Archbishop Wilton Gregory Says 'Carry On' Work For Racial And Societal Justice Archbishop Wilton Gregory, who will be the first Black American Catholic cardinal, talks about the historic nature of his position, the political issues that inform his work in the church and more. Audie Cornish
World Pope Francis Calls For Same-Sex Civil Union Law In New Documentary "What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered," the pope said in an interview in the film Francesco, which premiered Wednesday at the Rome Film Festival. Sylvia Poggioli Tom Gjelten Alex Leff
Health Pope Francis Delivers Special Prayer For End To Coronavirus Pandemic The "Urbi et Orbi" blessing is normally delivered at Christmas and Easter. The delivered his homily against the dramatic backdrop of an empty St. Peter's Square, glistening in the rain. Sylvia Poggioli
Latin America Pope Francis Won't Allow Married Men As Priests, Women As Deacons Bishops from the Amazon region had sought the changes to address a shortage of clergy. But some Roman Catholic conservatives warned that enacting them would lead to the end of clerical celibacy rules. Bill Chappell
World In Rare Move, Pope Francis Appoints A Woman To A Senior Vatican Position Francesca Di Giovanni is the first woman to have a managerial role in the Secretariat of State, one of the most important departments in the Vatican. She's been working there for 27 years. Merrit Kennedy
World In Christmas Day Message, Pope Francis Shines Light On Migrant Suffering "It is injustice that turns them away from places where they might have hope for a dignified life, but instead find themselves before walls of indifference," the pontiff said in his holiday address. Laurel Wamsley
National Pope Francis Ends 'Top Secret' Status For Sex Abuse Cases, Promising Transparency The changes apply to cases of clergy committing violence or sexual assaults against anyone under their authority, as well as minors. The pope also changed rules about child pornography. Bill Chappell
Pope Francis Sends A Relic Of Jesus' Manger To The Holy Land At the start of Christmas season, Pope Francis has sent a small piece of wooden relic reputed to be part of Jesus' manger after he was born to Bethlehem, traditionally known as Jesus' birthplace. Huo Jingnan
World Pope Francis Issues Rules Requiring Priests And Nuns To Report Abuse The papal decree also sets up new procedures to hold more-senior church authorities such as bishops accountable for committing abuse or for covering up the crimes of others. Merrit Kennedy
World French Cardinal Covered Up Pedophile Accusations Against Priest, Court Says Cardinal Philippe Barbarin — one of France's most prominent Catholic officials — says he will offer his resignation to Pope Francis in a few days. Bill Chappell
