For nearly 100 years, popes have set aside time for an annual retreat and meditation on spiritual exercises. 

Pope Francis and the Roman Curia began a weeklong Lenten retreat Sunday, but for the first time since the Second Vatican Council, this retreat is not taking place as a time of communal prayer due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pope Francis urged Catholics to ask Christ for the “gift of mercy” in a letter marking the 90th anniversary of the first appearance of Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska today.

Pope Francis on Saturday expressed his gratitude for the sacrifice of medical workers, especially those who have died in the coronavirus pandemic.

Like Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert, Christians must be prepared to battle evil, knowing that “with faith, prayer, and penance,” the victory is assured, Pope Francis said this morning.

Pope Francis today accepted the resignation of Cardinal Robert Sarah as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Pope Francis has recognized the heroic virtue of three Italian religious sisters who died from Ebola in Africa during the 1995 outbreak.

Pope Francis today named Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, O.F.M. Conv., to succeed Cardinal Angelo Comastri as archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica and vicar general for Vatican City State.

Scotland’s coronavirus-related ban on public worship goes too far and churches that follow appropriate precautions should be allowed to open for in-person worship like in other parts of Europe, a Scottish priest has said in a challenge to the government.

The Vatican said today that it expects to record a deficit of around $60 million in 2021 amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Pope Francis has given each member of the Roman Curia a book to include in their spiritual reading for their Lenten retreat this year.

Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland, pictured June 22, 2016. Credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk. Poland’s Catholic Church today will observe a day of prayer for abuse survivors. …

The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued guidelines on Wednesday for the celebration of Holy Week this year in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In a decree issued earlier this month, the cardinal who heads the Vatican City State said that employees who refuse to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when deemed necessary for their work could face penalties up to termination of employment.

The Diocese of Salford has launched a new research project that Bishop John Arnold hopes will spearhead the efforts of the Catholic community in England and Wales to tackle the current ecological crisis by paving the way to a sustainable, carbon neutral future.

England and Wales will come together to pray on 2 March 2021

Bishops from all over Europe, through their Bishops’ Conferences, will join together during Lent to celebrate a series of Masses and pray for the victims of Covid-19. The continent has suffered over 770,000 deaths from the virus.

The 40 days of Lent are an opportunity to turn from the slavery of sin to the freedom found in reconciliation with God, Pope Francis said today, Ash Wednesday.

As our Catholic community adapts to lockdown and worshipping at home, with restrictions on mingling in church, CAFOD’s Family Fast Day parish collections will look different this Lent.

Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of the Bishops’ Conference Department for Social Justice, has issued a statement expressing distress that people with learning disabilities have been given Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) orders during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A Vatican diplomat said yesterday that the advancement of more women in leadership positions in public life will contribute to peace and security.