World News
Variety of Catholic rites in India is not threat to unity, pope says
Catholics in India have drawn support from and expressed their faith through the liturgies, traditions and spiritualities of three different rites; Pope Francis said it is time that all of them, no matter where they live in the country, have their own bishops.
Syriac Catholic bishops lament threat to presence in Middle East
Conflicts in Syria and Iraq, disturbances in the Holy Land and the tragedies of Christians in Egypt are forcing "displacement and uprooting from the land" among Christians, even as signs of stabilization are emerging.
Venezuelans with HIV make tough choices as medicine becomes scarce
The San Luis Home Foundation offers lodging to mothers and children with HIV who live outside of the capital and travel to the city for medical treatment.
Vatican bank launches legal action in Malta over major investment loss
The bank, formally known as the Institute for the Works of Religion, recently turned to judges in Malta to start civil action "against various third parties deemed liable of having caused significant damages" regarding "certain investment transactions in which it participated."
Pope recognizes martyrdom of Franciscans killed in Guatemala
Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of nine men and women, including a Franciscan priest who championed the land rights of farmers in Guatemala.
Vatican releases pope’s schedule for visit to Myanmar, Bangladesh
Pope Francis' trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh will offer moments to recognize each nation's struggle for independence, underline interreligious respect and encourage the local minority Catholic communities.
Poverty, violence hinder progress for many women, girls, says nuncio
Education is essential in enabling women in every country "to become dignified agents of their own development," said Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Vatican's permanent observer to the United Nations Oct. 6 at U.N. headquarters in New York.
Chaldean bishops urge perseverance, preserving identity
Chaldean Catholic bishops urged their people -- particularly those who have immigrated to other countries from their homelands -- to persevere and to hold onto their Chaldean faith and identity.
Spanish church leaders seek unity as Catalonia considers independence
Spanish Christians should follow the Gospel’s “calls not for fragmentation and division, but for unity and integration,” said a Spanish cardinal as politicians in Catalonia prepared to debate independence.
Australia’s top bishops visit Vatican for talks on restoring trust
The top leaders of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference and chair of the church's Truth, Justice and Healing Council met with Vatican officials to discuss issues emerging from national investigations into the abuse of minors.