Rappler's latest stories on holy see
Italian clergyman in Pope's residence tests positive for virus
Italian newspapers say the 83-year-old Pope Francis has remained largely secluded at his residence since coming down with a cold at the end of last month
'Caged' Pope Francis receives guests – from afar
The Vatican releases pictures showing bishops seated in armchairs spaced a meter apart, in keeping with Italian government regulations aimed at fighting an illness that has killed 366 people in Italy in just over two weeks
Zombies, brollies and happis: Key moments of Pope Francis' Japan trip
Here are some highlights of the Pope's four-day trip, which capped an Asia tour that also took in Thailand
Vatican ends contract of top anti-money laundering official
The Vatican statement says: 'Thanking him for his service in recent years (the Holy Father) has appointed his successor,' adding that Rene Bruelhart's mandate had expired
Putin meets pope, 'welcoming' populist gov't during Italy trip
(UPDATED) Rome's historic center is on security lockdown for the visit with 50 streets blocked to traffic and Italian media reporting that mobile phone signals could be scrambled
U.S. Catholic dioceses announce abuse 'compensation program'
(UPDATED) 6 Catholic dioceses in California launch a 'compensation program as an alternative to court proceedings for minors sexually abused by clergy
Pope resisted ring-kissing for fear of spreading germs
The Vatican says Pope Francis tries to stop people kissing his ring because he fears it could spread germs. This is in response to a viral video showing the Argentinian repeatedly withdrawing his hand from worshippers.
Second Chinese underground bishop steps aside
There are an estimated 10 million Catholics in China, divided between a government-run association whose clergy are chosen by the Communist Party, and the unofficial church loyal to the Vatican
Polish bishops apologize for child sex abuse by priests
'We ask pardon of God, of all victims of sexual abuse, of their families, and of the entire Church community for all hurt inflicted on children and young people, as well as their families, by priests, believers, and lay people employed by the Church'
Abuse victim in the U.S. sues Vatican in bid to identify predators
A man in the US says he was raped by a priest as a child and is now suing the Vatican
All Chilean bishops quit over child abuse scandal – spokesman
The striking announcement comes after Francis summoned the bishops to the Vatican over the scandal that has come to haunt his papacy
Pope Francis receives Chilean bishops over sex abuse scandal
The 34 bishops, 3 of whom are already retired, are to hold private and group meetings at the Vatican with the Argentine Pontiff
Pope Francis speaks out for terminally-ill British toddler
'I want to reiterate and strongly confirm that the only master of life, from the beginning to its natural end, is God, and our duty is to do everything to protect life,' says the Pope
China-Vatican deal on bishops imminent – Chinese prelate
(UPDATED) Under the deal, the Vatican could agree to recognize 7 bishops who were chosen by the Communist government
Pope talks about U.S.-Jerusalem issue with Jordan's King
Jordan's King Abdullah greets Pope Francis as 'my dear friend and brother,' presenting him a painting of Jerusalem's Old City, featuring the Islamic Dome of the Rock and the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Holy smoke! Pope Francis bans selling of cigarettes in Vatican
'The reason is very simple: the Holy See cannot contribute to an activity that clearly damages the health of people,' says a Vatican City statement
'Put down those smartphones!' Pope Francis tells bishops
The Pope says 'At a certain point the priest leading the ceremony says 'lift up our hearts'. He doesn't say 'lift up our mobile phones to take photographs'
Pope Francis admits to snoozing while praying
The head of the Roman Catholic Church confesses he sometimes falls asleep while praying and claims saints too have been known to grab some Holy shut-eye
China priests' fears over Vatican's Beijing olive branch
Since January Chinese and Vatican officials have met at least 4 times including in Rome to try and resolve the delicate issue of the appointment of bishops – the heart of the dispute
Taiwan VP to visit Vatican amid China progress
Vice President Chen Chien jen will be present for the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta among other activities
Pope names US reporter as spokesperson plus first female deputy
Pope Francis names a former Fox News correspondent to head up the Vatican press office and appoints the tiny state s first ever female deputy spokesperson
Pope Francis mulls opening door to female deacons in Church
In off the cuff remarks the pontiff promises to examine whether women could enter the Catholic clergy as deacons
New Year brings fresh challenges for Pope Francis
The 79 year old pontiff plans to visit Mexico and Poland in 2016 and continue his crusade to reform the Vatican bureaucracy
Pope urges return to simple values at Christmas
Pope Francis ushers in Christmas by urging the faithful to reject the materialism that pervades the gift giving season and to embrace simple balanced values as violence subdues festivities in the Holy Land
Vatican to Aquino: Ensure peace in Mindanao
The Vatican hopes that parties involved can guarantee stable and lasting peace in the southern Philippines
Skirts versus cassocks as Catholic women bid for rights
Will the red hatted princes of the Church and their pink sashed colleagues make time to talk about letting women into the Vatican s halls of power?
Pope creates first Palestinian saints
The canonization of a third Palestinian – a Salesian monk – is still under review by the Church
Pope names Bicolano as envoy to Australia
Born in Naga the new apostolic nuncio to Australia is 67 year old Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana
Vatican: Philippines to help Pope reach Asia
Pope Francis trip to the Philippines fulfills his dream as a young Jesuit: to serve as a missionary in Asia which he now calls a great frontier
Pope picks Filipino as Vatican envoy to UN
Hailing from Bohol Archbishop Bernardito Cleopas Auza becomes the first Filipino to represent the Vatican before the United Nations
Pope urges Syria peace at start of Mideast pilgrimage
Pope Francis makes an urgent plea Saturday May 24 for peace in war torn Syria as he kicks off a 3 day pilgrimage to the Middle East
Blast outside French church in Rome as Hollande visits
One theory is that the blast was linked to French president Francois Hollande s visit to Rome
'Jolly' Tagle gets campaign jingle
Watch a Filipino s campaign jingle for the jolly papal contender Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle
Hope and dismay among Catholics over pope's resignation
Pope Benedict XVI s resignation is dividing many Catholics
Vatican Bank ousts head amid scandal
Ettore Gotti is forced to resign as the Holy See fights a series of financial scandals
