Pope Francis Urges Church To Embrace Those Who Divorce And Remarry
The headline on the Vatican's official news site makes the point clearly: "Pope: divorced and remarried people not excommunicated."
Pope Francis
During Holy Year, Pope Will Let Priests Forgive Women Who Had Abortions
According to church teaching, abortion is a sin so grave that anyone who gets one or performs one is automatically excommunicated. Forgiveness was usually only given by senior church officials.
Defrocked Archbishop Dies Awaiting Trial On Sex Abuse Charges
Former Polish Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski was accused of paying for sex with children and possessing child pornography while he served as the Holy See's ambassador to Dominican Republic.
The Pope Is About To Weigh In On Climate Change. Not Everyone Is Happy
A number of conservative politicians have cast a dim eye on Pope Francis' statements on climate change. A teaching document coming out Thursday aims to make the environment a moral imperative.
Bemused Or Irritated? Pope Reacts To Gift Of 'Communist Crucifix'
Francis received an unusual gift from Bolivian President Evo Morales — a crucifix in the shape of a hammer and sickle.
Pope Kicks Off Three-Nation Tour In Ecuador
Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, was greeted by hundreds of thousands in Quito. He is scheduled to visit Bolivia and Paraguay next.
Pope In U.S. Visit Will Meet With Poor, President, Politicians
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will visit Cuba and the U.S. Sept. 19-28. He will become the first pope to address Congress.
Pope: Sometimes Marital Separation 'Morally Necessary'
Francis, speaking during his weekly general audience, said couples splitting may be needed to protect "the weaker spouse" and children.
Will Pope's Much-Anticipated Encyclical Be A Clarion Call On Climate Change?
On Thursday, the Vatican releases Pope Francis' document on the environment and poverty. He has said he believes global warming is a moral, and man-made, issue — angering climate change skeptics.
Pope Francis: Climate Change A 'Principal Challenge' For Humanity
In a major encyclical, the pontiff calls on humanity to acknowledge a "sense of responsibility" for the Earth and said it was time to stop "masking problems."