Latest Pope Francis News
Point of no return: Pope challenges leaders at UN talks to slow global warming before it's too late
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis shamed and challenged world leaders on Wednesday to commit to binding targets to slow climate change before it’s too late, warning that God’s increasingly warming creation is fast reaching a “point of no return.” In an update to his landmark...
Pope Francis opens a big Vatican meeting on the church's future and says 'everyone' is welcome
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis said the Catholic Church was in need of repair to make it a place of welcome for “everyone, everyone, everyone,” as he opened a big meeting on the future of the faith that has sparked hope among progressives and alarm among conservatives. ...
Things to know about the Vatican's big meeting on the future of the Catholic Church
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis on Wednesday is opening a global gathering of bishops and laypeople to discuss the future of the Catholic Church, including some hot-button issues that have previously been considered off-limits for discussion. For the first time, women and...
Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions possible in response to 5 conservative cardinals
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has suggested there could be ways to bless same-sex unions, responding to five conservative cardinals who challenged him to affirm church teaching on homosexuality ahead of a big meeting where LGBTQ+ Catholics are on the agenda. The Vatican on...
Clergy abuse survivors propose new 'zero tolerance' law following outcry over Vatican appointment
ROME (AP) — Clergy sexual abuse survivors on Monday unveiled a proposed new church law calling for the permanent removal of abusive priests and superiors who covered for them, as they stepped up their outrage over Pope Francis’ choice to head the Vatican office that investigates sex crimes. ...
Women's voices and votes loom large as pope is set to open a Vatican meeting on church's future
VATICAN CITY (AP) — A few years ago, Pope Francis told the head of the main Vatican-backed Catholic women's organization to be “brave” in pushing for change for women in the Catholic Church. Maria Lia Zervino took his advice and in 2021 wrote Francis a letter, then made it...
Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals who will help him to reform the church and cement his legacy
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals at a ritual-filled ceremony Saturday, including key figures at the Vatican and in the field who will help enact his reforms and cement his legacy as he enters a crucial new phase in running the Catholic Church. On a crisp...
AP Week in Pictures: Europe and Africa
Sept. 22 – Sept. 29 Destroyed houses and armored vehicles stand on the road of Klishchiivka, a recently liberated Ukrainian village on the outskirts of Bakhmut that has been turned into a pile of rubble after months of fierce fighting. Pope Francis holds a mass for...
Pope blames weapons industry for Russia-Ukraine war and 'martyrdom' of Ukrainian people
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday labeled the weapons industry as being a key driver of the “martyrdom” of Ukraine’s people in Russia’s war, saying even the withholding of weapons now is going to continue their misery. Francis appeared to refer to...
Ideological rifts among U.S. bishops are in the spotlight ahead of momentous Vatican meeting
NEW YORK (AP) — Early next month, the Vatican will open an unprecedented gathering of Catholic clergy and laypeople from around the world. The synod is intended to be a collegial, collaborative event, though the agenda includes divisive issues such as the role of women in the church and the...
