The Vatican

The journey of Devasahayam Pillai, India's first layman to be declared a saint by Vatican

An upper-caste Hindu, Devasahayam Pillai was an official in the court of Travancore’s Maharaja when he converted to Christianity in 1745. During his life, he fought against casteism and communalism and stood for equality

Pope Francis installs 13 new cardinals, including first African American Wilton Gregory

Francis warned the new cardinals against falling into corruption or using their new rank for personal advancement, saying that just because they have a new title, 'Eminence', doesn’t mean they should drift from their people

Australia’s Cardinal George Pell convicted of child sexual abuse amid increasing complaints of misconduct against clergy

Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Catholic cleric ever charged with child sex abuse has been convicted of molesting two boys, dealing a new blow to the Catholic hierarchy’s credibility after a year of global revelations of abuse and cover-up.

Pope Francis claims abortion akin to hiring hitman to solve problems, says 'we cannot take out a human being, even if it is small'

Pope Francis said some people justify abortion as respecting other rights. But, he asked, "How can an act that suppresses innocent and defenceless life as it blossoms be therapeutic, civil or simply human?"

Father Tom grateful to Indian leaders' efforts after being rescued from Islamic State's custody

Father Tom Uzhunnallil abducted in 2016 by Islamic State terrorists in Yemen has been rescued from an undisclosed location after 17 months

Venezuela violence: Vatican urges Nicholas Maduro to put new Constituent Assembly on hold

The Vatican on Friday urged Venezuela not to go ahead with installing a powerful new assembly sought by President Nicolas Maduro but challenged by his opponents.

Donald Trump meets Pope Francis: Smiles paper over bitter past disagreements

US president Donald Trump met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday in a keenly-anticipated face-to-face encounter between two world leaders who have clashed repeatedly.

Nawaz Sharif in China: Under siege at home, Pakistan PM's image abroad receives boost

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif may be facing investigations at home, but his image abroad appears to have improved ever since China placed Pakistan at the heart of its One Belt One Road (Obor) initiative.

Pope Francis concludes US tour with big open-air mass

Pope Francis celebrated an open-air mass at the culmination Sunday of an historic tour of the United States that electrified Americans with a message to respect immigrants, protect the environment and help those in need.

'Incredibly moved', says Obama after hour-long meet with Pope Francis

Obama described himself as "incredibly moved" by his nearly hour-long session with the popular pontiff.