Fifty years ago encyclical laid down terms of church’s ban on artifical contraception

Pope Francis approves the elevation of the Salvadoran human rights icon to sainthood

Rite&Reason: Vatican control of worship has roots in Roman imperial government

Late pontiff best known for endorsing church’s prohibition on artificial birth control

First miracle took place in California in the 90s while second took place in Italy in 2014

Missal used at Mass described as sexist, archaic, elitist by priest group

Thousands gather to mark one-year countdown to World Meeting of Families in Dublin

Obituary: Archbishop Thomas White – Born: August 12th, 1931 – Died: May 7th, 2017

Pope’s encyclical challenged trickle-down theory and warned of uneven growth

Only 3 per cent of sexually active Irish people use a natural method of family planning

Fall in Mass attendance indicates inclusivity, a foundation stone of Christianity, is waning

ACI also calls on bishops in Ireland to make their views known to Pope Francis

Dease received honour for his bravery in maintaining his post despite being wounded

Let us not confuse the act of avoiding pregnancy with abortion, says Argentinian pope

Avoiding pregnancy may be ‘lesser evil’ in certain circumstances

Catholic leaders in Latin America, wary of fearful climate, reiterate birth control stance

It’s a difficult thing to hand on what you haven’t necessarily got in the first place

Former president worried by congregation’s move to challenge Pope Francis’s will

Taught poor youngsters ‘with gentleness and kindness rather than with physical force’

Event commemorates saint born 500 years ago, relic to arrive in Galway on Saturday

The journey reveals to pilgrims the magnificent cultural heritage of the real Spain

Climate change represents one of main ‘challenges facing humanity’

At end of visit to Turkey Pope Francis criticises Islamophobia as well as fundamentalist terrorism

Concluding Relatio Synodi document is part of a longer, three-year journey

Pontiff holds Mass to formally close Synod on the Family

Final document says there is no comparison between ‘God’s design’ and same sex marriage

Address to bishops in Rome lays down practical ways to deal with marriage breakdown

Emphasis on Church’s dogmatic teaching means change in rules inconceivable

Opinion: Not too late to invite a broader spectrum of views

Man who inspired Argentina’s 1986 World Cup win meets countryman before ‘Match Of Peace’

Pope Francis renews appeal for an end to the conflict

‘He will not bring about any dramatic changes in church teaching’

Allegations against Legionaries of Christ founder ignored, documentary reveals

Opinion: the cradle of the Catholic Church is a constitutional wraith and a scam

Pontiff will visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem in the West Bank and also Amman in Jordan

The church is “not a small chapel that can hold only a small group of selected people”

Leader explains how he chose the name Francis in a lively audience with the media

Lone blue and white striped flag easily spotted in crowded sea of expectation in rapidly-filled St Peter’s Square