Francis on washing prisoners' feet: It's what Jesus told us to do

Council of Cardinals speaks about decentralizing authority in the church

Joshua J. McElwee | Apr. 26, 2017

The group of cardinals advising Pope Francis on reforming the Vatican bureaucracy spoke in their latest meeting about how to decentralize authority in the Catholic church and improve relationships between the Vatican and local bishops’ conferences.

The nine member Council of Cardinals spoke in their April 24-26 meeting about how the Vatican can “be more at the service of local bishops” spokesman Greg Burke said in a short briefing Wednesday.

Knights of Malta leaders recommend election of temporary head of order

Joshua J. McElwee | Apr. 26, 2017

The leadership of the Knights of Malta has recommended that the members of the order voting to elect its new leader decline to appoint a new permanent head of the group. It has asked instead that they consider electing a temporary leader with a one-year appointment.

Knights were informed of the recommendation Tuesday in an email from the order’s headquarters, which was obtained by NCR. The email included a lengthy opinion from the order’s juridical council that the members voting in the election have the possibility of deciding to elect only a temporary leader.

Vatican calls on Catholics and Buddhists to work together to promote nonviolence

Joshua J. McElwee | Apr. 24, 2017

The Vatican has called on Catholics and Buddhists to work together to teach wider society the value of a nonviolent lifestyle.

Whose Gospel is it anyway?

Phyllis Zagano | Apr. 24, 2017

Just Catholic: Pope Francis approved 12 men and one woman as consulters to the 2-year-old Vatican Secretariat for Communication. This does not send a good message.

US priests' group calls Vatican vocations document 'insulting'

Dan Morris-Young | Apr. 20, 2017

The Field Hospital: The Association of U.S. Catholic Priests criticizes treatment of homosexual persons in the Congregation for Clergy's recent document "The Gift of the Priestly Vocation."

Franciscans ask to expand church leadership pool

Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service | Apr. 20, 2017

Vatican City -- Franciscans ask Pope Francis for the "privilege" of allowing non-ordained religious brothers to be elected to leadership positions, including those with authority over ordained priests.

Trump seeking to meet with Pope Francis in May

Joshua J. McElwee | Apr. 20, 2017

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Wednesday that President Trump is seeking to meet Pope Francis. Earlier reports had indicated the president had not made a request with the Vatican.

Papal delegate orders former Knights of Malta leader not to attend successor's election

Joshua J. McElwee | Apr. 19, 2017

The special delegate appointed to be Pope Francis' spokesman to the Knights of Malta has reportedly ordered the group's former leader not to participate in the election of his successor, which will be held in Rome at the end of the month.

Archbishop Angelo Becciu, who was appointed to his role in February following weeks of tension between the Vatican and the historic chivalric order, told former Grand Master Matthew Festing that his presence would "reopen wounds ... and would prevent the event from taking place in an atmosphere of peace."

Pope to visit pope in Egypt

Thomas Reese | Apr. 13, 2017

Faith and Justice: Amid security fears, Francis will have the tricky task of acknowledging the increased religious freedom in Egypt while not ignoring horrendous violations of human rights.