World News
Mexican pilgrims hope papal visit will bring much-needed change
With anticipation growing in the streets of Mexico City for Pope Francis' visit, a group of local pilgrims found time to thank their "mother" and prayed that it would give their country a spiritual awakening.
Cookies, sombrero and a shoe shine: Even reporters give pope gifts
His flight to Cuba Feb. 12 had a unique moment. Noel Diaz, who lives in Los Angeles and was covering the trip for ESNE -- a Catholic radio and television network -- asked the pope if he could shine his shoes "in memory of all those people who struggle daily to put bread on their tables."
Mexican prison riot leaves 49 dead on day before pope arrives
A prison riot in the northern Mexican city of Monterrey has claimed 52 lives, offering another example of the problems plaguing Mexico's prison system and casting a pall over the arrival of Pope Francis in the country.
Surge in Zika virus rekindles abortion debate in Brazil
The president of the Brazilian bishops' conference criticized a proposal by the U.N. Human Rights Commission that countries allow abortion in cases in which the mother was infected with the Zika virus.
Pope pushes ‘door of mercy’ wider, sends missionaries to local parishes
Their special mission, he has said, is to be a living witness of God's closeness and love -- to knock on the doors of people's hearts and let God into their lives, especially those who have become distant from the church.
Pope to priests: Year of Mercy means unpaid overtime, but God gives joy
In a short, unscripted address, the pope told the priests to make sure they try to understand their people, "to put themselves in the other's shoes" and be generous with forgiveness.
Pope sends off missionaries of mercy to help people open hearts to God
"Look upon your servants, Lord, that we are sending as messengers of mercy, salvation and peace. Guide their steps" and sustain them with "the power of your grace," the pope said during a special Ash Wednesday liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica Feb. 10.
House of Grace helps Arab ex-prisoners transition to life in Israel
Sultan Subouh, 32, has spent most of his life high on drugs or behind bars. But as he walked into the stone courtyard of the House of Grace after a full day's work as a handyman, he said he was determined to turn around his life.
Pope, meeting Iraqi leader, urges work for reconciliation
"I wish for Iraqis and for all of us -- for the whole world -- leaders like this," the pope said Feb. 10 as he gave the Iraqi leader a medallion featuring an olive tree -- a sign of peace -- that holds together a split rock.
Giving to the poor is part of Year of Mercy, pope says
"I'll tell you something," Pope Francis said, "if this jubilee doesn't reach our pockets, it's not a real jubilee. Do you understand? This is in the Bible, eh, this pope isn't inventing that. It's in the Bible."