Catholic Church
Follow the latest Catholic Church news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
December 12, 2024 at 1:24 PM

Pope calls for debt reduction for poorer nations to mark Vatican's 2025 Jubilee Year

Pope Francis is calling on wealthy countries and institutions to substantially reduce if not outright cancel debt as a matter of justice on the occasion of the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee Year
December 12, 2024 at 1:24 PM
Pope Francis attends his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
December 7, 2024 at 6:14 PM

Pope creates 21 cardinals to carry out his reform plans

Pope Francis has installed 21 new cardinals, many of whom are key figures in his reform agenda
December 7, 2024 at 6:14 PM
Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tökyõ, Japan, left, is congratulated by fellow cardinals after being elevated by Pope Francis during a solemn mass in St. Peter's Basilica at The Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
3 months ago

Pope Francis cancels events amid illness

The Vatican announced that the pope is suffering from what it calls “mild flu-like symptoms” just days before a planned trip to Belgium and Luxembourg.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis cancels events amid illness
3 months ago

An inside look at the Pope’s 12-day trip around the world

ABC News’ Ines de La Cuetara joined the Pope on his 12-day four-continent trip, the longest of his papacy, at 87 years old.
3 months ago
VIDEO: An inside look at the Pope’s 12-day trip around the world
3 months ago

Pope Francis in Papua New Guinea reaches out to 'peripheries' of Catholic Church

Pope Francis held mass in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to a packed stadium of about 35,000.
3 months ago
This handout picture taken and released on September 8, 2024 by the Vatican Press Office shows Pope Francis gesturing to a man during a meeting with Catholic faithful of the diocese of Vanimo in front of Holy Cross Cathedral in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, on September 8, 2024.
3 months ago

Pope Francis promotes religious harmony in Indonesia, condemns violent extremism

As he continues to promote religious harmony, Pope Francis visited Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, on Thursday.
3 months ago
Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar shakes hands with Pope Francis after an interreligious meeting with religious leaders at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on September 5, 2024.
3 months ago

Pope Francis heads to Asia

The pope announced he would "start an apostolic trip to Asia" this week, with visits planned to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis heads to Asia
3 months ago

What to know as Pope Francis embarks on longest trip of papacy

Pope Francis on Monday began a 12-day, four-country, two-continent odyssey; with stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore.
3 months ago
Pope Francis is welcomed during his arrival at SoekarnoHatta International Airport in Jakarta on Sept. 3, 2024.
6 months ago

Pope Francis is the first pope ever to address G7 summit

Pope Francis has challenged leaders of the world's wealthy democracies to prioritize human dignity in developing and using artificial intelligence.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis is the first pope ever to address G7 summit
6 months ago

Pope Francis meets more than 100 comedians at Vatican

Pope Francis hosted a very different audience at the Vatican on Friday, celebrating the importance of humor.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis meets more than 100 comedians at Vatican
6 months ago

President Biden to meet with Pope Francis at G7

Pope Francis warned world leaders in Italy about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence as well as the war in Ukraine.
6 months ago
VIDEO: President Biden to meet with Pope Francis at G7
6 months ago

Pope Francis to attend G7 summit for 1st time

Pope Francis expected to meet President Joe Biden and summit leaders to discuss AI, as well as the war in Ukraine.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis to attend G7 summit for 1st time
7 months ago

Pope apologizes for reported use of offensive term for gay men

Pope Francis is apologizing after reports that he used an offensive term for gay men in a closed-door conversation about gays and the priesthood.
7 months ago
Pope Francis attends the World Children's Day (WCD) event at the Olympic Stadium May 25, 2024.
7 months ago

Pope apologizes for reported use of offensive term for gay men

Italian media sourced the use of the term to unidentified bishops who reportedly overheard Pope Francis' speech at the Italian bishops’ conference from the hallway.
7 months ago
Italian media is reporting that unidentified bishops say Pope Francis told the Italian bishops’ conference not to allow homosexual men to enter the seminary to train for the priesthood.
7 months ago

Garth Brooks calls performing at the Vatican an 'unbelievably special' experience

Garth Brooks opened up about performing at the Vatican over the weekend as part of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity.
7 months ago
Singer-songwriter and past Gershwin Prize recipient Garth Brooks performs at the 2024 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in Washington, DC, March 20, 2024.
8 months ago

Pope Francis travels outside of Rome for first time this year

The 87-year-old Pontiff traveled to Venice for a popular arts festival that featured a Vatican exhibition at a women's prison.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis travels outside of Rome for first time this year
8 months ago

Vatican issues declaration on threats to 'human dignity'

The Vatican's doctrine office issued the "Infinite Dignity," which was approved by Pope Francis, and declares sex change operations and surrogacy on par with abortion and euthanasia.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Vatican issues declaration on threats to 'human dignity'
8 months ago

Pope Francis presides over Easter Sunday Mass

Francis, 87, had skipped a Good Friday ceremony so that he'd be able to attend the Sunday Mass, the Vatican press office said in a statement on Friday.
8 months ago
Pope Francis attends the Easter Mass, at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 31, 2024.
8 months ago

Pope Francis overcoming concerns about his health

Pope Francis made an appearance in St. Peter's Square Easter Sunday to more than 60,000 followers.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis overcoming concerns about his health
8 months ago

Holy Easter activities commence, Pope Francis calling for peace

Pope Francis presided over an Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square and later used his blessings to invoke prayers for victims of war, calling for an end to ongoing conflicts.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Holy Easter activities commence, Pope Francis calling for peace
8 months ago

Pope Francis returns to Easter services

87-year-old pontiff skipped a Good Friday procession to preserve his health ahead of Easter Sunday. He has had health issues in recent months and now needs a wheelchair or a cane to move around.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis returns to Easter services
8 months ago

Pope Francis presides over Easter ceremonies

Despite cold and flu symptoms and mobility issues, the pope is determined to carry out a full schedule during Easter weekend, the most important time of year for Christians.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis presides over Easter ceremonies
10 months ago

Pope Francis visits hospital for tests

During his weekly appearance at the Vatican earlier in the day, Pope Francis said he "still had a bit of a cold."
10 months ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis visits hospital for tests
10 months ago

Pope taken to Gemelli hospital for tests

Pope Francis gave a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday.
10 months ago
Pope Francis smiles to a young member of a choir on the day of the weekly general audience, in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Feb. 28, 2024.
10 months ago

Pope briefly hospitalized with cold

The Vatican confirmed that the pope was hospitalized for about 90 minutes for diagnostic tests but has not given any further details.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Pope briefly hospitalized with cold
1 year ago

Pope Francis delivers midnight mass

Pope Francis delivered his traditional Christmas Eve mass in Vatican City.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis delivers midnight mass
1 year ago

Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples

ABC News papal contributor Father James Martin discusses the latest after Pope Francis approved blessings for same-sex couples.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples
1 year ago

Scholar reflects on Pope Francis allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples

The Rev. James Martin spoke with "Start Here" following Pope Francis' change on allowing priests to bless same-sex couples who request it.
1 year ago
Pope Francis waves from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's square during the weekly Angelus prayer, Oct. 29, 2023, in The Vatican.
1 year ago

Pope allows Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples

Pope Francis has formally signed off on allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples -- a radical change in Vatican policy.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Pope allows Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples
1 year ago

Pope Francis approves allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples

A document from the Vatican's doctrine office released Monday details the declaration.
1 year ago
Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he appears at the balcony to deliver his Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican on December 25, 2022.
1 year ago

Pope allows blessing of same-sex couples

Friar James Martin talks about the major update to Catholic doctrine about blessing same-sex couples and what it means for the church.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Pope allows blessing of same-sex couples
1 year ago

Cardinal sentenced to 5 1/2 years in Vatican's financial 'trial of the century'

Cardinal Becciu and 8 others were convicted of financial crimes.
1 year ago
Cardinal Becciu and 8 others were convicted of financial crimes.
1 year ago

Pope Francis cancels trip to climate conference on doctor's orders

Pope Francis has canceled a trip to a climate conference in Dubai on doctor's orders, according to the Holy See Press Office.
1 year ago
Pope Francis attends his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's square in The Vatican on Nov. 15, 2023. Pope Francis canceled his upcoming trip to Dubai for the COP 28 climate talks, after doctors' recommendations, the Vatican said on Nov. 28, 2023.
1 year ago

What you need to know about upcoming Papal meetings

ABC News’ James Longman explains how the Pope is hosting a special meeting to discuss elevating women to decision-making roles in the church and better at welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics.
1 year ago
VIDEO: What you need to know about upcoming Papal meetings
1 year ago

Critical meeting starts at Vatican

Plus, It's Golden Week in China, an annual mid-autumn festival, which has travel booming across the country.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Critical meeting starts at Vatican
1 year ago

Vatican meetings to decide future of the Catholic Church

Delegates from all over the world are gathering for what is expected to be a defining moment for Pope Francis’s reform agenda.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Vatican meetings to decide future of the Catholic Church
1 year ago

Vatican meeting will discuss contentious issues facing Catholic church

The meeting comes months after Pope Francis suggested it may be possible to bless same-sex unions.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Vatican meeting will discuss contentious issues facing Catholic church
1 year ago

Pope Francis opens possibility for blessing same-sex unions

Pope Francis suggested it may be possible to bless same-sex unions in a newly public response to cardinals who questioned the pope's affirmation of the LGBTQ community.
1 year ago
Pope Francis leads an ecumenical prayer with Protestants and Orthodox at St. Peter's square in The Vatican, Sept. 30, 2023.
1 year ago

Pope Francis opens possibility for blessing same-sex unions

In August, Pope Francis called on the hundreds of thousands gathered before him to yell that the Catholic Church is for "todos, todos, todos" -- everyone, everyone, everyone.
1 year ago
In August, Pope Francis called on the hundreds of thousands gathered before him to yell that the Catholic Church is for "todos, todos, todos" -- everyone, everyone, everyone.
1 year ago

Pope Francis restates church is for everyone, including LGBTQ+ people

"The Lord is clear," the pope insisted on Sunday. "The sick, the elderly, the young, old, ugly, beautiful, good and bad."
1 year ago
Pope Francis meets with thousands of World Youth Day volunteers near Lisbon, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.
1 year ago

Pope greeted like rockstar, appears revitalized at 'Catholic Woodstock' in Portugal

Aboard the Papal plane, he joked with reporters that he expected to come out of World Youth Day feeling "rejuvenated." By day three, that seemed to be the case.
1 year ago
Pope Francis attends the Stations of the Cross with young people on Meeting Hill at Parque Eduardo VII in Lisbon, Portugal, August 4, 2023.
1 year ago

Nearly a million people celebrate with Pope Francis

Pope Francis is wrapping up his five-day trip to Portugal for World Youth Day, his first trip since undergoing abdominal surgery in June.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Nearly a million people celebrate with Pope Francis
1 year ago

Pope Francis names 21 cardinals, including clergymen from Hong Kong, US

Pope Francis announced Sunday he's elevating 21 clergymen from around the world to become cardinals in a ceremony this September.
1 year ago
Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from his window at the Vatican, July 9, 2023.
1 year ago

Pope Francis returns to duties

Two days after being released from the hospital, the Pope greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square this morning for his traditional prayer service.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis returns to duties
1 year ago

Pope Francis visits children at his hospital

More than a week after his surgery, the wheelchair-bound pontiff visited the children’s oncology wing at Gemelli Hospital, where he’s recovering.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis visits children at his hospital
1 year ago

Vatican releases first photos of Pope Francis recovering from surgery

The Vatican press office released photos on Thursday of Pope Francis recovering after undergoing intestinal surgery.
1 year ago
Pope Francis visits the Pediatric Oncology and Children's Neurosurgery Department at Gemelli hospital in Rome, Italy, on June 15, 2023, in a photo released by the Vatican.
2 years ago

Pope Francis recovering after abdominal surgery

It is not clear when the 86-year-old pontiff will return to the Vatican.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis recovering after abdominal surgery
2 years ago

Pope Francis recovering from intestinal surgery

Pope Francis' night "passed well" after he underwent intestinal surgery on Wednesday, Vatican officials said Thursday morning.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis recovering from intestinal surgery
2 years ago

Pope's night 'passed well' after intestinal surgery in Rome

Pope Francis' night "passed well" after he underwent intestinal surgery on Wednesday, Vatican officials said Thursday morning.
2 years ago
Pope Francis pays tribute to the relic of Saint Therese of Lisieux during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, June 7, 2023.
2 years ago

Pope Francis recovering from intestinal surgery

Pope Francis is out of surgery after a three-hour operation on his abdomen.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis recovering from intestinal surgery