United States

Around the world, bishops mark a COVID-scarred Pentecost
- Jun 1, 2020
As Catholics around the world celebrated Pentecost Sunday, bishops and bishops’ conferences released messages to mark the occasion. Though most were heavily influenced by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the tone varied depending on what “phase” of pandemic their regions are in.

By Inés San Martín
With Pius XII, the ‘why’ is more important than ‘what’, expert says
- Mar 6, 2020
One expert has said that when it comes to Pope Pius XII and the controversy surrounding his actions during the Second World War, his actions are far less appealing to historical scholars than the reasons why he chose to do what he did.

By Elise Ann Allen
US Vice President Pence to Pope Francis: you made me a hero
- Jan 24, 2020
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence had an hour-long private conversation with Pope Francis in the Vatican Jan. 24, 2020.

By Associated Press

Pope warns US/Iran tensions could trigger ‘vaster conflict’
- Jan 9, 2020
In his annual speech to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis again voiced concern for escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, urging both parties to exercise restraint in order to avoid a vast, regional conflict.

By Elise Harris
After Soleimani assassination, Pope warns war ‘brings only death and destruction’
- Jan 5, 2020
Days after the assassination of influential Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States, Pope Francis issued an appeal for peace and calm amid what he said is an “air of tension” felt in many places throughout the world.

By Elise Harris
Forget the Swiss — How about the Vatican to broker US/Iran relations?
- Jan 5, 2020
As counterintuitive as it may seem, there’s a case to be made that the Vatican might be a good choice to broker conversation between the U.S. and Iran to try to head off a regional conflagration.

By John L. Allen Jr.