Nicole Winfield

Historic step: Pope, Russia patriarch to meet in Cuba

VATICAN CITY – In an historic step to heal the 1,000-year schism that split Christianity, Pope Francis and the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church will meet in Cuba next week in an attempt...

Italy confirms higher cancer, death rates from mob dumping

Babies, especially, affected by the waste

Pope urges Christmas prayers for peace

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis issued a Christmas Day prayer that recent UN-backed peace processes for Syria and Libya will quickly end the suffering of their people, denouncing the “monstrous ...

Vatican to see millions of pilgrims during Holy Year of Mercy

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis pushed open the great bronze doors of St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday to launch his Holy Year of Mercy, declaring that mercy trumps moralizing in his Catholic Chu...

Pope: ‘Today is a time of mercy’

Church opens Communion to divorced parishioners

Vatican: Pope’s Davis meeting not show of support

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican on Friday distanced Pope Francis from Kim Davis, the focal point in the gay marriage debate in the U.S., saying she was one of dozens of people the pope greeted as...

From abortion to gay marriage: Where the pope stands

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is expected to raise issues ranging from climate change to income inequality when he visits Cuba and the United States from Saturday to Sept. 27. Franc...

Pope says the economy and environment must thrive

VATICAN CITY – A new development model is needed to combat global warming, one that marries economic growth to combat poverty with a sustainable use of resources, Pope Francis’ deputy said W...

From Chinese propaganda to the pope

Artist’s life travels an unlikely path from Mao to Francis

Defying labels, Francis energizes church

Two years in, pope enjoys popularity, but challenges lie ahead for him

Pope: Man ‘slapped nature in the face’

Francis says humans have exploited nature

Pope: Free speech needs limits

Pontiff urges respect for religions