World News
Priest: Brazil’s prison system ‘factory of torture that creates monsters’
Father Valdir Joao Silveira said if the prisons had animals instead of inmates, there would be international animal protection agencies campaigning against the cruelty and pressuring local, state and federal governments in Brazil for change.
Pope: Jesus amazed because he was humble, helpful, not a hypocrite
"Jesus wasn't allergic to people. Touching lepers, the sick did not disgust him," whereas the Pharisees -- who strolled around in fine clothes -- looked down on the people and considered them ignorant, he said.
Mexican church calls for calm amid gas-price protests
Senior clergy also called for federal officials to show sensitivity toward the plight of millions of poor and middle-class Mexicans, struggling to make ends meet, as the higher prices for gasoline could increase costs for basics such as food and transportation.
Pope asks for warm hearts to help homeless deal with the cold
"In these very cold days, I think and I invite you to think of the people who live on the streets, struck by the cold and, many times, by indifference," Pope Francis told people in St. Peter's Square Jan. 8.
Doctrinal chief dismisses idea of ‘fraternal correction’ of pope
Pope Francis does not need to be disciplined because he has not put the faith and church teaching in danger with his document on marriage, said a top Vatican cardinal. An American cardinal has written critically of the pope.
Pope to diplomats: Break bad habits of war, injustice
The pope said that religions are "called to promote peace" and appealed to "all religious authorities to join in reaffirming unequivocally that one can never kill in God's name."
Guard the faith and make it grow, pope tells parents at baptism
As Pope Francis christened 28 infants, he encouraged new mothers to breastfeed their babies during Mass. He also urged parents to become true witnesses of their faith by example. Watch a video of the Mass.
Manila Archdiocese to build drug rehab center modeled on Brazil facility
Father Anton Pascual, head of the social services ministry of the archdiocese, said the church will offer those who have succumbed to drugs "a new life, a home that will welcome them, regardless of their past."
Magi’s journey reflects our longing for God, pope says on Epiphany
The Magi had the courage to set out on a journey in the hope of finding something new, unlike Herod who was full of himself and unwilling to change his ways, Pope Francis said.
Pope: Vocations require prayers, open doors, big hearts, busy hands
While God is the one calling people to a vocation, clergy and religious have to cooperate by being inspirational role models, keeping their doors open and giving restless young people constructive things to do, Pope Francis said.