Chairman Joseph Shaw says he hopes the society’s canonical guidance will lead to calm and reasoned discussion of Pope Francis’ apostolic letter. Pontifical Mass in the Vetus Ordo (Extraordinary Form) ...

Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, 72, was appointed Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome in 2003. He discussed indulgences, and in particular the special indulgence associated with the ...

In a further sign that he believes more care is needed in setting up diocesan religious orders, Pope Francis issued a decree requiring bishops to obtain written permission from the Vatican to start an ...

The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is seen through trees in the Vatican Gardens. (Credit: Paul Haring/CNS.) Listen ROME — In places particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic and with severe ...

With the approval of Pope Francis, the Vatican has ordered the dissolution of an Italy-based lay movement, citing problems with the group's origins, catechesis, governance, respect for members' ...

(AP) — The dissolution of the Apostolic Movement, which has a presence in several European and African countries, is the latest move to crack down on local religious orders and Catholic movements.

Pope Francis has issued a decree greatly enhancing the authority of local churches that will have special significance in Asia. The decree, or motu proprio as it is called in church parlance, enables ...

ROME (AP) — Francis issued a new decree that requires prior Vatican approval for bishops to erect new associations of the faithful, often the first step in the creation of a new apostolic society or ...

The Vatican announced on Monday that Catholics can obtain a plenary indulgence by visiting an elderly person on the second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. A decree issued by the Apostolic ...

Members of the Apostolic Movement in Italy cheer during Pope Benedict XVI’s general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Nov. 24, 2010. With the approval of Pope Francis, the Vatican has ordered ...