New Vatican Secretary of State may be appointed soon

Rumors have emerged that Archbishop Pietro Parolin, apostolic nuncio to Venezuela, will shortly be appointed as the Vatican's Secretary of State. The move could take place as soon as June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. As the Secretary of State must technically be a cardinal, he would first be appointed pro-secretary of State,...

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Charity's rapid growth could be due to Pope's influence

The founder of a charity that feeds nearly one million children worldwide said its rapid growth could be partly due to Pope Francis' particular emphasis on caring for the impoverished. “The work of Mary's Meals is growing very fast and I’m sure that the hugely encouraging words of Pope Francis and the fact that he keeps pointing us back to...

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Pope Francis bestows pallium on 34 new archbishops

At a Mass during the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Francis gave a pallium to the 34 men who were made archbishops in the last year, highlighting their fidelity to Rome and to the papacy.“May you see in this Pallium a symbol of unity and a sign of communion with the Apostolic See,” Pope Francis told the archbishops June 29.“May it be a bond...

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2 popes praying: Egyptian Copt and Pope Francis

Pope Francis, right, and Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt Pope Tawadros II pose for photographers during their private audience in the pontiff's library at the Vatican on Friday. Two popes prayed together Friday at the Vatican, one Catholic and one Orthodox, in a sign of improving ties following the election of new leaders for both churches. Pope...

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John Paul moves a step closer to sainthood

In this May 2, 2001, file photo, Pope John Paul II waves at St. Peter's Square, the Vatican. Pope John Paul II has moved a step closer to sainthood. A Vatican official says a commission of theologians approved a miracle attributed to his intercession, clearing a key hurdle. The case now goes to a commission of cardinals and then Pope Francis....

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Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI's health deteriorating

Pope Francis, right, greets Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, Benedict's new residence, upon his arrival at the Vatican from Castel Gandolfo on May 2. Vatican officials admit Benedict has weakened but deny physical condition has become critical. Just months after becoming the first pontiff in nearly 600 years to...

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