Vatican

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone celebrates Easter Mass, which was live-streamed, at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco, April 12, 2020.

What the debate over Biden receiving Communion may mean for the world

Most US Catholics believe President Biden should receive Communion, despite his stance on abortion. The push by conservative US bishops to deny him the Eucharist may have more of an impact in other countries.

A couple kiss in front of the Pantheon during a demonstration of supporters of same-sex civil union in Rome.

Protesters in Italy tell lawmakers it’s time to ‘wake up’ and recognize same-sex unions

Justice
Pope Francis arrives to lead a special audience to mark 50th anniversary of Synod of Bishops in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on October 17, 2015.

When the Vatican speaks on matters of doctrine, it will be in Italian

Belief
A woman holds a picture of late Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero during a Mass to commemorate the 35th anniversary of his assassination in San Salvador on March 24.

El Salvador, divided by its first saint

Belief
Pope Francis visited typhoon-wracked Tacloban in the Philippines in January 2015, and said, “This country, more than many others, is likely to be seriously affected by climate change."

Pope Francis is making waves on the issue of global climate change

Environment
President Obama announces the thaw in US-Cuban relations

In Havana, Cubans are already welcoming a new era with the US

Global Politics

“There’s a palpable excitement here,” says author Peter Kornbluh from Havana, as word broke of US-Cuban talks to normalize relations. “This is a new dawn … and I think everybody here has realized that almost immediately.”

Nuns look on as Pope Francis arrives to lead his weekly audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican on October 22, 2014.

American nuns get an unexpected olive branch from the Vatican

Belief

American nuns have come in for sharp criticism in the past from Vatican officials. But the Catholic Church’s latest report on nuns in the US offered praise instead, a welcome change at a time when American religious orders are growing older and more cash-strapped.

A bishop takes a picture with a tablet during the Synod on the Family. The Roman Catholic assembly has softened its traditional Catholic stance against gays, suggesting "accepting and valuing their sexual orientation."

The Catholic Church changed only its tone on gays, but that’s still a big deal

Belief

Catholic bishops meeting at the Vatican have suggested the church “welcome home” gays and lesbians. While the church leaders are not supporting same-sex marriages, the synod is striking a historically open note on gays, divorce and other culture-war issues.

Visitors to the Vatican often overlook the historical significance of the building's floors, which are frequently made from re-purposed bits of ancient history.

You’d better watch where you walk the next time you visit the Vatican

Culture

The Vatican is dense with art and history — every arch, piece of art and ceiling has a story to tell. But so do the floors, which are easy to miss. Whether paved with marble from the Coliseum or sporting mosaics from ancient villas, the floors of the Vatican have much to tell.

In a new Frontline documentary, director Antony Thomas goes inside the Vatican to reveal secrets of the institution.

A Frontline documentary exposes the Vatican’s ‘secrets’ under Pope Benedict

Lifestyle & Belief

Frontline’s new documentary, “Secrets of the Vatican,” uses leaked documents and interviews to expose turmoil, corruption and abuse in the final year of Pope Benedict’s papacy. It’s a legacy that Pope Francis is now trying to overcome.