Francis

a view of pope France from the left side

Former top Vatican official calls for resignation of pope over abuse crisis

In a detailed 11-page bombshell statement given to conservative Roman Catholic media outlets during the Pope's visit to Ireland, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano accused a long list of current and past Vatican and US Church officials of covering up the case of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who resigned last month in disgrace.

Former top Vatican official calls for resignation of pope over abuse crisis
pope

In Chile, Pope Francis defends bishop in sex abuse scandal

In Chile, Pope Francis defends bishop in sex abuse scandal
A man exhibits on his chest photos of Pope Francis to sell outside St. Jose Cathedral ahead of the papal visit in Temuco, Chile, Jan. 14, 2018.

As the pope arrives in Chile, Chileans question their allegiance to the church

As the pope arrives in Chile, Chileans question their allegiance to the church
President Donald Trump, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, delivers remarks recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel at the White House in Washington, DC on December 6, 2017.

World leaders react to Trump's Jerusalem announcement

World leaders react to Trump's Jerusalem announcement
In June 2011, protesters painted a Soviet soldier memorial to look like western comic and folk heroes.

Russia demands that Bulgaria treat Soviet memorials with a little respect

Russia demands that Bulgaria treat Soviet memorials with a little respect
Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives to lead an audience with the family members of victims of the mafia at the San Gregorio VII church in Rome. A woman shows a picture of her son with the words, "Where is my son?"

When the pope denounces the mafia, there's a reason it is news

Pope Francis condemned the mafia last week and warned mobsters that they're going to hell unless they stop their evil ways. Here's why that came as a surprise to those who know the Vatican's history.

When the pope denounces the mafia, there's a reason it is news
Jerome Kerviel

A disgraced French trader walks home from his meeting with the pope — to Paris

Six years ago, derivatives trader Jerome Kerviel made some bad trades — very bad trades that cost his bank nearly $7 billion. Now he faces prison and perhaps paying it back. So he's decided to take a long walk, from Rome to Paris.

A disgraced French trader walks home from his meeting with the pope — to Paris

Need a primer on how we got into the crisis in Crimea?

Russia's conga line through Crimea has left many of us scratching our heads. The online site Mashable offers nine basic questions, and answers. That story, plus a look at an Indian grocery store's social media marketing plan gone wrong and the music inspiring Venezuela's protesters.

Need a primer on how we got into the crisis in Crimea?
In a new Frontline documentary, director Antony Thomas goes inside the Vatican to reveal secrets of the institution.

A Frontline documentary exposes the Vatican's 'secrets' under Pope Benedict

Frontline's new documentary, "Secrets of the Vatican," uses leaked documents and interviews to expose turmoil, corruption and abuse in the final year of Pope Benedict's papacy. It's a legacy that Pope Francis is now trying to overcome.

A Frontline documentary exposes the Vatican's 'secrets' under Pope Benedict
Pope smiling in Feb 2014

Will the Pope shift the church's stance on divorce?

Divorced Catholics who remarry are not allowed to take communion. And that exclusion may well be reconsidered as Pope Francis develops his plans for reforming the church, according to Boston Globe columnist and author James Carroll.

Will the Pope shift the church's stance on divorce?
Pope Francis after his selection in March.

Time's 'Person of the Year' has moved fast to rebrand Catholicism

Time magazine has named Pope Francis "Person of the Year." He's the third Pope to have that distinction. Tom Reese, of the National Catholic Reporter, says, even though he hasn't been in office very long, he has rebranded Catholicism.

Time's 'Person of the Year' has moved fast to rebrand Catholicism

Pope Francis Gets Hip With His New Ride: a 20-Year-Old Renault

Pope Francis has a new car. He's been seen driving it around the Vatican, and it's not the kind of bullet-proof Popemobile previous pontiffs used. This one is 20-year-old used Renault utility car with 170,000 miles on it that a priest donated to Francis.

Pope Francis Gets Hip With His New Ride: a 20-Year-Old Renault

Pope Francis on gays: 'Who am I to judge?'

Pope Francis I surprised reporters aboard the papal aircraft over the weekend with comments in support of gay people. The Pope also spoke in support of women, but also said he has no plans to extend their rights to be ordained as priests within the church.

Pope Francis on gays: 'Who am I to judge?'

Brazil: Southern Snow and the Sanctifier

A blast of frigid Antarctic air has brought snow to much of Southern Brazil. This coincides with the official visit by Pope Francis, and comes on the heels of mass demonstrations against the government. All this has made it a wild winter.

Brazil: Southern Snow and the Sanctifier

Pope Francis Blesses Brazil with First Foreign Trip

In Brazil, Pope Francis is starting his first foreign trip as leader of the Catholic Church. Many Brazilians are excited, but can Francis quell the numerous protests that have overrun the country in recent weeks?

Pope Francis Blesses Brazil with First Foreign Trip