World News
Pope canonizes seven saints who ‘fought the good fight of faith’
Each one "struggled to the very end with all their strength," which they received through perseverance and prayer, the pope said Oct. 16 at a canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square.
Young martyr a symbol of hope for Mexico’s priests, official says
The martyrdom of St. Jose Sanchez del Rio, who died in 1928 during a government crackdown on Catholics, takes on a new meaning today amid violence in Mexico.
Promote culture of life, inclusion, hope, pope tells grandparents
In a world that glorifies physical strength and appearances, grandparents must uphold the values that really matter and bring hope and wisdom to younger generations, Pope Francis said.
Colombian bishops urge government, rebels to commit to cease-fire
Following a meeting Oct. 13-14, the bishops' conference said in a letter that it wanted to convey a sense of hope and encouragement to the country as it considers the next steps to establishing lasting peace.
Pope makes ‘Mercy Friday’ visit to home for children
Continuing his monthly Year of Mercy visits to people in particularly vulnerable situations, Pope Francis spent an afternoon Oct. 14 visiting group homes for children under 12 whose parents cannot care for them.
Catholics welcome release of 21 kidnapped Nigerian girls
The Oct. 13 release of 21 girls, who were among 276 kidnapped by Boko Haram from a school in 2014, was part of a deal brokered by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss and Nigerian governments.
Pope: Protect child migrants, refugees who face greater risk of abuse
"Children are the first among those to pay the heavy toll of emigration, almost always caused by violence, poverty, environmental conditions, as well as the negative aspects of globalization," he said.
Christians who reject all refugees are ‘hypocrites,’ pope says
Pope Francis said he does not like "the contradiction of those who want to defend Christianity in the West, and, on the other hand, are against refugees and other religions."
Each Christian is a chosen child of God, pope says
Christians are not only chosen by God individually but are also unconditionally loved and forgiven by him, no matter how often they have strayed, Pope Francis said.
Pakistani archbishop says Christians fight persecution with dialogue
He said he hoped such dialogue would result in the mitigation of the country's severe blasphemy laws, which have led to the lynching and jailing of increasing numbers of falsely accused Christians.