World News
Help defend democracy, vote for governors, say Venezuelan bishops
Venezuelans will elect governors for all 23 states Oct. 15. Divisions remain among government critics regarding the process; many advocated continuing street protests against the government instead of participating in the election.
Canon law must serve Vatican II vision of the church, pope says
The Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law is an instrument that must serve the church's pastoral mission of bringing God's mercy to all and leading them to salvation, Pope Francis said.
Legionaries pledge renewal as former rector admits fathering children
Legionaries Father Oscar Turrion -- who served as rector of the order's seminary in Rome -- informed his superiors of "his intention to leave priestly ministry" in light of the recent revelations.
Pope to honor fallen soldiers at American cemetery near Rome
The Vatican announced Oct. 6 that the pope will celebrate the feast of All Souls' Day, Nov. 2, at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, 45 miles south of Rome.
Mali church leader voices alarm over insurgent attacks on parishes
Tensions were running high in September and early October in Mali's central Mopti region after several Catholic churches were ransacked and torched, forcing parishioners to flee.
Facebook, Microsoft try to keep up with vast scale of online abuse
Two giants in the digital world presented some key ways they are trying to keep up with the vast scale and increasing sophistication of the abuse and exploitation of minors online.
Eliminating any difference between sexes ‘is not right,’ pope says
While societies must find a way to overcome the subjugation of women, pretending there are no differences between men and women or even using technology to change a person's sex is not the answer, Pope Francis said.
Tolerance only way to ensure survival of church in China, Jesuit says
China is a communist nation and there is little chance that will change soon, so in order to survive, the Catholic Church must be realistic and seek a stance of mutual tolerance with the government, said a 90-year-old Chinese Jesuit priest.
Service vs. selfishness: Pope preaches potential of ‘noble’ politics
Pope Francis had been lecturing about politics lately, reminding people that it is a noble calling, but one that may require a politician to compromise or set aside some of his or her goals for the good of their whole community, entire nation or even the world.
Kids need everyone to fight online abuse, exploitation, speakers say
With the enormous scale and devastating effects of child exploitation and abuse online, including exposure to pornography, the world must act to protect children at all costs, speakers at a world congress said.