Pope Francis

PARIS — French Catholic clergy sexually abused some 216,000 minors in the seven decades since 1950, a "massive phenomenon" that was covered up for decades by a "veil of silence," an independent commission said Tuesday. The commission's two-and-a-half-year investigation was prompted by outrage over a growing number of abuse claims…

THE TRIAL OF a once powerful Catholic cardinal and nine others resumes today at the Vatican over alleged financial fraud and a disastrous London property deal paid for with charity funds. Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who served as the equivalent of chief of staff for Pope Francis at the time of…

ROME, Italy — Pope Francis hosted scientists and religious leaders in the Vatican Monday, where they signed a joint appeal calling for carbon neutrality and a radical change in lifestyles. “Scientists have warned us that there might be only one decade left to restore the planet,” the appeal declares,” urging…

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis and dozens of religious leaders on Monday signed a joint appeal to governments to commit to ambitious targets at the upcoming U.N. climate conference, while promising to do their own part to lead their faithful into more sustainable behavior. “We have inherited a garden;…

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a message to young people attending an event in Italy on the environmental crisis, Pope Francis encouraged activists to promote human relationships and environmental protections by overcoming divisions. “There must be harmony between people — men and women — and the environment,” the pope said…

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis condemned recent instances of abuse of power within Catholic movements and organizations, reminding leaders that “to govern is to serve,” during a gathering at the Vatican on Friday (Sept. 16). Speaking to delegates of Catholic lay and religious movements at the Vatican, Francis said…

More than 670,000 Americans have now died from Covid-19 in the last 18 months, with thousands dying in recent weeks even though a safe and effective vaccine is widely available. Americans have not died in such numbers since the Spanish flu pandemic 100 years ago or the Civil War 50…

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In Pope Francis’ vision for the future of the Catholic Church, bishops will no longer make decisions alone but in dialogue and discernment with the faithful in their community. The new, expanded two-year process to prepare for synods will begin in October and promises to flip…

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Pope Francis has cautioned bishops about wading into politics as U.S. bishops question whether or not to deny communion to pro-choice politicians such as President Biden.  The pope spoke with reporters on a flight from Slovakia to Rome, during which reporters had asked about the debate that has returned to…