World News
Nix being ‘normal,’ selfish, slaves of success, pope tells seminarians
Pope Francis told a group of seminarians that seeking a so-called "normal" life in the priesthood would turn them into pastors who were "mediocre or worse."
Israel’s land appropriation near Jericho hinders peace process, lawyer says
"Every time such a thing happens, it is a step further from the implementation of the original vision of having a two-state solution and leaves people in a state of despair and with a loss of hope of having any possibility of a settlement."
Pope advances causes of Argentinian priest, Japanese samurai
Pope Francis has cleared the way for Blessed Brochero to become Argentina's first saint. The pope said the priest "did not stay in the sacristy combing the sheep." Also noted was a 17th century Japanese martyr.
Pope: Speak truth with love, denounce evil without alienating sinners
"We can and we must judge situations of sin -- such as violence, corruption and exploitation -– but we may not judge individuals, since only God can see into the depths of their hearts," he said.
Pope’s visit to Chiapas, Mexico, seen to affirm ministry of indigenous deacons
"There are not many priests here so we offer them assistance whenever possible," Deacon Anselmo Hernandez, 64, said of his role as a deacon serving the Guadalupe barrio.
Foot-washing ritual not limited to men, Vatican says in new decree
Pope Francis said the rubric of the Roman Missal, which mentions only men as participants in the Holy Thursday rite, should be changed so that priests can choose from all members of the church.
Shrines are welcoming homes of forgiveness, mercy, pope says
In an audience with employees, workers and rectors of shrines and pilgrimage offices taking part in a Jubilee Year pilgrimage Jan. 21, the pope said shrines are "a privileged place" where pilgrims can feel "loved and looked upon with eyes of mercy."
Church leaders condemn new vandalism at two Christian sites in Jerusalem
Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the vandalism of two Christian sites next to the Old City.
Pope receives official invitation to visit Rome’s mosque
A Muslim delegation formally invited Pope Francis to visit Rome's mosque, the largest mosque outside the Islamic world. It would mark the first time a pope visited the local mosque, which was opened in 1995.
Refugees in Lebanon plead with USCCB representatives for help in resettling
"We have come here to listen to your stories and to remind you that we are praying for you," Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New Mexico, chairman of the bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, told the refugees.