World News
Church leaders say South Sudan’s economic woes direct result of conflict
The world's newest state, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, was plunged into conflict in December 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebels allied with his former deputy, Riek Machar.
British government defeats attempt to label ISIS actions as genocide
A bill in Parliament would have obliged the government to consider requests for asylum if they were made by refugees recognized as victims of the genocide, possibly up to 4.8 million such people.
‘Faith overshadows fear’ amid Boko Haram’s terrorist acts, says bishop
"As the bishop, I am in a particular place because God has planted me there in order to serve the people," Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of Maiduguri, Nigeria, said.
Church officials dismiss rumors that kidnapped priest will be crucified
Social media posts claim that Islamic State agents kidnapped a Salesian priest in Yemen and are torturing him, and plan to crucify him on Good Friday. His order's province in India had no information on his whereabouts.
Pope to celebrate Holy Thursday with young refugees
"Washing the feet of the refugees, Pope Francis is asking for respect for each one of them," wrote Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the main organizer of the Vatican's Year of Mercy initiatives.
Muslim restorers feel history in work on mosaics above Jesus’ burial site
Raed Khalil and his small team of trained restorers have been patiently and methodically cleaning off centuries of soot and dirt from 39 ancient mosaics and two carved marble pieces, some of which may date back to the Byzantine period.
Pope condemns deadly attacks in Brussels, offers prayers in aftermath
UPDATED --"The Holy Father again condemns the blind violence which causes so much suffering, and he implores from God the gift of peace," a Vatican message said. The attacks have killed at least 31, for which Islamic State has claimed responsibility.
Pope’s Via Crucis: Cardinal writes prayers for all those who suffer
The Good Friday service, which takes places at night at Rome's Colosseum, is broadcast around the world. Tens of thousands of people gather with the pope around the ancient Roman amphitheater to meditate on the last moments of Jesus' life.
As crowds were indifferent to Jesus’ passion, so with today’s migrants, pope says
Today too many countries want someone else to care for people fleeing violence and seeking a better life, Pope Francis said during Mass on Palm Sunday, the same day a European plan to settle refugees went into effect.
Vatican to undertake ecological initiatives during Easter season
The Governorate of Vatican City State announced March 18 that the thousands of floral arrangements for the Easter morning Mass and the pope's solemn blessing "urbi et orbi" will be repurposed after the celebrations.