NICOLE WINFIELD | The Seattle Times

FILE – Pope Francis holds a consistory in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican where he will create 21 new cardinals, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Pope Francis is convening a global gathering of bishops and laypeople to discuss the future of the Catholic Church, including some hot-button issues that have previously been considered off the table for discussion. Key agenda items include women’s role in the church, welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics and how bishops exercise authority. For the first time, women and laypeople can vote on specific proposals alongside bishops.(AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca, File) XAC108 XAC108

October 3, 2023 at 9:36 am

Things to know about the Vatican’s big meeting on the future of the Catholic Church VIEW

Pope Francis is opening a global gathering of bishops and laypeople to discuss the future of the Catholic Church, including some hot-button issues that have...

October 2, 2023 at 8:00 am

Clergy abuse survivors propose new ‘zero tolerance’ law following outcry over Vatican appointment

Clergy sexual abuse survivors have unveiled a proposed new church law calling for the permanent removal of abusive priests and superiors who covered for them.

FILE – Cardinal Joseph Zen, a vocal opponent of attempts by Beijing and the Vatican at rapprochement, presides over a vigil Mass for Bishop Michael Yeung in Hong Kong, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. Five conservative cardinals are challenging Pope Francis to affirm Catholic teaching on homosexuality and female ordination. They’ve asked him to respond ahead of a big Vatican meeting where such hot-button issues are up for debate. The cardinals on Monday published five questions they submitted to Francis, known as “dubia.” (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, file) FP101 FP101

October 1, 2023 at 11:10 pm

Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions possible, in response to conservative cardinals

Pope Francis has suggested there might be ways to bless same-sex unions. This marks a reversal from the Vatican’s current official position.

October 1, 2023 at 9:09 pm

Women’s voices and votes loom large as pope is set to open a Vatican meeting on church’s future VIEW

Pope Francis will open this week a global gathering of Catholic bishops and laypeople to discuss the future of the church.

September 30, 2023 at 1:30 am

Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals who will help him to reform the church and cement his legacy VIEW

Pope Francis has presided over a ceremony to create 21 new cardinals.

Nation & World

September 23, 2023 at 1:12 pm

Pope blames weapons industry for Russia-Ukraine war and ‘martyrdom’ of Ukrainian people VIEW

Pope Francis is labeling the weapons industry as being a key driver of the “martyrdom” of Ukraine’s people in Russia’s war.

Nation & World

September 23, 2023 at 2:31 am

Pope Francis insists Europe doesn’t have a migrant emergency and challenges countries to open ports VIEW

Pope Francis is challenging French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders to open their ports to people fleeing hardship and poverty.

Nation & World

September 21, 2023 at 11:08 pm

Pope decries indifference toward migrants, as he prays for the dead in the French port of Marseille VIEW

Pope Francis has blasted what he calls the “fanaticism of indifference” that greets migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

Nation & World

September 19, 2023 at 11:22 pm

Pope goes to Marseille to talk migration, but will Europe listen as it scrambles to stem an influx? VIEW

Pope Francis is travelling to the French port city of Marseille to join Catholic bishops in a meeting focusing on the Mediterranean and migration.

Nation & World

September 19, 2023 at 12:25 pm

Women who say they were abused by a onetime Jesuit artist denounce an apparent rehabilitation effort

Women who say they were abused by a once-prominent Jesuit artist say they are now being revictimized by his superiors.