POPE FRANCIS Archives - KVRR Local News

Fargo’s Catholic bishop says immigration was a ‘hallmark’ of Pope Francis

Pope Francis died Monday following a lengthy battle with health issues. He was 88.

April 21, 2025

Jim Monk,

FARGO (KVRR) – Diocese of Fargo Bishop John Folda says the plight of immigrants is among the most prominent issues Pope Francis will be remembered for. Pope Francis died Monday following a lengthy battle with health issues. He was 88. “”There’s no question that he has certainly given a lot of attention to the plight of immigrants and the homeless…

Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88

April 21, 2025

KVRR Staff,

FILE – Pope Francis speaks during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican, on Oct. 18, 2023. Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document released Monday Dec. 18, 2023 explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject…

Pope Francis in critical condition with early kidney failure but remains alert as prayers pour in

February 23, 2025

kvrr-apiuser,

Candles are seen near pictures of Pope Francis outside the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, where the Pontiff is hospitalized since Feb. 14. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)ROME (AP) — Pope Francis remained in critical condition Sunday and blood tests showed early kidney failure but he remains alert, responsive and attended Mass, the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old…

Former North Dakota Priest Relieved Of His Duties By Pope Francis

March 10, 2024

KVRR Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Former North Dakota priest Neil Pfiefer has been relieved of his priestly duties. It’s a decision that was made by Pope Francis according to the Fargo Diocese. Pfiefer pleaded guilty to sexual assault last July in Stutsman County. He faced similar charges in Logan County, but those were later dropped. As a result of the Pope’s…

Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples

December 18, 2023

KVRR Staff,

FILE – Pope Francis speaks during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican, on Oct. 18, 2023. Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document released Monday Dec. 18, 2023 explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject…

Bishop removed by pope agrees not to return to Crookston Diocese

March 7, 2022

Jim Monk,

CROOKSTON, Minn. (KVRR) – Former Diocese of Crookston Bishop Michael Hoeppner, who had wanted to continue working in the diocese following his resignation last year, will not be allowed to return. Bishop Andrew Cozzens made the announcement in a letter to the Diocese Monday. “When he was departing the Diocese of Crookston last April, Bishop Hoeppner publicly stated that he…

Diocese of Crookston Bishop removed by Pope

April 13, 2021

Site Staff,

CROOKSTON, MINN. (KVRR) – Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael Hoeppner of the Diocese of Crookston. Hoeppner is facing allegations of covering up sexual abuse claims. The Diocese released a statement saying, “Bishop Hoeppner’s resignation arose from reports that he had at times failed to observe applicable norms when presented with allegations of sexual abuse involving clergy of…

Fargo Bishop says new Vatican statement reaffirms same-sex union decree

March 15, 2021

Jim Monk,

Bishop John FoldaFARGO (KVRR) – Diocese of Fargo Bishop John Folda says a recent statement from Pope Francis about same-sex unions reaffirms the Church’s teaching that “marriage is a union of one man and one woman.” The Vatican issued a formal response Monday to a question about whether Catholic clergy can bless gay unions. The answer, contained in a two-page…

Pope Francis Appoints North Dakota Native Bishop of the Diocese of Helena

Father Vetter is only the second Diocese of Bismarck priest to be named bishop, the first native of North Dakota

October 8, 2019

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — Pope Francis has appointed Father Austin Vetter of the Diocese of Bismarck as the Bishop of the Diocese of Helena, the Catholic diocese for western Montana. The appointment was announced in Rome and at a news conference in Bismarck. Father Vetter is only the second Diocese of Bismarck priest to be named bishop, the first native of…

Pope Francis to Ban Sales of Cigarettes in Vatican City, Despite $11 Million in Profits

Pope Francis says he "cannot contribute to an activity that clearly damages the health of people."

November 9, 2017

,

VATICAN CITY — It may bring in $11 million in profit for the Vatican, but Pope Francis is just saying “no” when it comes to the sales of cigarettes. The Holy See Press Offices says the Pope’s decision was based on the World Health Organization’s data that states smoking causes more than seven million deaths a year around the…