Pope Francis

In Rome and at the Vatican, President Joe Biden found a safe haven from the debates taking place back home, where some U.S. bishops argue Catholic politicians should not be allowed to receive Communion if they support abortion rights.

President Joe Biden told reporters on Friday that when he met with Pope Francis earlier in the day, the pontiff told the president he was a “good Catholic” and should continue taking Communion.

President Joe Biden is set to meet with Pope Francis for the first time as president this week.

According to official Vatican reports, Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI have likely received the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in October.

Seeking to overcome the dichotomy that has often pitted faith against science, Pope Francis called for “mutual respect” through dialogue.

Pope Francis encouraged young climate change activists attending an event in Italy to promote human relationships and environmental protections by overcoming divisions.

Last week, Pope Francis condemned abortion as "murder" while also urging the church to be "compassionate" on the issue.

On Oct. 9 and 10, Pope Francis will inaugurate a three-year preparation process for the 2023 Synod, which will focus on reforming the synodal process. The preparation process and the 2023 Synod, with the theme “For a Synodal Church: communion, participation and mission,” have the potential to revolutionize the way decisions are made in the Catholic Church and promote a more decentralized structure of authority.

In a recent interview, Pope Francis rejected claims that he would be the second pope in eight years to resign.

Pope Francis recently sent a letter praising the work of a Jesuit priest who has been an outspoken advocate for more respectful treatment of LGBTQ people within the Catholic Church.