World News
Catholic groups raise concerns that climate rulebook not ambitious enough
The final document that emerged from the 24th U.N. Conference of Parties, or COP24, in Katowice, Poland, outlines a careful balance among the needs and concerns of the most developed nations, emerging nations and poor countries whose inhabitants already are experiencing the effects of climate change.
Iraqi priest rebuilds church in war-torn Mosul, hopes faithful follow
Christians are cautiously returning to Mosul, the once-bustling Iraqi city that for three years was the capital of the caliphate established by the Islamic State group.
Death penalty is fruit of laws lacking humanity, mercy, pope says
The death penalty is an inhumane form of punishment that ignores the primacy of mercy in the name of justice, Pope Francis said.
True Christmas celebrates Jesus, who is tender, humble, pope says
With Christmas just over a week away, visitors came to St. Peter's Square with their Baby Jesus figurines for a traditional blessing by the pope.
Pope celebrates his birthday with clients of Vatican pediatric clinic
Dozens of children, their parents and the clinic volunteers anticipated Pope Francis' 82nd birthday, singing for him and giving him a large cake Dec. 16. His birthday was the next day.
Vatican Museums to launch full virtual tour to increase accessibility
In the technology support department at the Vatican Museums, Villanova University student Justin Myers is spending a semester creating virtual tours of galleries, part of a larger project to make the museums accessible to everyone.
Far from home, Israel’s foreign workers visit pop-up Christmas market
Filipinos, Russians, Colombians and other nonlocal Christians working in or near Tel Aviv enjoy the sights of the Christmas season, and a reminder of home, while living among their Jewish hosts.
Postwar orphans were victims of German clergy abuse
Hildesheim, an ornate medieval city founded by a son of Charlemagne, was bombed to ashes during World War II then became home to refugees. The current Catholic bishop is investigating a predecessor's abuse of children.
Education key to solving migration crisis, pope says
Educating young migrants will help them find "work in the future and participate as informed citizens," Pope Francis said, and adults can educate themselves to welcome migrants so they "do not meet indifference or, worse, intolerance."
English cardinal shocked to learn vicar sent two pedophiles to U.S.
Msgr. Daniel Leonard ordered a priest to tip off Father Samuel Penney that he was about to be arrested and to give him cash to flee to the United States. He also provided Father James Robinson with a good character reference so he could transfer to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.