Vatican News

Catholic leaders hopeful that Obama will change US immigration policy
Jan 21 2009
MEXICO CITY – Senior Catholic leaders participating in the Sixth World Meeting of Families expressed optimism that the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama would usher in more favorable immigration policies that include putting an end to the workplace raids that often separate parents from their children.

Jesuit journal praises Facebook, but offers some cautions
Jan 18 2009
VATICAN CITY – From smoke signals to the telegraph, from telephones to Facebook, methods for keeping in touch with others far away are helpful, but they are never a substitute for meeting in person, said an Italian Jesuit magazine.

As casualties rise in Gaza, pope makes new appeal for peace
Jan 05 2009
VATICAN CITY – As Israel continued its ground and air assault on Gaza, Pope Benedict XVI renewed his appeal for an immediate end to hostilities and offered prayers for the numerous victims.

New Hampshire couple perplexed by Vatican views on embryo adoption
Jan 03 2009
WASHINGTON – As committed Catholics, Timothy and Dawn Smith respect Vatican pronouncements, but recent statements about frozen embryo adoption from church officials have bewildered the Fitzwilliam, N.H., parents of three children who came into the world through this process.

Vatican agency says at least 20 church workers killed in 2008
Dec 30 2008
VATICAN CITY – At least 20 church workers were killed in 2008, demonstrating that Catholic men and women – bishops, priests, religious and laity – continue placing their lives at risk in order to proclaim the Gospel and serve the poor, said the Vatican’s Fides news agency.

Holy sites need legal protection, say speakers at Rome conference
Dec 13 2008
ROME – Every Friday afternoon in Jerusalem’s Old City, thousands of Muslims walk to Al Aqsa Mosque to pray, thousands of Jews walk to the Western Wall to pray and thousands of Christians carry a cross in procession along the Via Dolorosa, recalling the Way of the Cross.

Cardinal Dulles dies at 90; Jesuit theologian made a cardinal in ‘01
Dec 12 2008
WASHINGTON – Cardinal Avery Dulles, a Jesuit theologian who was made a cardinal in 2001, died Dec. 12 at the Jesuit infirmary in New York, Murray-Weigel Hall. A cause of death was not released but he had been in poor health. He was 90 years old.

Point of pride: Glendon glad to have served as Vatican ambassador
Dec 07 2008
VATICAN CITY – When Mary Ann Glendon leaves her post as U.S. ambassador to the Vatican Jan. 19, she’ll end a term that was the briefest on record yet one of the most active.

Head of Russian Orthodox Church dies at age 79
Dec 06 2008
VATICAN CITY – The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow, died Dec. 5 at his home outside the Russian capital. He was 79.

Papal product placement: Building credibility, boosting sales
Nov 30 2008
VATICAN CITY – The pope is one of the most respected and admired figures in the world, and millions of people watch or attend his many public and televised events throughout the year.

Federal appeals court rules abuse case against Vatican can go forward
Nov 26 2008
WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court ruled Nov. 24 that a lawsuit can move forward against the Vatican involving three men who claimed to have been sexually abused when they were children by priests in the Archdiocese of Louisville, Ky.

188 Japanese martyrs beatified at Mass in Nagasaki
Nov 25 2008
VATICAN CITY – Christian martyrdom is the fullest expression of human freedom and reflects the supreme act of love, said a top Vatican official at a Mass beatifying 188 Japanese martyrs.

Vatican newspaper says economic experts are confusing
Nov 18 2008
VATICAN CITY – In the midst of a financial situation of great uncertainty, consumers have a right to be confused, said an article in the Vatican newspaper.

Catholic group urges bishops to condemn war
Nov 16 2008
A Catholic group of priests, former priests and laypeople called on U.S. bishops Nov. 11 to condemn war.

Obama phones pope to thank him for congratulatory message
Nov 12 2008
VATICAN CITY – U.S. President-elect Barack Obama telephoned Pope Benedict XVI to thank the pope for his message of congratulations on his election victory.