Fr. Emil Kapaun, a military chaplain who served during two wars, was decreed "Venerable" by the Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of Saints at the direction of Pope Francis, moving him one step closer to possible sainthood.
On the first-ever World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly July 25, Pope Francis will be elevating a theme he has sought to promote throughout his papacy: how "old age is a gift" and how the elderly link generations.
Italian LGBTQ citizens angered by what they considered undue interference by the Vatican in its attempt to stall a controversial bill being debated in the Italian Senate that would criminalize homophobia.
Explainer: A Vatican decree saying priests can't bless same-sex unions is another tricky move in Francis' tightrope walk of upholding church teaching while also trying to extend a warmer welcome to LGBTQ persons.
