World News
Catholics say Chinese bishop detained so he’ll miss first chrism Mass
Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin of Mindong in China's eastern Fujian province has not returned after being forced to pay a visit to the religious affairs bureau in Fuan April 7, local sources told ucanews.com.
Fatima seers are holy because of virtue, not visions, cardinal says
"It was the children's heroism in their lives, their life of prayer, their turning to God that was truly holy," Portuguese Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins said.
Most important and costliest medicine? Love, pope tells patients
A hospital must always carry out certain procedures and functions, but "there is the danger, the risk of forgetting the most important medicine only a family can give -- caresses," he said.
Pope to formally approve canonizations, including of Fatima seers
Pope Francis and cardinals present in Rome will formally approve the canonizations of two of the children who saw Mary in Fatima, a large group of Brazilian martyrs, three child martyrs from Mexico and two priests.
CNEWA head: Next few months will decide Christians’ fate in scarred Iraq
Msgr. John E. Kozar, international president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, cited several daunting challenges for Iraqi Christians who return to their country: infrastructure woes, burned- and bombed-out buildings, desecrated churches and security issues.
Bishop from South Sudan urges community leaders to condemn violence
As civilians are increasingly targeted in South Sudan's civil war, a bishop urged prominent community leaders to unequivocally condemn revenge killings, violence against civilians, and hate speech that ignites tribal sentiments.
Via Crucis: French woman’s meditations highlight victory of love
Pope Francis asked Anne-Marie Pelletier to share her reflections with the worldwide audience that follows the stations on the night of Good Friday. She is the first wife, mother and grandmother to author meditations for the papal service.
Franciscan superiors ask pope to allow brothers to be elected leaders
Father Michael Perry told Vatican Radio, "We left a letter as a formal request for a dispensation" from canon law requirements that in most religious orders with both priests and brothers only a priest can be elected to the top leadership offices.
Pope gives youths three missions before synod, World Youth Day
Pope Francis gave young people several missions: to ask their grandparents what their dreams were; to work to make those dreams reality; and to let their bishops and the pope himself know what they need from the church.
Pope: Scientists must defend creation from distorted use of biotech
The responsible use of the "enormous and growing" power of science is a "fundamental cornerstone" of humankind's actions in promoting the development of plant, animal and human life, the pope said.