World News
Pope establishes Syriac Catholic exarchate in Canada
The exarchate, a church jurisdiction similar to a diocese established for Eastern or Orthodox Christians living outside their native land, will have its seat in Montreal, the Vatican announced Jan. 7.
On his day off, pope makes secret stop at Nativity scene’s birthplace
With nothing on his schedule, Pope Francis showed up unannounced in a blue Ford at the Franciscan shrine near Assisi, surprising its guardian and a youth group meeting there.
Canada on track to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees, says ambassador
As a cautious world rang in the New Year with concerns over terrorism and security, Catholics in Canada were continuing to welcome Syrian refugees to their newly adopted homeland.
Syriac church leaders angered by Islamic State attack in Qamishli
"Most victims were young people willing to welcome the New Year with hope and joy," Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan told Catholic News Service from the patriarchate in Beirut. Instead, he said, "In tears and gloomy hope, Christians of Qamishli welcomed 2016."
Bishop says Mexican mayor’s murder was message from organized crime
He said Mota's murder sends the message, "If you don't cooperate with organized crime, look at what's going to happen to you."
South Sudan bishop urges peace, says attack on nuns shakes church
Five armed men, believed to be allied to South Sudan's main rebel group, assaulted and threatened religious sisters at the Solidarity Teacher Training College in Yambio, the capital of the country's Western Equatoria state, Dec. 28.
Vatican agreement with Palestine goes into effect
The accord focuses mostly on the status and activity of the Catholic Church in the Palestinian territories. It assures the church "juridical recognition" and "guarantees" for its work and institutions in there.
Pope erects Syro-Malankara eparchy for U.S., Canada
The new diocese is called the Eparchy of St. Mary, Queen of Peace, and will be based out of Elmont, New York, in the Latin-rite Diocese of Rockville Centre, at St. Vincent de Paul Malankara Catholic Cathedral.
Video messages of pope’s prayer intentions will hit social media
The new video messages, featuring the pope asking for prayers and action on various challenges facing the world today, will begin Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.
Catholics, Protestants and Muslims join in recovery from England floods
Catholic communities saw devastation and unprecedented cooperation in the wake of floods in the north of England after two Atlantic storms hit the country last month.