Jan 08 Pope Francis calls for universal ban on surrogacy By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press The speech also listed the threats to global peace and human dignity, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Israel-Gaza war, migration and climate crises and the “immoral” production of nuclear and conventional weapons. Continue reading
Dec 25 Amid Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis calls for worldwide peace on Christmas By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to the throngs of people below, Francis said he grieved the “abominable attack” of Hamas against southern Israel on Oct. 7 and called for the release of hostages. Continue reading
Dec 24 'Our hearts are in Bethlehem': Pope calls attention to victims of war at Christmas Eve Mass By Associated Press Recalling Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem, Pope Francis in a Christmas Eve homily said that “the clash of arms even today" prevents Jesus “from finding room in the world.”… Continue reading
Dec 21 Pope asks Vatican staff to avoid 'rigid ideologies,' after approving blessings for same-sex couples By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Pope Francis has urged Vatican bureaucrats to avoid “rigid ideological positions” that prevent them from understanding today’s reality. Continue reading
Dec 18 Pope formally allows priests to bless same-sex couples By Associated Press The Vatican issued a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive it. Continue reading
Dec 17 Watch 3:01 News Wrap: Israeli military finds large Hamas tunnel near northern Gaza border In our news wrap Sunday, Israel re-opened a border crossing in southern Gaza and released footage of a newly discovered Hamas tunnel at the Erez crossing in the north, Trump’s anti-immigrant remarks at a campaign event drew criticism, a storm… Continue watching
Dec 16 Watch 7:30 What's behind a growing rift between conservative U.S. Catholics and the Vatican By Ali Rogin, Simon Epstein, Andrew Chambers Efforts by Pope Francis to make the Catholic Church more inclusive for LGBTQ+ people and women, alongside urging vaccination against COVID, have been creating a growing chasm between the Vatican and traditionalist American Catholics. David Gibson, director of the Center… Continue watching
Dec 08 Pope Francis makes his first public appearances since being stricken by bronchitis By Associated Press Pope Francis has made his first public appearance outdoors since being stricken by bronchitis two weeks ago, which forced him to cancel a planned trip to the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. Continue reading
Dec 02 Poorer nations use COP28 to pressure rich world on climate solutions, with pope's support By Jamey Keaten, Seth Borenstein, Associated Press Leaders of developing nations launched into the second day of a U.N. climate summit to press rich industrialized countries to share their knowhow to fight global warming and ease the financial burdens they face. Continue reading
Nov 29 At his weekly audience, Pope Francis says he's 'not well,' has aide read his speech By Frances D'Emilio, Associated Press Francis did speak at the end of the audience, voicing his contentment over the truce in fighting between Israel and Hamas, and saying he hopes it continues. Continue reading