Catholic Church

On the eve of the conclave to elect a new pope, some of the biggest questions hanging in the air have to do with LGBTQ Catholics. Will the church continue the path of outreach charted by Pope Francis, softening its harsh positions? Will it allow LGBTQ Catholics to fully participate in the church?

Only 135 of 260 cardinals, or those under age 80, will vote for the next pope in a Vatican City conclave expected to begin on May 6 or soon after.

Pope Francis has declared 2025 to be a Jubilee year for the Catholic Church. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Claire Giangravé from the Religion News Service about the tradition.

The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, known as a group within the Catholic Church that oversees matters relating to religious orders, issued a decree of suppression to the monastery Nov. 28.

The Catholic Church has approved for canonization its first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis. Known as God's Influencer, Acutis represents a new way to view sainthood in the modern era.

Now that Pope Francis has OK'd priests blessing same-sex couples, LGBTQ+ Catholics are figuring out how to ask for these blessings and whether they want them.

The Vatican has removed from office an outspoken, conservative bishop in Texas who's been openly critical of Pope Francis's reforms in the Catholic Church.

Catholic leaders are beginning a month-long meeting to discuss the church's relationship to laity. Among the topics: women in ministry and being more welcoming of divorced and LGBTQ+ Catholics.

Pope Francis suggests the Catholic church might accept same-sex partnerships as officials assemble in Rome for a synod. NPR's Leila Fadel talks to Kate McElwee of the Women's Ordination Conference.

NPR's Leila Fadel talks to Heidi Schlumpf of the National Catholic Reporter, about Pope Francis's reform agenda, and the impact of encouraging young parishioners to "shake things up."