World News

Minister general: Pilgrims imitate Franciscans’ Holy Land hospitality

Pilgrims from many countries talk of the gratitude they felt for the way the Franciscans welcomed them and guided them, offering them an opportunity to meet Jesus, to meet the living God, giving real witness to their Christian faith.

Ukrainian bishop sees ‘real chance of peace’ in country’s crisis

The Catholic bishop responsible for eastern Ukraine has backed calls for the deployment of international peacekeepers and praised "pressure from below" to end the nearly four-year war.

Italian priest kidnapped in Nigeria freed

Although kidnappings for ransom are common in the area, Father Pallu said he was unaware of any payment made to the attackers and believes that "God softened the hearts of my kidnappers."

Faith brings hope even at moment of death, pope says

While all men and women are "small and helpless in front of the mystery of death," Jesus' victory over death assures Christians of the joy of the resurrection, the pope said Oct. 18 during his weekly general audience.

Pope condemns deadly terrorist attack in Somalia

Pope Francis prayed for the victims of a terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, that left hundreds dead and countless wounded in one of the deadliest attacks in the country's history.

Vatican asks Indonesian bishop to repay funds he allegedly stole

Pope Francis approved the resignation of the 58-year-old bishop following the investigation into allegations that he secretly borrowed $94,000 from the Indonesian bishops' conference and $30,000 from the diocese, without providing an accountability report.

Franciscans in Holy Land sow peace, fraternity, respect, pope says

Marking the 800th anniversary of the order's presence at the places where Jesus was born, lived and died, the pope sent a letter to the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, an administratively autonomous province of the Franciscan order.

Respect, don’t just tolerate other religions, Vatican officials say

Peace and harmony will not result from members of different religions simply tolerating each other; respect and appreciation of customs and cultural diversity is required, top Vatican officials said in a message to the world's Hindus.

Pope on interviews: Church must listen, respond to people’s questions

Replying to questions and giving interviews are a "pastoral risk" Pope Francis said he is prepared to take, because it is the best way to know and respond to people's real concerns.

True dialogue respects deeply held beliefs of others, say speakers

Genuine intercultural and interreligious dialogue is based on personal, practical encounters that acknowledge and respect the deeply held beliefs of others, according to speakers at an Oct. 13 United Nations panel.