Latest Roman Catholicism News
Pope dissolves Peru-based conservative Catholic movement after abuses uncovered by Vatican
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has taken the remarkable step of dissolving a Peruvian-based Catholic movement, the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, after years of attempts at reform and a Vatican investigation. The probe uncovered sexual abuses by its founder, financial mismanagement by its leaders and...
Blessings for dogs? Bring them to Mexico City's cathedral and St. Anthony will do the rest
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Behaving at their best, a dozen dogs attended Mass at Mexico City’s cathedral Friday, waiting for their turn to be doused with holy water. The blessing of the animals is a long-time Catholic tradition celebrated on January 17. On this day, Mexican Catholic...
In Guatemala and Minnesota, holy feast brings migrant families hope and pride amid crackdown fears
WORTHINGTON, Minn., (AP) — With their sparkling embroideries and colorful sashes flapping in the frigid wind, hundreds of Guatemalan faithful flocked to the Catholic church of this heartland farming town to celebrate their biggest festival yet in honor of the Black Christ of Esquipulas. ...
Filipino Catholics pray for good health and peace in huge procession venerating Jesus statue
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — At least 1.8 million mostly barefoot Catholic worshippers marched Thursday in an annual procession in the Philippines that venerates a centuries-old black statue of Jesus. Some said they prayed for good health for their families, an end to tensions in the South China...
Pope Francis has named the first woman to head a major Vatican office, choosing an Italian nun
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Monday named the first woman to head a major Vatican office, appointing an Italian nun, Sister Simona Brambilla, to become prefect of the department responsible for all the Catholic Church's religious orders. The appointment marks a major step in...
Ethiopians celebrate Christmas as natural calamities and conflict take their toll
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians are celebrating Christmas with prayers for peace in the Horn of Africa nation that has faced persistent conflict in recent years. Ethiopians follow the Julian calendar, which runs 13 days later than the Gregorian...
Pope names like-minded ally Cardinal McElroy as Washington archbishop
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Monday named Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego as the archbishop of Washington, tapping one of his most progressively like-minded allies to head the Catholic Church in the U.S. capital at the start of Donald Trump's second administration. At a press...
Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis kicked off the 2025 Holy Year on Tuesday, inaugurating a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome in a test of the pope's stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. From his...
A Holy Year is about to start in Rome. Here's what you need to know
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis on Tuesday formally inaugurates the 2025 Holy Year, reviving an ancient church tradition encouraging the faithful to make pilgrimages to Rome, amid new security fears following a Christmas market attack in Germany. At the start of Christmas Eve...
13 people including children die in stampedes in Nigeria at Christmas charity events
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — At least 13 people, including four children, were killed in two separate stampedes in Nigeria as large crowds gathered to collect food and clothing items distributed at annual Christmas events, the police said Saturday. The two accidents came days after...
