World News
Spanish prelates urge unity; some Catalonian Catholics advocate self-rule
Spanish church leaders reiterated support for their country's unity as the Madrid government imposed direct control over Catalonia.
Assisting victims of war is a work of mercy, pope says
Members of the military and of humanitarian agencies who risk their lives to save others or to alleviate their suffering are precisely those for whom Jesus will say, "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me," Pope Francis said.
On contraception, church must continue to defend life, cardinal says
Inaugurating a conference anticipating the 50th anniversary of Blessed Paul VI's encyclical "Humanae Vitae," German Cardinal Walter Brandmuller told participants that in ignoring traditional church teaching men and women today have seated themselves "on the throne of the Creator."
Philippine Christian leaders join to help rebuild Muslim-majority city
The historically peaceful city is located on central Mindanao Island, a restive part of the country, which for decades experienced insurgency from Muslim rebel groups seeking autonomy.
Christians have duty to revitalize, change world with hope, pope says
The joyful hope that flows from faith can change the world, which is why Christians have a crucial part to play in revitalizing Europe, Pope Francis said.
Haley visits Congolese bishops, urges them to help end election deadlock
Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador the United Nations, praised Congo's bishops for their efforts for peace and democracy in the embattled country.
Kenya’s low voter turnout threatens credibility of presidential election
Kenya's low voter turnout in its Oct. 26 election re-run threatened continuing questions about an expected win by incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta, as pockets of opposition violence continued.
European church leaders: Populist fervor doesn’t present whole truth
Healthy patriotism is different from nationalist, populist fervor that manipulates people for political ends, said two top church leaders.
Caribbean church leaders campaign for debt relief after hurricanes
Bishop Malzaire's position is simple: Small governments trying to recover after disasters should spend their limited resources on rebuilding schools, hospitals, roads and homes. Repaying lenders should be put on hold.
Children in hurricane-hit Texas, Puerto Rico ask pope, Why?
In a video chat, Pope Francis told children there are no easy answers to the destruction wrought by hurricanes. While such disasters happen naturally, humankind must also take responsibility for not caring for the environment.