Holy See

Vatican threatens severe punishment of excommunication for mafia and mobsters

Excommunication could be on the cards for mobsters and the corrupt following an international debate hosted by the Vatican

Reform of Vatican govt will move forward with determination, Pope Francis tells the Curia

Pope Francis said Monday that reform of the Curia, the Church's governing body, would "move forward with determination, clarity and firm resolve", during his annual address to cardinals, bishops and priests running the Holy See.

Maithripala Sirisena meets Pope Francis, discusses peace process in Sri Lanka

Pope Francis on Monday received Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the Vatican where they discussed the peace process in the island nation, the Holy See said.

'Put mercy before judgement': Pope Francis opens 'Holy Door', launches Catholic Jubilee

Pope Francis on Tuesday launched an extraordinary Catholic Jubilee year of mercy by opening a "Holy Door" in the walls of St Peter's, embracing a 700-year-old tradition as he urged his Church to reach out to the modern world.

Vatican recognises Palestine as a state in new treaty

The Vatican concluded its first treaty that formally recognises the State of Palestine, a move that gives legal weight to the Holy See's years-long recognition and that drew fast criticism from supporters of Israel.

On Palm Sunday, Pope Francis poses for selfies with faithfuls

In his homily, Francis called on people, himself included, to look into their own hearts to see how they are living their lives.

Pope Francis forms commission to advise on sex abuse

Typhoon Haiyan: Pope Francis sends $150,000 aid for homeless

Pope Francis has sent what the Vatican calls initial assistance to the typhoon-ravaged Philippines — $150,000 (120,000 euros) to help those left homeless.

Must reform church to give hope to poor, young: Pope Francis

Pope Francis says he wants a missionary church with a modern spirit that gives hope to the poor, young and elderly, speaking as key meetings begin on church reform.

Rene Bruelhart: Vatican's 007 on money-laundering

The revelations of wrongdoing currently rocking the Vatican bank couldn't have come at a worse time for the Swiss-born anti-money laundering expert hired to lead the Holy See's push for greater financial transparency.