World News
Flying to Colombia, pope asks prayers for Venezuela
UPDATED - Flying to Colombia, with a flight plan changed to avoid Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean Sea, Pope Francis told reporters that Colombia and its neighbor, Venezuela, were in his prayers.
More than 1,000 Catholics ask church to seek pardon for role in conflict
Armed conflict in Colombia over the past five decades has claimed more than 200,000 lives and left millions of victims. Pope Francis arrives in the country Sept. 6 for a five-day trip to promote peace and reconciliation, along with raising the plight of victims.
New data from Britain: 53 percent of adults say they have ‘no religion’
The survey found that 15 percent of people in Britain consider themselves to be Anglican, compared to about 30 percent in 2000. The proportion of people who say they are Catholic has remained consistent, however, at about 10 percent for the past three decades.
Despite peace accords, Colombian victims say indignities continue
During his five-day trip to Colombia starting Sept. 6, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass with 6,000 victims of violence. Five decades of conflict in the country has left 220,000 dead, 7 million displaced people and millions of casualties.
Break mirror of narcissistic culture, pope tells Shalom community
Today's narcissistic culture leads to sad souls who worry more about keeping up appearances than caring for others, Pope Francis said.
Be the first to love, to build bridges, pope tells Colombians
Colombia's transition to a just and lasting peace requires a commitment on behalf of all the nation's people to taking the first step toward reconciliation, Pope Francis said in a video message.
Vatican: Lack of legal, safe channels for migration helps traffickers
Many people become more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation when safe, legal and affordable opportunities for immigration or asylum are lacking, a Vatican official told global leaders.
Pope offers prayers for flood victims in U.S., southern Asia
Hundreds of thousands were displaced in Texas and Louisiana after Hurricane Harvey made landfall Aug. 26. In the same week, floods and landslides in southern Asia killed more than 1,000 people and affected an estimated 41 million people, the United Nations reported.
Work against fear and hatred, pope tells South Korean religious leaders
The day before North Korea detonated what it said was a hydrogen bomb, Pope Francis urged religious leaders from South Korea to be "heralds of peace ... embodying a nonviolent style.... The world is looking to us."
Ottawa hospital disaster team ready with spiritual care
Whether it's a train crash, a building collapse or a pandemic, Ottawa Hospital is ready to provide spiritual help through a team of volunteers for those affected.