World News
Philippine bishops issue letter on police killing of suspected criminals
"Suspicion is never the moral equivalent of certainty, and punishment may be inflicted only on the ground of certainty."
Death penalty fosters revenge, not justice, pope says
"The commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' has absolute value and applies both to the innocent and to the guilty," Pope Francis told advocates opposing capital punishment, which he called "a form of torture."
Tourists must blow whistle on trafficking during Olympics, religious say
"Play for Life" invites tourists, residents and visitors "to take a stand, not to submit passively to the arrogance of those who want to manipulate and use everything, even sports and life, for power, pleasure and greed," according to a global network of religious.
Vocational support: Cardinal uses music as part of his ministry
"As a priest, I have the vocation to live, to testify and to preach the Gospel," Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri said. Priestly ministry comes first, the cardinal said, but the musical talent God gave him also helps him approach people.
Vatican marks ‘Laudato Si” anniversary with new website
The site -- www.laudatosi.va -- "witnesses not only to the impact of the encyclical, but also the creativity and generosity of the people of God everywhere in the world."
Martyrs are witnesses of faith, not just victims of genocide, pope says
Calling Christian persecution "genocide," he said, is using a juridical and sociological category to speak of "something which is a mystery of the faith: martyrdom."
At consistory, pope sets October canonization date
Pope Francis will declare four men and one woman -- Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, a French Discalced Carmelite mystic and writer -- saints at the Vatican Oct. 16.
Pope offers prayers as pan-Orthodox council opens on Crete
After reciting the Angelus prayer June 19, the pope had thousands of visitors in St. Peter's Square join him in praying a Hail Mary for "all of our Orthodox brothers and sisters."
Christians, Muslims are called to imitate God’s mercy, says cardinal
God asks Christians and Muslims to be forgiving, merciful and compassionate toward others, especially those in need, said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.
Renew efforts to build peace, help refugees, pope says
"Refugees are people like everyone, but war took away their home, work, relatives and friends," he said.