World News

Head of Ukrainian Catholic Church consoled by pope’s words

The pope's remarks were "truly the opening of the doors of mercy," said Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kiev-Halych, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Every Saturday, the Mercy Bus brings lapsed Catholics to confession

A diocese in England is using a double-decker bus as a venue for priests to hear the confessions of people who have stopped going to church.

French cardinal under fire for dealings with priest charged with abuse

In a Feb. 14 statement, La Parole Liberee, an association set up to aid victims at Saint-Luc, said 45 victims of the priest had now come forward, adding that the group had filed charges against Cardinal Barbarin for failing to report abuse.

Philippine nuns, priests say role in revolution affected their faith

Standing in pairs, Sister Ocariza and 16 other nuns led the rosary as soldiers escorted rolling military tanks with their turrets trained on the sisters. The nun said staring down those tanks has been the scariest experience of her life.

Pope calls for moratorium on death penalty

Pope Francis called for a moratorium on executions during the Year of Mercy and said the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," applies to the guilty as well as the innocent. He also called for improved prison conditions.

Cardinal Pell calls for inquiry into press leaks accusing him of abuse

Calling the accusations "without foundation and utterly false," the cardinal "strongly denies any wrongdoing," said a statement from the Australian cardinal's office in Rome Feb. 19.

Irish bishops urge Catholics to press candidates on abortion

In a statement, the four Irish archbishops said they "strongly oppose any weakening of the affirmation of the right to life of the unborn."

Being human: Pope Francis delights many, frustrates some

The pope is human. Pope Francis demonstrated that in Mexico, as he does wherever he goes, and most people find it attractive. Most of the time. He's called the "pope of surprises," but there are people who don't like surprises.

In Zika outbreak, contraceptives may be ‘lesser evil,’ pope says

"Abortion is not a lesser evil -- it's a crime," Pope Francis said. It is the deliberate taking of an innocent human life. "It's an absolute evil. Don't confuse avoiding pregnancy with abortion," the pope said.

Pope Francis: Mr. Trump, don’t build that wall

On his flight back to Rome, the pope said Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the U.S./Mexico border to keep people out is not Christian. And he said popes and priests need healthy friendships with women.