After being in the red for the last few years, Vatican finances are back in the black — but a decrease in donations by the faithful means a mixed financial picture for the Vatican. Catholic News Service Rome Bureau Chief John Thavis and Rome correspondent Cindy Wooden report investments and tourism can play a role ...read more

China has a new Bishop. [singlepic id=45 w=320 float=right]But it’s not cause for celebration in Rome. The ordination is unapproved by the Holy See. And Vatican Press Office director Fr. Federico Lombardi says if there is no Papal mandate, then the ordination is contrary “to the unity of the Universal Church” and a cause for ...read more

Taking a look at the Vatican’s not-so-Secret Archives, bracing for reaction from China, and sixty artists for sixty years of ordination. Catholic News Service Rome Bureau Chief John Thavis covers all this in today’s Vatican report. ...read more

An act that sows division and produces rifts and tensions. [singlepic id=39 w=320 float=right]That’s how a statement from the Holy See describes last Wednesday’s Episcopal ordination in the Diocese of Leshan, China. There was no Papal mandate for the ordination of Fr. Paul Lei Shiyin, and hence the Holy See does not recognize him as ...read more

Today marks not only the beginning of a new month, but also Canada Day. It’s a day of thanksgiving for all the many blessings we have in Canada, and to pray for the future of Canada, for government and civic leaders as well. [singlepic id=36 w=320 float=right]It is also the Solemnity of Sacred Heart. Last ...read more

It’s been a busy week for Pope Benedict, with the highlight being his 60th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. That milestone is the focus of this week’s Catholic News Service Vatican Report with Rome Bureau Chief John Thavis and Rome correspondent Carol Glatz. ...read more