The Francis Effect
The vast majority of American Catholics approve of the direction the pope is leading their church - but will it draw them back to an institution slow to change?
Catholic Church
CBS News/NYT poll: Majority of U.S. Catholics positive about Church
But most would like to see more reform of Vatican doctrine
Pope's new cardinal appointments reflect future Catholic Church
Pope Francis welcomed 19 new cardinals at a ceremony known as a consistor. Traditionally, cardinals were mostly from the developed world. This time, there are four Latin Americans, two Asians and two Africans
How Pope Francis has changed the rules of annulment
From December, Catholic couples who decide to break a marriage will find it easier to stay in the church's good graces
Breaking up is hard to do, but easier soon for Catholics
In ongoing quest to level platform for Catholics of all socioeconomic levels, Pope Francis to make annulling marriage cheaper, easier
Pope calls on Europe's Catholics to shelter refugees
As desperate but grateful migrants flood into Germany and Austria, Francis says each parish on the continent should shelter one family
Silence for ex-Vatican diplomat at his funeral
Jozef Wesolowski went on trial in a Holy See courtroom not long before he died on child sexual abuse charges
Supporters make sainthood case for legendary Old West nun
Sister Blandina Segale was an unsung heroine of the frontier and now supporters push for her to be canonized
Pope weighs in on divorced Catholics who remarry
Francis' emphasis on mercy in church leadership has raised hope among many such Catholics that he might lift Communion ban
Poll: Pope Francis' approval rating drops in U.S.
Though still viewed favorably among Americans, pontiff's image has declined since early 2014; conservative cleric faults confusion over Vatican's stance on social issues
Archbishop: School that fired gay teacher showed "common sense"
Philadelphia teacher says she lost her job at a Catholic school even though she told the school about her same-sex marriage when she was hired
Boy Scouts move closer to ending ban on gay adult leaders
Executive committee for Boy Scouts of America approved a resolution that would end the organizations ban and become official policy if ratified
Pope urges Paraguay to seek peace, equality and justice
On last full day of tour, Francis pleads for rapid, "distinct and clear justice" to be administered in Latin America and beyond
Pope Francis visits notorious prison in Bolivia
Before journeying on to Paraguay, Francis urges inmates at overcrowded and violent Palmasola prison not to despair
Fierce opposition from religious groups stalls California right-to-die bill
Catholics in the Los Angeles area are opposed to bill that would allow terminally ill patients to legally end their lives
Pope Francis draws hundreds of thousands in Ecuador
On three-nation South American tour, Latin America's first pope returns to his home soil for a Mass dedicated to the family
Pope to shine light on South America's poorest corners
His stance capitalism may give some pause, but to some people awaiting his visit, Pope Francis is already a miracle-maker
Catholics urged "not to attend same-sex marriages"
Catholic leaders issue responses to Supreme Court's reversal of bans on same-sex marriages
Anti-nuclear activist nun, 84, likely to remain free
Sister Megan Rice and two other Catholic peace activists were convicted in 2013 of sabotage for breaking into and vandalizing the Oak Ridge, Tennessee, bunker that stores much of the nation's bomb-grade uranium
Rock star pope
Pope Francis has made waves with his acts of humility, bold statements and strong action on a number of controversial issues, like global warming, homosexuality and abortion
Jeb Bush backs away from criticism of the pope
The Republican presidential candidate is at odds with an upcoming papal statement on climate change
Archbishop of St. Paul resigns over church sex scandal
Pope Francis accepts resignations of Archbishop John Nienstedt and his deputy amid charges archdiocese turned "blind eye" to abuse
Pope urges Bosnians to put "barbarity" behind them
"Make peace. Work for peace. All together, so that this can be a country of peace," pontiff tells nation still healing from war
Minn. church charged over handling of sex abuse claims
Leaders of St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese accused of failing to immediately report allegations of abuse by a priest now in prison
Vatican: Irish marriage vote a "defeat for humanity"
Predominantly Catholic nation held a public referendum on same-sex marriage, and the result has left the Catholic Church disappointed
Live
Iran fires on ships in Strait of Hormuz as it closes the critical chokepoint again
Iran swiftly reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. said the move would not end its blockade.
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Lawyer who led effort to overturn 2020 election will oversee probe of ex-CIA director
Joseph DiGenova, a conservative attorney, is being tapped by the U.S. Justice Department to lead an ongoing criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan.
How the dispute between Trump and Pope Leo escalated
President Trump has lobbed insults at Pope Leo XIV in response to his criticisms of the war in Iran, marking an unusually pronounced rupture between the leaders of the world's most powerful country and the world's largest Christian denomination.
Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
Trump signs short-term extension of surveillance law passed by Congress
President Trump's signing comes after Congress passed a 10-day extension for the controversial warrantless surveillance law.
Exclusive
CBS News took a boat into the Strait of Hormuz. Here's what we saw.
Reporters from CBS News carefully arranged a risky trip into the Strait of Hormuz. Here's what they saw.
Midwest, Great Lakes brace for more severe storms
Severe thunderstorms were forecast across the Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes on Saturday.
2 soldiers attacked by bear during training at Army base in Alaska
Two soldiers from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, were injured in a brown bear attack on Friday during a training session.
U.S.
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Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
2 soldiers attacked by bear during training at Army base in Alaska
Two soldiers from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, were injured in a brown bear attack on Friday during a training session.
Record U.S. drought sparks fears about wildfires, water and food prices
Meteorologists said the drought is a bad sign for the upcoming wildfire season, food prices and existing water issues.
U.K. man pleads guilty to hacking scheme that stole $8 million
Tyler Robert Buchanan, 24, of Scotland, pleaded guilty in California federal court.
Midwest, Great Lakes brace for more severe storms
Severe thunderstorms were forecast across the Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes on Saturday.
MoneyWatch
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Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
The deal, approved by the FCC, would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Airlines cut routes in response to rising jet fuel costs amid Iran war
Rising jet fuel prices are forcing airlines to cut routes and trim schedules.
Oil prices plummet after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is "completely open"
Prices dropped after Iran's foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Here's who is spending money on AI subscriptions, and how much they cost
Households are starting to make room in their budgets for spending on generative AI subscriptions, new data shows.
Ford recalls nearly 1.4 million pickup trucks due to gearshift issue
The recall affects F-150 vehicles quipped with a six-speed automatic transmission produced between March 12, 2014, and Aug. 18, 2017, according to NHTSA.
Politics
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Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
Lawyer who led effort to overturn 2020 election will oversee probe of ex-CIA director
Joseph DiGenova, a conservative attorney, is being tapped by the U.S. Justice Department to lead an ongoing criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan.
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Appeals court allows all White House ballroom construction to resume
An order earlier this week blocked most above-ground construction on the project.
Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
The deal, approved by the FCC, would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
HealthWatch
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Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
Trump announces he's nominating Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director
CBS News reported Wednesday that Dr. Erica Schwartz was emerging as the president's top pick for the role.
World
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Life jacket worn by Titanic passenger who survived auctioned for $900,000
The item is believed to be one of only a handful of Titanic life jackets still in existence, the auction house said.
6 killed after gunman opens fire in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say
The head of Ukraine's Interior Ministry said the gunman took hostages and spoke to negotiators for 40 minutes before he was shot dead.
Over 1,000 bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup
Mexico City and Guadalajara are preparing to host World Cup games in June, with protesters denouncing the government's failure to properly investigate the disappearances.
Former chef facing 14 murder charges to plead guilty to aiding suicide
Abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, according to the Canadian Criminal Code.
U.K. police probe arson attack on building formerly housing Jewish charity
There were no injuries reported in connection with the attack, police said Saturday.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Breaking down the unlikely rise of the PWHL
New York Sirens captain Micah Zandee-Hart and Professional Women's Hockey League executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the league's recent increase in popularity.
"Schmigadoon!" prepares for Broadway debut
Cinco Paul, the screenwriter behind hit movies like the "Despicable Me" series and "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!", sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his latest project: adapting the hit Apple TV+ series "Schmigadoon!" for Broadway.
The Lone Bellow performs "You Were Leaving"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "You Were Leaving."
The Lone Bellow performs "No Getting Over You"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "No Getting Over You."
The Lone Bellow performs "I Did It For Love"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "I Did It For Love."
Technology
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Technology
Experts have warning for AI-generated podcasts
Millions of Americans get health information from podcasts. Now, some medical experts are warning about the harmful impacts of misinformation on these programs. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder has more.
AI "agents" can do your shopping. Should you let them?
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
Key takeaways on Anthropic's new AI model
More concerns are emerging about Anthropic's new Mythos AI model. Matt Shumer, a former AI company founder and CEO, joins CBS News with more details.
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
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Over 1,000 bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup
Mexico City and Guadalajara are preparing to host World Cup games in June, with protesters denouncing the government's failure to properly investigate the disappearances.
Former chef facing 14 murder charges to plead guilty to aiding suicide
Abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, according to the Canadian Criminal Code.
U.K. man pleads guilty to hacking scheme that stole $8 million
Tyler Robert Buchanan, 24, of Scotland, pleaded guilty in California federal court.
What we know about d4vd's arrest
David Burke, a singer who performs under the name d4vd, is behind bars on suspicion of murder. He was arrested after the body of a 14-year-old girl was found in the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025. Matt Gutman reports.
500 pounds of liquid meth found after Fort Worth crash; 2 dead
Two people were found dead when a minivan carrying nearly 500 pounds of liquid meth worth up to $3 million crashed in a Fort Worth neighborhood.
Space
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Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Dish: Tokyo Record Bar
Tokyo Record Bar is nestled in New York City's Greenwich Village near iconic jazz bars like The Blue Note—and for good reason. At the tiny eatery, diners enjoy a prix-fixe menu and get to choose their own music.
Breaking down the unlikely rise of the PWHL
New York Sirens captain Micah Zandee-Hart and Professional Women's Hockey League executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the league's recent increase in popularity.
Watch: Trump signs latest executive order
President Trump signed an executive order Saturday that eases restrictions on the research of the psychedelics including the drug ibogaine, which is used in some countries to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
"Schmigadoon!" prepares for Broadway debut
Cinco Paul, the screenwriter behind hit movies like the "Despicable Me" series and "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!", sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his latest project: adapting the hit Apple TV+ series "Schmigadoon!" for Broadway.
Apollo 16 astronaut reflects on NASA's impact
Charles Duke, a former NASA astronaut and Air Force officer who became the youngest person to walk on the moon during the 1972 Apollo 16 mission, sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to reflect on U.S. space exploration amid the recent Artemis II moon mission.