World News
European bishops cheer EU’s move to call Islamic State acts ‘genocide’
The European Parliament moved to classify atrocities as genocide of Christians and other minorities by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. U.S. presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush agree.
Papal academy award: Young artists called to vie for cash prize
A pontifical academy founded during the Renaissance has announced a cash prize of $22,000 in a contest for young artists whose work promotes "Christian humanism."
Pope, Russian Orthodox patriarch set for historic 1st meeting
After almost three decades of tense Catholic-Russian Orthodox relations, Pope Francis will meet Patriarch Kirill Feb. 12 in Cuba. It will be the first-ever meeting between a pope and a patriarch of Moscow.
Priestly formation: From ordaining priests to making apostles
"The vocation is meant to be lived, not to be argued about, hypothesized over or talked about, because love is meant to be lived," Mexican Archbishop Jorge Patron Wong told Catholic News Service.
Turkey reinstates ambassador to Vatican after yearlong recall
The diplomat had been called back to Turkey "for consultations" April 12 -- the same day Pope Francis used the term "genocide" in reference to the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians during their forced evacuation by Ottoman Turks in 1915-18.
Vatican joins international appeals for increased aid to Syria
Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Vatican secretary for relations with states, attended the Syria Donors Conference in London Feb. 4 and said the Catholic Church would continue to help the region through its fundraising efforts.
Traditional Candlemas celebration still alive in rural Puerto Rico
Although environmental restrictions have put a damp on Catholic Candlemas celebrations in many countries, some devotees in rural Puerto Rico still hold traditional ceremonies centered on bonfires.
Jordan says it cannot continue to bear brunt of Syrian refugee crisis
King Abdullah II of Jordan, one of dozens of world leaders set to participate in the Feb. 4 gathering, has warned that his country is now at a "boiling point."
Pope asks Mexican people for time alone with Our Lady of Guadalupe
Pope Francis is not going to Mexico Feb. 12-17 as a man with solutions to problems but as a pilgrim seeking the people's wealth of faith. "I am not going to pass around the collection basket," he said.
Phila. priest says church’s ministry to gays expanding rapidly
Father Philip Bochanski, a Philadelphia priest, said in England that increasing numbers of people who "experience same-sex attraction" but who wished to live chaste lives were turning to the church for help.