World News
Complex world needs clear essentials of Gospel, pope tells theologians
In an increasingly complex world of unprecedented scientific and technological challenges, theologians must communicate what is essential about life and help Christians proclaim God's merciful, saving grace, Pope Francis said.
Vatican agency says at least 23 church workers killed in 2017
The majority of Catholic Church workers violently killed in 2017 were victims of attempted robberies, the Vatican's Fides agency said, with Nigeria and Mexico topping the list countries where the most brutal murders were carried out.
Christians, Muslims join for Christmas Mass in liberated Mosul
Cries of joy and seasonal hymns once again filled St. Paul Cathedral in Mosul as Christmas Mass was celebrated there for the first time in three and a half years, following the northern Iraqi city's liberation from Islamic State militants.
Pope prays for world’s suffering children on Christmas
Those who recognize the Lord in the baby Jesus in the manger also should recognize his presence in children suffering today because of war, poverty and immigration, Pope Francis said.
Christmas proclaims hope, charity where fear reigns, pope says
Christmas calls believers to see God's presence where he is often perceived as absent, especially in the "unwelcomed visitor, often unrecognizable, who walks through our cities and our neighborhoods, who travels on our buses and knocks on our doors," Pope Francis said.
Gingrich formally begins service as U.S. ambassador to Holy See
Callista L. Gingrich presented her letters of credential to Pope Francis, formally assuming her duties as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.
Pope, Turkey’s president discuss status of Jerusalem
In a phone call, Pope Francis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly expressed satisfaction with the U.N. resolution Dec. 21 calling on the United States to rescind its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Pope’s New Year priorities: Refugees, youths, trips, more Curia reform
A focus on the rights and needs of migrants and refugees and a Synod of Bishops dedicated to young people all are on queued up for Pope Francis, who will begin the fifth year of his pontificate in March.
Chaldean archbishop: Iraqi Christians fear another wave of persecution
Despite the defeat of Islamic State by Iraqi troops, a Catholic archbishop from southern Iraq said, "The daily practice of robberies, gang rapes, torture and murder of Christians is ongoing." He fears "the end of Christians" there.
Look inward, not at a mirror, pope tells Japanese university students
Spending too much time looking in the mirror makes men and women conceited and focused on how their appearance, rather than their behavior, affects others, Pope Francis said.