By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The theological work and papal teaching of retired Pope Benedict XVI “continue to be a living and precious heritage for the church,” Pope Francis said. The pope met Nov. 18 with the winners of the 2017 Ratzinger Prize, named for the retired pope …

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Putting the brakes on dangerous and distracted driving, Pope Francis criticized using mobile phones when at the wheel and treating roads like racetracks. While praising the work and sacrifice of police officers dealing with transit and highway patrol, he also cautioned them against …

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican announced it had launched a new investigation into reports about sexual abuse in a pre-seminary for young adolescents run by the Diocese of Como, Italy, but located inside the Vatican. Greg Burke, Vatican spokesman, issued a statement Nov. 18 saying that …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People have a basic choice in the way they live: either striving to build up treasures on earth or giving to others in order to gain heaven, Pope Francis said. “What we invest in love remains, the rest vanishes,” the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Hey, Smithsonian, there’s a new kid on the block. It’s the Museum of the Bible, just a few blocks from the National Mall in Washington. With its opening to the public Nov. 18, it will tell visitors how the Bible …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Luong Thai Linh, Pool via Reuters By HONG KONG (CNS) — Officials in China’s eastern Jiangxi province have replaced religious images displayed by Christian families with portraits of the country’s leader, Xi Jinping. Ucanews.com reported that, on Nov. 12, pictures were uploaded to the popular social messaging service …

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People who are dying must be accompanied with the love of family members and the care of medical professionals, but there is no requirement that every means available must be used to prolong their lives, Pope Francis said. “Even if we know that …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Wolfgang Rattay, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Denial or indifference when it comes to climate change will not help further honest research or facilitate finding adequate solutions, Pope Francis told government leaders attending a meeting on implementing the Paris accord. Ratified by 170 nations, the …

IMAGE: CNS/Robert Duncan By Matthew Fowler VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A seminary is not typically known for its emphasis on physical activity and fitness, but many seminarians see it as an integral part of daily life. Andrew Auer, Joseph Caraway and his cousin, Michael Caraway, are just a few of …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Carol Zimmermann BALTIMORE (CNS) — Almost two months after the devastating winds and rains of Hurricane Maria pummeled the island of Puerto Rico, there is still no clear path to recovery. Although some power and phone service have been restored and relief supplies are slowly …