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a tremendous toll on members of the military and their families, said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, but military service also has strengthened the faith of many Catholics and even been a source of vocations.
Jan. 18, 2012
Christian divisions, including on morality, weaken witness, pope says
Divisions among Christians, including on moral issues, weakens their credibility and their ability to respond to the spiritual yearning of many men and women today, Pope Benedict XVI said, speaking about the importance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Jan. 17, 2012
Vatican official: Imprisoned clergy 'damaging for China'
The Vatican's highest-ranking Chinese official called on Beijing to release nine arrested Catholic bishops and priests, saying their continued detention "damages China's international image."
Jan. 17, 2012
'Ad limina' visit is occasion to reaffirm bond with pope, cardinal says
Bishops make their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican to report on how well they have cared for their faithful, but also to give thanks to God for their bonds with the pope, the successor of the Apostle Peter, said Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington.
Jan. 13, 2012
Making the old new: Vatican encourages a recovery of 'apologetics'
In the Catholic Church, it's true that everything old can be new again, and the Vatican wants one of those things to be the art of "apologetics" -- dusted off and updated to respond to new challenges, including those posed by militant atheists.
Jan. 12, 2012
Pope says selfishness, individualism fed economic crisis
The economic crisis should push people to look at the values reflected in their civic life and prompt an honest evaluation of whether citizens are working together to promote justice and solidarity, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Jan. 11, 2012
Eucharist gives strength to those who are weak, weary, lost, pope says
The Eucharist sustains those who are tired, worn out or lost in the world and transforms human sin and weakness into new life, Pope Benedict XVI said at his weekly general audience.
Jan. 11, 2012
Number of Vatican Museums' visitors tops 5 million
In 2011, for the first time, the number of visitors to the Vatican Museums topped 5 million, posing serious problems as well as challenges in the areas of access and education.
Jan. 9, 2012
In speech to diplomats, pope condemns 'religiously motivated terrorism'
Pope Benedict XVI condemned "religiously motivated terrorism" and restrictions on religious freedom during his annual address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican.
Jan. 9, 2012
Pope baptizes 16 infants, says sacraments help parents raise kids right
Pope Benedict XVI baptized 16 infants and told their parents and godparents that prayer and the sacraments will give them the strength and guidance they need to promote a child's true well-being.
Jan. 6, 2012
Calm and collected: Amid crisis, Vatican diplomacy shows 'maturity'
Pope Benedict XVI's early January address to the Vatican diplomatic corps, an annual tradition that reaffirms the Holy See's commitment to its relations with foreign states, comes after an especially trying year for Vatican diplomacy.
Jan. 6, 2012
Pope names 22 new cardinals, including three North Americans
Among those named were Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York; Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, a former archbishop of Baltimore who now serves as grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem; and Archbishop Thomas C. Collins of Toronto.
Jan. 6, 2012
On Epiphany, pope ordains US, Polish priests as archbishops
Celebrating the feast of the Epiphany, Pope Benedict XVI ordained two new bishops, including U.S. Archbishop Charles J. Brown, a longtime official at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith who is the new nuncio to Ireland.
Jan. 5, 2012
Vatican to issue recommendations for celebrating Year of Faith
In an effort to help Catholics have a better and correct understanding of their faith and become authentic witnesses to Christ, the Vatican is issuing a list of pastoral recommendations for celebrating the Year of Faith.
Jan. 4, 2012
Pope, at audience, reflects on meaning of Christmas, Epiphany
At Christmas, the human dream of being like God started to become a reality -- not through any human efforts, but through God sending his son to be born on earth to redeem humanity, Pope Benedict XVI said at his weekly general audience.
Jan. 3, 2012
Pope will meet Mexican, Cuban presidents during visit in March
Vatican Radio released the pope's itinerary as detailed by the Mexican and Cuban bishops' conferences Jan. 2.
Jan. 3, 2012
In message for World Day of the Sick, pope stresses value of anointing
Anointing of the sick is not a minor sacrament, said Pope Benedict XVI, but one that "deserves greater consideration today" because of its spiritual benefits to both minister and recipient.
Jan. 3, 2012
In message for World Day of the Sick, pope stresses value of anointing
Anointing of the sick is not a minor sacrament, said Pope Benedict XVI, but one that "deserves greater consideration today" because of its spiritual benefits to both minister and recipient.
Jan. 3, 2012
Pope says Christians look to new year with hope, commitment to peace
Christians should look toward the New Year with hope and a commitment to working for justice and peace, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Dec. 30, 2011
Vatican agency says at least 26 church workers killed in 2011
Each year, Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, publishes a list of pastoral workers who died violently.
Dec. 29, 2011
Italian state experts create similar colorations seen on Turin shroud
The enormous technical difficulty in achieving the positive results makes it highly unlikely that the shroud is a fake from medieval times, said Italy’s national research agency.
Dec. 29, 2011
Pope's 2012 to include synod, international trips, canonizations
The 2012 highlights are only a small part of the pope's day-to-day schedule, which includes hundreds of meetings, speeches, messages and liturgies.
Dec. 27, 2011
Pope condemns Christmas bombings in Nigeria
Pope Benedict XVI said he was deeply saddened by the news of the Christmas bombings in Nigeria, and he offered his prayers “to all those who have been stricken by this absurd gesture.”
Dec. 25, 2011
Pope says Christmas shows God's will to save people from sin, violence
In his Christmas message, like in his homily at Mass the night before, Pope Benedict spoke about God's desire to save humanity and his decision to do that by being born in Bethlehem, living among people, dying for them and rising from the dead.
Dec. 22, 2011
For pope, 2011 was year of evangelization, travel and technology
The year 2011 saw two of Pope Benedict's favorite themes come into clearer focus: new evangelization and religious liberty. Increasingly, he has linked the two topics, telling bishops that both tasks require courageous truth-telling in sometimes hostile environments.
Dec. 22, 2011
Pope points to joyful lessons learned from World Youth Day, Benin trip
Meeting members of the Roman Curia Dec. 22 for his annual exchange of Christmas greetings, the pope said the "faith fatigue" seen in various areas of church life contrasts sharply with the faith and joy he witnessed during World Youth Day in Madrid and during his November trip to Benin.
Dec. 21, 2011
Highlight religious meaning of Christmas, pope asks Christians
Pope Benedict XVI asked Christians to highlight the real meaning, the religious meaning, of Christmas as they celebrate the holidays.
Dec. 20, 2011
Cardinal Levada, classmates celebrate 50 years of priesthood
At the same altar in St. Peter's Basilica where they were ordained priests exactly 50 years ago, Cardinal William J. Levada and 17 of his classmates celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving "for the great gift of the priesthood" Dec. 20.
Dec. 19, 2011
Pope advances sainthood causes of Marianne Cope, Kateri Tekakwitha
During a meeting Dec. 19 with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, the pope signed the decrees recognizing the miracles needed for the canonizations of Blesseds Marianne and Kateri.
Dec. 19, 2011
Pope tells prisoners God loves them, Christians pray for them
Pope Benedict XVI told inmates at a Rome prison that people say nasty things about him, too, but it's important to remember that there are other people ready to offer their love and support.
Dec. 19, 2011
Not an abstract idea, evangelization calls for real witness, pope says
New evangelization is not an abstract idea to pitch, but rather a call to authentically live the Gospel message, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Dec. 16, 2011
Teaching young about human dignity promotes peace, justice, pope says
In his Word Peace Day message, Pope Benedict XVI asks parents and teachers to be more attentive to the hopes and fears of young people today.
Dec. 15, 2011
Of liturgy and life: Jesuit scholar reflects on his 46 years in Rome
He’s a world-renowned liturgical scholar, but students and friends constantly share his pithy quotes.
Dec. 14, 2011
Prayer must include praise, thanks, not just requests, pope says
Pope Benedict XVI asked people at his general audience to pray like Jesus did.
Dec. 13, 2011
Meeting pope, rabbi seeks joint efforts to infuse economy with values
The free market is the economic model that seems most consonant with biblical teaching, but the global economic crisis demonstrates that, without moral values, the market economy can implode, said Great Britain's chief rabbi.
Dec. 13, 2011
Climate change is a faith issue, Honduran cardinal says
Climate change is a faith issue because it deals with God's creation and with poverty, said Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, who was in South Africa for the U.N.-sponsored international conference on the topic.
Dec. 12, 2011
Pope celebrates Guadalupe feast, confirms he'll travel to Mexico, Cuba
Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and confirming he will travel to Mexico and Cuba in the spring, Pope Benedict XVI called on the people of Latin America to hold firm to their faith.
Dec. 12, 2011
Pope says late cardinal should inspire use of media to spread Gospel
In a telegram to Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia Dec. 12, the pope expressed his sadness and condolences for the death of Cardinal John P. Foley, who died Dec. 11 after a battle with leukemia.
Dec. 12, 2011
Christians draw joy from knowing God is near, pope says
In the dry spiritual desert of modern society and the darkness of moral and economic confusion, Christians draw joy from knowing that Christ is near, Pope Benedict XVI said on Gaudete Sunday.
Dec. 9, 2011
Indelible faith: Israeli ambassador shares research on pilgrim tattoos
A conference in Rome explored the history of tattoos, the use of permanent body markings in a variety of cultures, tattooing techniques, social and religious attitudes toward tattooing, and the tradition of pilgrim tattoos both in Jerusalem and in Loreto, Italy.
Dec. 9, 2011
Prayer, not activism, is key to evangelization, preacher tells pope
The Catholic Church's project of "new evangelization" faces two dangers: people thinking others will do the work and people so fired up to preach the Gospel, they forget to pray, said the preacher of the papal household.
Dec. 9, 2011
New Jersey, Pennsylvania 'ad limina' talks look at new evangelization
During their "ad limina" visits to Rome in early December, the bishops of New Jersey and Pennsylvania spoke to Vatican officials about energizing the faith of Catholics, re-proposing the faith to people who have drifted away and proclaiming the Gospel in new ways.
Dec. 8, 2011
Church should fear sin of members more than persecution, pope says
The church should fear the sin of its own members more than hatred against Christians, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Dec. 8, 2011
Pope taps tablet, lights world's largest Christmas 'tree'
Pope Benedict XVI tapped a tablet computer and successfully lit the world's largest electronic Christmas "tree" located in the Italian town of Gubbio.
Dec. 7, 2011
Pope names two US Catholic evangelists to advise Vatican council
Curtis Martin, of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, and Ralph Martin, of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Detroit, were among 15 people appointed as consultors to the newly created Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization.
Dec. 7, 2011
To follow Gospel is to follow Christ, not some ethical code, pope says
Following the Gospel is not adhering to a doctrine or code of ethics but entails truly following the person of Christ in one's life, Pope Benedict XVI said during his weekly general audience.
Dec. 6, 2011
Vatican thanks Knights for restoring tomb from old St. Peter's Basilica
With help from the Knights of Columbus, the only papal tomb transferred from the old to the new St. Peter's Basilica has been restored.
Dec. 5, 2011
Pope prays for migrants, encourages international assistance
In early December, government representatives were to meet in Geneva to mark the 60th anniversary of the International Organization for Migration and discuss migration issues.
Dec. 5, 2011
'Ad limina' is time of reflection, renewal, bishop says
A bishop's "ad limina" visit to Rome should be a time of reflection, renewal and inspiration to return home to preach the Gospel with joy, said Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of Metuchen, N.J.
Dec. 2, 2011
Study abroad can't promote 'brain drain' from poor countries, pope says
Attending a university abroad can enrich a student's life, but it should not promote the "brain drain" phenomenon that sees a country's best and brightest young people enticed to emigrate, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Dec. 2, 2011
Vatican II treasure hunt: Committee seeks bishops' notes, diaries
The Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences is asking church archivists, and even the family members of deceased Vatican II council fathers, to look through their papers to find reflections that can add a personal touch to the historical research already conducted on the official acts of the council.
Dec. 1, 2011
Christian families are key part of new evangelization, pope says
A family, founded on the marriage of a man and woman and open to having children, is "the human space for an encounter with Christ," he said Dec. 1 in a speech to members of the Pontifical Council for the Family.
Dec. 1, 2011
On World AIDS Day, Vatican renews call for greater access to therapy
The deaths each year of more than a million people from AIDS, the suffering of their families and the new infections of hundreds of thousands of infants are unacceptable when the medicines needed to prevent them exist, a Vatican official said.
Nov. 30, 2011
Vatican says seat-belt complaint drew papal smile
The Vatican said Pope Benedict XVI greeted with a smile the news that a German citizen had filed a complaint against him for not wearing a seat belt in his popemobile.
Nov. 30, 2011
At audience, pope praises groups for efforts to ban death penalty
Pope Benedict XVI gave a special greeting of encouragement to delegations meeting in Rome -- including a group from Illinois -- to promote the abolition of the death penalty.
Nov. 30, 2011
Archbishop Dolan says N.Y. bishops impressed with 'ad limina' process
Vatican officials offered strong encouragement, precise questions and occasional challenges to bishops from New York state during their November "ad limina" visits, said Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York.
Nov. 29, 2011
Vatican to welcome Christmas with carols this year
The Vatican is planning to sing its way into the Christmas season this year, with a chorus and orchestra leading Christmas carols at the annual unveiling of its Nativity scene Dec. 24.
Nov. 29, 2011
Traditionalist head says Vatican doctrinal statement needs changes
The head of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X said a "doctrinal preamble" presented by the Vatican needs changes before it can be accepted as the basis for the group's reconciliation with Rome.
Nov. 28, 2011
Pope urges international agreement on climate change
Pope Benedict XVI urges world leaders meeting in South Africa to keep the poor in mind when they discuss the next steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Nov. 26, 2011
U.S. priest serving at doctrinal congregation is new nuncio to Ireland
Pope Benedict XVI has named U.S. Msgr. Charles J. Brown, a longtime official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as the new apostolic nuncio to Ireland.
Nov. 26, 2011
Addressing U.S. bishops, pope defends church efforts on sex abuse
In a speech to U.S. bishops, Pope Benedict XVI defended the church's "honest efforts" to confront the priestly sex abuse scandal with transparency, and said its actions could help the rest of society respond to the problem.
Nov. 23, 2011
At audience, pope says Benin trip highlighted Africa's joy, faith
Pope Benedict XVI says his meeting with schoolchildren in Ouidah was a highlight of his trip to Benin.
Nov. 22, 2011
Pope's critique of global economic system resurfaces in Africa
The pope has consistently taken a wary and critical view of the global economic system and the disparities it has generated.
Nov. 21, 2011
Vatican newspaper says Shakespeare was secret Catholic
There is "little doubt" that William Shakespeare was a Catholic who was forced to hide his faith in Protestant England while leaving hints about his faith throughout his vast body of work, said an opinion piece in the Vatican newspaper.
Nov. 21, 2011
Vatican replaces Cardinal Law as archpriest of Rome basilica
Cardinal Bernard F. Law, former archbishop of Boston, has been replaced as archpriest of the Rome Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Vatican announced.
Nov. 20, 2011
Trip roundup: In Africa, pope asks church to be model of reconciliation
On a three-day visit to Benin, Pope Benedict XVI urged African Catholics to witness the hope of the Gospel in their daily lives and make the church a model of reconciliation for the entire continent.
Nov. 19, 2011
Pope asks African Catholics to be 'apostles of reconciliation'
In a wide-ranging document on the church's future in Africa, Pope Benedict XVI urged Catholics to become "apostles of reconciliation, justice and peace" across the troubled continent.
Nov. 18, 2011
In Benin, pope urges Africa to uphold values of family, human dignity
Arriving in Benin for a three-day visit, Pope Benedict XVI urged the African continent to protect its ancient values in the face of spiritual and ethical erosion.
Nov. 17, 2011
Vatican financial document took complex route to delivery
Speculation that the authors of a Vatican document on the global economy had done an "end run" to avoid the pre-publication scrutiny of top Vatican officials turned out not to be true, but the episode illustrated that the editing and approval procedures at the Vatican are less than transparent and far from uniform.
Nov. 17, 2011
Jesuit journal urges measure to make Internet accessible, democratic
With repressive regimes restricting access to information and communications, democratic governments should work to guarantee access to the Internet and adopt general principles to ensure network use respects universal human rights, said an editorial in La Civilta Cattolica, a Jesuit journal reviewed by the Vatican before publication.
Nov. 16, 2011
Benetton removes image of pope kissing Muslim leader
Hours after the Vatican condemned an Italian ad campaign that depicted Pope Benedict XVI kissing a Muslim leader, the Italian fashion house Benetton withdrew the photo.
Nov. 16, 2011
French-based Catholic movement says founder was sex abuser
A Catholic movement based in France has acknowledged with "humility and repentance" that acts of sexual abuse were committed by its founder and other important members of the organization.
Nov. 16, 2011
Belief in Resurrection means belief in final victory of love, pope says
Believing in Christ's resurrection means that no matter how difficult life gets, one believes that love and goodness are far more powerful than hatred and evil, Pope Benedict XVI saidat his weekly general audience.
Nov. 15, 2011
Vatican official calls humanitarian laws essential for civilian safety
To protect innocent civilians from the harmful effects of weapons of war, "international humanitarian law remains an essential safety measure not to be weakened," a Vatican official said.
Nov. 14, 2011
Pope asks for prayers for Benin trip
The pope, addressing pilgrims at his noon blessing Nov. 13, said he was traveling to Benin "in order to strengthen the faith and hope of Christians in Africa."
Nov. 14, 2011
Pope set to light world's largest Christmas tree using iPad
With a tap on an iPad, Pope Benedict XVI will light the world's largest electronic Christmas tree in the Italian town of Gubbio without having to leave his home in Vatican City.
Nov. 14, 2011
Embryos cannot be destroyed even for important research, says pope
The church's opposition to the use and destruction of embryos flows from the conviction that all human life is sacred and that destroying the most defenseless will never lead to a true benefit for humanity, the pope said.
Nov. 11, 2011
Christian volunteers are signs of God's love, pope says
Especially at a time of serious economic crisis, moral uncertainty and social tension, Christian volunteers show "that goodness exists and that it is growing in our midst," the pope said Nov. 11 in a speech to participants at a Vatican meeting on Catholic volunteer activity in Europe.
Nov. 10, 2011
Pope, Israeli religious leaders see need for courage in peacemaking
Dialogue is essential for religious leaders in the Holy Land, "a place full of memories sacred to our traditions," but a place that each day faces challenges to living together in harmony, Pope Benedict XVI told religious leaders from Israel.
Nov. 9, 2011
2012 papal trip to Mexico, Cuba being studied seriously, spokesman says
Vatican officials are at an advanced stage in studying the possibility of a papal trip to Mexico and Cuba in the spring of 2012, the Vatican spokesman said.
Nov. 9, 2011
In Benin, pope to outline church's pastoral direction in Africa
Pope Benedict XVI is making his second trip as pope to Africa in mid-November, spending three days in Benin and presenting an important document on the future of the church on the continent.
Nov. 9, 2011
New England bishops end 'ad limina' with Mass at Pope John Paul's tomb
Ending their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican, the bishops of New England concelebrated Mass at the tomb of Blessed John Paul II, the pope who named most of them bishops.
Nov. 9, 2011
At audience, pope appeals for victims of flooding around world
Pope Benedict XVI offered prayers for victims of recent flooding in Central America, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world and urged people to be generous in helping those suffering the effects of natural disasters.
Nov. 9, 2011
First US 'ad limina' visits highlight religious freedom, evangelization
Eighteen bishops from New England met with Pope Benedict XVI and top officials of 12 major Roman Curia agencies Nov. 3-9. It was the first of 15 U.S. groups making "ad limina" visits over the next several months, and the bishops said some particular questions and challenges surfaced quickly in the talks.
Nov. 8, 2011
Vatican partners with company to discuss stem-cell research
New biotechnologies raise questions in the fields of medicine, economics, ethics and philosophy, and the Vatican plans to look at all of them during a three-day conference devoted to adult stem-cell research, officials said.
Nov. 8, 2011
Pope says prostitution, pornography threaten human dignity of women
Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to prostitution and pornography, saying the practices denigrate women and represent "a serious lack of humanity."
Nov. 7, 2011
Pope condemns violence in Nigeria, prays for victims
The pope made the comments at his noon blessing Nov. 6, two days after attacks in Nigeria's northeastern states of Yobe and Borno left more than 100 people dead.
Nov. 7, 2011
Pope urges Germany to defend all human life
After the Nazi atrocities of World War II, Germany's new constitution recognized the dignity of each human being, a value that is starting to be questioned in the country, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Nov. 4, 2011
Bishops from northeastern US begin 'ad limina' visits with prayer
The first group of U.S. bishops visiting the Vatican to report on their dioceses prayed at th chapel near the tomb of St. Peter.
Nov. 3, 2011
Accountability critical for sex abuse prevention, says Vatican official
Child abuse prevention policies will never work without accountability and an unwavering commitment to children's welfare, said the Vatican's top investigator of clerical sex abuse.
Nov. 3, 2011
Mission to the Vatican: Diplomats find unique challenges at Holy See
Ambassadors to the Holy See resident in Rome are a relatively small group of women and men with backgrounds ranging from professional diplomacy and politics to medicine and even theology -- Catholic, Orthodox or Islamic.
Nov. 3, 2011
Traditionalist says group rejects Vatican doctrinal conditions
The consensus among leaders of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X is that a "doctrinal preamble" presented by the Vatican is "clearly unacceptable," according to the district superior of the society in Britain.
Nov. 2, 2011
Birth of 7 billionth baby is challenge to help all, newspaper says
The challenge posed to the world by the birth of its 7 billionth inhabitant isn't how to stop population growth, but to find ways to ensure the continued growth can benefit all humanity, said an article in the Vatican newspaper.
Nov. 2, 2011
Physicists, cosmologists meet at Vatican to discuss nature of universe
World-renown physicists, who study everything from imperceptible particles to the expanding cosmos, came together for a Vatican-sponsored conference on the "new frontier of physics" -- the sub-nuclear world of electrons, hadrons and neutrinos.
Nov. 2, 2011
At audience, pope prays G-20 summit will help world's poor
Pope Benedict XVI prayed that a summit of the leaders of countries with the world's largest economies would find ways to overcome the current economic crisis and promote real development.
Nov. 1, 2011
All Saints' Day calls for focus on holy vocation of church, pope says
The feast of All Saints calls on Catholics to see the church as the communion of saints -- as Christ meant it to be -- and not to focus on it as an earthly institution with members who sometimes sin, Pope Benedict XVI said.
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