Catholic Church

Jacques Fesch was arrested in Paris on February 25, 1954 after having committed a hold-up at a currency exchange stand. While fleeing the scene, he killed a policeman and wounded three persons.

Jacques Fesch killed a cop in the 1950s. Here's why the French Catholic Church wants to make him a saint.

Gerard Fesch was 40 when he learned his father, Jacques Fesch, had been executed for murder in France.

Jacques Fesch killed a cop in the 1950s. Here's why the French Catholic Church wants to make him a saint.
A couple kiss each other in front of the cathedral during a march in support of gay marriage, sexual and gender diversity in Mexico City, Mexico on September 11, 2016. There have been counter-demonstrations, against same-sex marriage, held in Mexican citi

Gay marriage is legal in Mexico, but Mexicans are still fighting over whether it should be allowed

Gay marriage is legal in Mexico, but Mexicans are still fighting over whether it should be allowed
Mother Teresa statue in Kolkata

Songs and celebrations in Kolkata for Mother Teresa's sainthood

Songs and celebrations in Kolkata for Mother Teresa's sainthood
priests

The 'Spotlight' abuse scandal didn’t end in Boston. In South America, it’s still unfolding.

The 'Spotlight' abuse scandal didn’t end in Boston. In South America, it’s still unfolding.
A couple kiss in front of the Pantheon during a demonstration of supporters of same-sex civil union in Rome.

Protesters in Italy tell lawmakers it's time to 'wake up' and recognize same-sex unions

Protesters in Italy tell lawmakers it's time to 'wake up' and recognize same-sex unions
Pope Francis arrives to lead a special audience to mark 50th anniversary of Synod of Bishops in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on October 17, 2015.

When the Vatican speaks on matters of doctrine, it will be in Italian

Catholics bishops from right across the globe are meeting in Rome this month to update church doctrine. They’re wrestling with some contentious issues, including language.

When the Vatican speaks on matters of doctrine, it will be in Italian
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the Speaker's Balcony on the West Front of the Capitol as he stands with Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R) after concluding his address before a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress o

Francis is challenging America's political power brokers

"God bless America" has been Pope Francis's biggest applause line on this visit. The addressed Congress and implored his audience to live up to the highest ideals of the American Dream. But he is presenting a challenge to US leader as well.

Francis is challenging America's political power brokers
Pope Francis waves as he departs Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, in a Fiat 500 after arriving for his first trip to the United States.

A short story about the long history of the Popemobile

The pope turned up at the White House Wednesday, not in the usual elaborate Popemobile, but in a more humble FIAT 500L, on loan from the Vatican's Apostolic Nunciature in the US. The new Popemobile, a white Jeep wrangler, was wheeled out later. So how has the the Popemobile evolved over time?

A short story about the long history of the Popemobile
Rodas, Cuba

After Francis, will things improve for Cuba's Catholics?

For years, the Catholic Church was beleaguered across Cuba, but with Pope Francis, many now see an opportunity for Cuban Catholics to build a freer future.

After Francis, will things improve for Cuba's Catholics?
President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama were there in person to welcome Pope Francis at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for the pontiff's first visit to the United States on September 22, 2015.

Pope Francis wants the Vatican to serve the people

Pope Francis is trying to remake the Catholic Church by reforming the Vatican. He's definitely got his work cut out for him.

Pope Francis wants the Vatican to serve the people
Francis greets the crowd outside of the Vatican in Rome on September 5, 2015.

Everybody loves Pope Francis, even atheists

It’s hardly surprising that an overwhelming majority of Catholics love Pope Francis. But the appeal of this particular pope extends to many non-Catholics as well.

Everybody loves Pope Francis, even atheists
Bernard Law 2

The pope promises accountability to victims abused by the church. Where is Cardinal Law?

He fled Boston leaving a trail of 550 people abused by parish priests and court judgments that topped $85 million. Now that Pope Francis has promised accountability to survivors of church sex abuse, where is Cardinal Law? Turns out, he's in a new apartment in the Vatican — when he's not on vacation.

The pope promises accountability to victims abused by the church. Where is Cardinal Law?
Visitors to the Vatican often overlook the historical significance of the building's floors, which are frequently made from re-purposed bits of ancient history.

You'd better watch where you walk the next time you visit the Vatican

The Vatican is dense with art and history — every arch, piece of art and ceiling has a story to tell. But so do the floors, which are easy to miss. Whether paved with marble from the Coliseum or sporting mosaics from ancient villas, the floors of the Vatican have much to tell.

You'd better watch where you walk the next time you visit the Vatican
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
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