World News
World’s Catholic leaders condemn terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut
"The time has come for the world to stand united against terrorism and to confront the reasons of terrorism, such as feelings of oppression, hatred, bad education and fanaticism, with no double standards," said the Jerusalem-based Assembly of Catholic Bishops of the Holy Land.
Canadian theologian visiting Paris was minutes away from the bloodshed
When Daniel Laliberte planned his Paris getaway with his wife, he had no clue he would end up being only meters away from the biggest terrorist attack Europe has known in the past decade.
Nothing can justify terrorist attacks, pope says
Using God's name to try to justify violence and murder is "blasphemy," Pope Francis said Nov. 15, speaking about the terrorist attacks on Paris.
Text of initial Vatican statement on Paris attacks
Here is a translation of a statement issued by the director of the Holy See press office, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, shortly after the terror attacks in Paris Nov. 13.
Pope, Roman Curia heads discuss refugees, dialogue with Muslims
The difficulties facing migrants coming into Europe and the continuing dialogues with Muslims were among the topics discussed during Pope Francis' meeting with the heads of the Roman Curia offices, the Vatican spokesman said.
Education helps refugees reach their full potential, pope says
"Offering an education is about much more than dispensing concepts," the pope said Nov. 14 at an audience with Jesuit Refugee Service.
South of Paris, woman prays for longtime friend injured at Bataclan
Claire Bourjade can't do anything but pray. The news came as a shock: Francois, a young man she's known since he was a boy, took a bullet during the Bataclan attack in Paris Nov. 13.
Freelancing the religious life: An ‘urban hermit’ tells her story
Julia Bolton Holloway is a Catholic "urban hermit," who practices contemplative solitude when not tending the grounds of a Florence cemetery or assisting families of the migrant Roma population.
Christians, Muslims find paths to dialogue in Africa, say speakers
The headlines about interactions between Muslims and Christians in sub-Saharan Africa might lead Americans to believe that the two groups never get along.
Freed Syrian priest says imprisonment was way to carry cross of Jesus
When a man dressed head-to-toe in black entered the room where Father Jacques Mourad was being held by the Islamic State, the Syriac Catholic priest thought his time to become a martyr had come.