February 12, 2016 Pope meets Russian Orthodox leader 1,000 years after Christianity split Pope Francis met Friday with Patriarch Kirill in the first-ever papal meeting with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, an historic development in the 1,000-year schism that divided Christianity that may, however, be more about Russia asserting itself than any new ecumenical progress.
February 3, 2016 Man accused of masquerading as priest busted over fake tickets to see the Pope A man who allegedly posed as a priest and officiated at Masses, funerals, confessions, and at least one marriage was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of selling thousands of dollars in phony tickets to see Pope Francis during last year's U.S. visit.
January 26, 2016 Iranian president Rouhani asks pope to pray for him after Vatican talks As Iran's president faces controversies ranging from his country's secretive nuclear program to its support of terror and alleged human rights abuses, he had a simple request for Pope Francis on Tuesday: "Pray for me."
January 6, 2016 Pope reflects on 'restless hearts' during Epiphany Mass Pope Francis says restless hearts these days are seeking sure answers to life's questions but don't find them.
December 31, 2015 Pope's year-end message warns about 'tyranny of evil' In the final hours of 2015, Pope Francis is encouraging humanity to hang on to recollections of good deeds, so that gestures of goodness can be seen triumphing over evil.
December 25, 2015 Pope Francis urges mercy from Catholics this Christmas Pope Francis urges mercy from Catholics this Christmas
December 18, 2015 Pope Francis approves miracle required to make Mother Teresa a saint Pope Francis has approved the second miracle required to elevate Mother Teresa, one the Catholic Church's most famous figures of the 20th century, to sainthood, the Vatican confirmed Friday.
December 18, 2015 Hemmer: It's Mother Teresa's hands I will remember most Mother Teresa. She had these giant hands that could reach out and cover a child's face like a sacred shroud.