World News

Diplomat’s recall not unusual, but justice must be served, says expert

The recall of a Vatican diplomat suspected by U.S. authorities of having a connection with child pornography reflects normal international protocol, but the suspect must be put on trial and receive punishment if found guilty, said a key organizer of a world congress on child protection.

Spanish church urges dialogue after disputed Catalan referendum

Church leaders appealed for calm in Spain's autonomous Catalonia region after hundreds of people were detained by authorities and more than 800 others were injured during a disputed independence referendum.

Immigration, health care are also pro-life issues, archbishop says

Pro-life issues cannot be restricted solely to bioethical concerns but must encompass a broader definition that defends life in every aspect, said Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

Pope names Cardinal Burke a judge on Vatican supreme court

Pope Francis has named U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke a member of the Apostolic Signature, the church's supreme court, which the cardinal headed as prefect from 2008 to 2014.

Defend life, care for creation and give freely, pope says

Everyone, but especially young people, should have the "wonderful experience of giving" of their time and resources; giving open hearts and minds to brotherhood and sharing and is essential for building "the civilization of love," Pope Francis said.

Politicians must help people overcome fear of migrants, pope says

The fear "makes them feel they have the right to judge and to do so harshly and coldly, thinking they see clearly," the pope said. "But it's not true. One sees well only up close, which gives mercy."

Vatican diplomat also wanted in Canada on child porn charges

Police in Windsor, Ontario, issued a statement Sept. 28 saying, "A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued for Carlo Capella, a 50-year-old male, for the charges of: access(ing) child pornography, possess(ing) child pornography and distribut(ing) child pornography."

In Mexico, where churches don’t stand, people still pray

Of the 43 churches in one town, only 12 are deemed safe following a massive earthquake Sept. 19. People are going out of their way -- literally -- to worship in small chapels, in schools or outside.

Ontario girl’s dream to walk buoyed by Catholic community’s kindness

What began as a school project at Our Lady Help of Christians School in Richmond Hill, near Toronto, mushroomed into a community-wide fundraising effort that will give Athena Santos Roy the surgery she needs so she can walk.

People still have desire to know God, experience his mercy, pope says

While it may be more difficult to notice today, people are still thirsting for the Gospel message and for signs of God's love and mercy, Pope Francis said.