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Vatican

The Vatican is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and its head, the pope.

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All Content on this topic

John Paul II: Passing of a Papal Giant

The Vatican announced Saturday evening that the pope died at 20:37 CET. For more than a quarter of a century John Paul II steered the affairs of the Catholic Church and changed the face of the papacy.

World's Press Commemorates Pope's Life

In the days and hours leading up to the pope's death, newspapers around the world commemorated John Paul II's life of service.

Pope at Death's Door

Pope John Paul II's health condition remains "very serious," but he does respond when addressed, the Vatican said Saturday evening, as millions of Catholics prayed and the world witnessed the pontiff's death throes.

Vatican Statement on Pope's Condition

The Vatican released a statement on Friday morning after Pope John Paul II suffered a cardiac collapse late on Thursday evening. Here is the statement in full.

Opinion: The Pope Continues to Provoke

In a dramatic display, the fatally ill pope silently delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" Easter blessing on Sunday. The appearance raises a question: why does the Vatican want the world to share in John Paul II's suffering?

Church Breaks Silence on "Da Vinci Code"

Rarely before have people read so much about Jesus. The religious thriller “The Da Vinci Code” has emerged as one of the most successful books of all time. Now, the Catholic Church is reluctantly taking a look at it.

Pope Following Easter Rites 'In Spirit'

A month after undergoing a throat operation to help him breathe, Pope John Paul II's battle with his frail health forced him to watch on television as cardinals began the most intense period of the Easter ceremonies.

Latin's Last Lover?

Long one of the last places to keep Latin alive, the Catholic Church's love-affair with the ancient tongue is fading. One of the last to speak the language there is a German cardinal who might soon become the next pope.

Italian EU Commissioner Rejected for Conservative Views

The Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament has rejected Italy's commissioner, Rocco Buttiglione, just weeks before taking office. Critics say his views on gays and women run contrary to those of the EU.

A Patron Saint for Politicians?

Who deserves to be a saint? The question is a source of great debate among Catholics. On Sunday, Charles I of Austria will be beatified at the Vatican, while an angry dispute erupts over his historic role at home.

Vatican Stirs Debate on Turkish EU Membership

Negative comments by a high-ranking cardinal in the Vatican about Turkish membership in the EU have once more stirred the already controversial debate.

Seminary Closed Amidst Pornography Scandal

A papal emissary conducting an investigation into suspected homosexuality and child pornography at an Austrian seminary has ordered its closure following revelations of sexual misconduct.

Vatican's "Sexorcist" Gags Scandal Bishop

The man chosen by the Vatican to investigate the St. Poelten sex scandal in Austria has ordered the local bishop not to speak to the media in a bid to halt the damage to the Catholic Church.

European Press Review: The Vatican Cleans House

European papers took aim at a variety of issues including the church sex scandal in Austria, the debate over longer working hours and the political dilemma facing Yasser Arafat.

Europe's Mini-States

Since its enlargement in May, the EU now spans across large parts of the continent. But a few tiny white spots remain on the map: Miniature states and territories, most of which have remained independent for centuries.

Armored Easter in Rome

As pilgrims descend on Rome to celebrate Easter in the heart of the Catholic Church, security concerns are taking priority. Anti-terror experts have been warning for months the city could now be a target for attacks.

German Press Review: Specter of Vietnam Haunts U.S.

Most German papers weren't published Friday due to the Good Friday holiday. Editorialists who did get printed weighed in on the unrest in Iraq, terrorism fears at the Vatican and Germany's unpopular central bank chief.

German Woman Picked for Vatican Commission

Pope Celebrates 25 Years as Pontiff

The pope celebrates 25 years at the helm of the Catholic Church on Thursday. His supporters point to his triumphs, while his critics point to his weaknesses. Meanwhile, the ailing pope powers on into the next century.

Gay Groups Blast “Cardinal Mistake” to Fight Love

The Vatican has slammed same-sex unions as "deviant" and a threat to society in a controversial document. The move has been stridently decried by gay rights activists and campaigners across Europe.

European Press Review: The Vatican Defiant

Criticism was the order of the day on European op-ed pages after the Holy See urged Catholic lawmakers to oppose legalizing gay marriages.

Vatican Opens Files From Start of Nazi Period

In an effort to address critics who say the church didn't do enough to stop the horrors of the Holocaust, the Vatican is opening its archives from 1922 to 1939.

Vatican to Open Files From Start of Nazi Period

Starting in February, scholars will be offered access to files that document the Vatican's relationship to Germany in the early years of the Hitler regime.

US Cardinals in Rome for Paedophilia Talks

American Cardinals have come to the Vatican for two days of talks with the Pope in the wake of the U.S. sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the Catholic church.

Clouds over Easter in the Vatican

Violence in the Middle East, sex scandals in the Catholic Church and the Pope's frail health cast a shadow over this year's Easter celebrations in the Vatican.

Eur’o ld Curiosity Shop

The brouhaha began on Wednesday. Pranksters had ideas for making a fast buck. Polish mathematicians worked out that euros usually land heads up. And the Vatican had problems making them appear at all.