Pope Francis

Chicago-born Leo XIV becomes first American pope

May 8, 2025 The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY — Robert Prevost, the Chicago-born missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first pope from the United States in the […]

Pope Francis dead at 88

April 21, 2025 The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. Francis, […]

Pope Francis calls for a universal ban on surrogacy. He says it exploits mother and child

January 12, 2024 Nicole Winfield, Associated Press

ROME — Pope Francis called Monday for a universal ban on what he called the “despicable” practice of surrogate motherhood, as he included the “commercialization” of pregnancy in an annual speech listing threats to global […]

Pope Francis fuels new speculation on future of pontificate

June 6, 2022 Nicole Winfield, Associated Press

ROME — Pope Francis added fuel to rumors about the future of his pontificate by announcing he would visit the central Italian city of L’Aquila in August for a feast initiated by Pope Celestine V, […]

Cardinal in Vatican fraud trial: My conscience is ‘tranquil’

July 29, 2021 Frances D'Emilio, Associated Press

VATICAN CITY — A fraud and embezzlement trial over alleged mismanagement of the Holy See’s investments began Tuesday in Vatican City, with a once-powerful cardinal among the 10 defendants saying he remains “obedient” to Pope […]

Pope to spend a few more days in Rome hospital after surgery

July 12, 2021 Nicole Winfield, Associated Press

ROME — Pope Francis will spend a few more days in the hospital following his July 4 intestinal surgery to “optimize” recovery and rehabilitation treatment and therapy, the Vatican said Monday. The Vatican had originally […]

Pope voices ‘affection’ for Americans as he meets Blinken

June 30, 2021 Frances D’Emilio, Associated Press

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Monday voiced affection for the American people as he met at length with the U.S. secretary of state, the Vatican said, without indicating whether the two discussed the sharp […]

Singing hymns through masks, Christians mark pandemic Easter

April 4, 2021 FRANCES D'EMILIO

VATICAN CITY — Christianity’s most joyous feast day was celebrated worldwide with faithful sitting far apart in pews and singing choruses of “Hallelujah” through face coverings on a second Easter Sunday conditioned by pandemic precautions. […]

In Easter speech, pope calls wars in pandemic ‘scandalous’