World News
German churches act as buffer for refugees with sanctuary program
Church asylum in Germany is providing temporary protection for some 600 refugees currently who do not have a legal residence, in effect placing the church between the refugees and the public authorities and safeguarding them until their legal cases can be heard.
Mexican security law stokes disquiet among Catholic human rights groups
Some clergy and Catholic human rights organizations warn the use of the armed forces has failed to calm the country and new provisions could provide a pretense for cracking down on peaceful protests.
Archbishop: Israelis, Palestinians must agree before Jerusalem changes
The status quo of Jerusalem should remain as is until an agreement about the holy city is reached by Palestinians and Israelis, said Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Cardinal Law, whose legacy was marred by sex abuse scandal, dies
Cardinal Bernard Law, who had been one of the most respected bishops until his legacy was blemished by the devastating sexual abuse of minors by priests in his Archdiocese of Boston, died Dec. 20 at age 86.
Pope meets Jordan’s king amid rising tensions in Jerusalem
Pope Francis met with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the Vatican, two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital provoked outrage in the Middle East.
Pope to visit hometown, shrine of St. Pio in March
He will arrive in Padre Pio's hometown early in the morning, pray in the little Chapel of the Stigmata in Piana Romana, a neighborhood just outside the town, and address a gathering of the townspeople before visiting the Capuchin community.
Pope puts founder of Rosary Crusade one step closer toward sainthood
Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton and St. John Paul II's mentor, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski.
Vatican releases new instruction on authenticating, protecting relics
Only relics that have been certified as authentic can be exposed for veneration by the faithful, said a new Vatican instruction.
As pope turns 81, kids entertain with song, dance and 13-foot pizza
A group of children receiving assistance from the Vatican's St. Martha Dispensary, a maternal and pediatric clinic, had given the pope a birthday party Dec. 17 marked with singing, dancing and a cake adorned with gold and white fondant decorations.
Press must be factual, free from manipulation, pope says
People need factual and trustworthy news that avoids sensationalism and whipping up heated reactions, Pope Francis said.