World News
Northern Ireland bishops want voters to ask about abortion, poverty
Catholics at Masses were urged to question candidates about their parties' policies on abortion, child poverty, climate change and the right of Catholic organizations to receive government funding.
Act against Islamic State attacks on Christians, group implores U.N.
A petition signed by more than 400,000 people called on the United Nations to take legal action to stop the brutal attacks of ISIS upon Christians and other religious minorities.
Pope: ‘Severely punish’ child abusers worldwide
Speaking at St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Pope Francis appealed for an end to child abuse and called for a respect for the cease-fire in the war in Syria, which has seen a recent escalation of violence.
Reconciliation with God and others is key to peace, pope says
As he does frequently, the pope pleaded with priests to be welcoming and patient in confession, recognizing how hard it is for people to face their sins and acknowledge their need for forgiveness.
Suspects arrested in alleged plot against Vatican, Israeli embassy
Italian authorities arrested six suspects, all of Moroccan origin, who allegedly received orders from the Islamic State terrorist group in February and March of this year via the WhatsApp mobile messaging service.
Militias of Iraqi Christians resist Islamic State amid sectarian strife
The Nineveh Plain Protection Units, which number about 300 soldiers, want to drive IS militants out of Iraq. They fight with a wary eye too on Kurds and the Iraqi government, by whom they feel betrayed.
French cardinal admits errors on abuse, meets with archdiocesan priests
"The cardinal has accepted the archdiocese committed errors in managing and nominating certain priests and has reiterated how important it is for victims of sexual abuse by clergy to see their right to truth and justice recognized."
On response to ISIS genocide, advocates ask: ‘Where are you, world?’
The head of the Knights of Columbus and others are rallying support at the U.N. for legal action against the Islamic State, who they blame for religious persecution, child torture and millions driven from their homes.
Ethics must guide medical research, protect human dignity, pope says
In that way, education and research can strive "to serve higher values, such as solidarity, generosity, magnanimity, sharing of knowledge, respect for human life, and fraternal and selfless love," he said.
Syrian archbishop would rather see Canada help Syrians stay home
Ever since the war started, Archbishop Jeanbart has said that his wish is to see the population -- and especially the Christians -- stay in Syria.