World News
Tear down this wall: Holy Year calls for human barriers to tumble down
For a spiritual leader who denounces a world divided by walls, a church shuttered by cliques and hearts hardened to compassion, opening wide the Holy Door for the Year of Mercy will be a significant and symbolic moment for Pope Francis.
Back to the catacombs: New emphasis placed on bishops’ simplicity pact
To live is to change, said the retired bishop of Ivrea, and that goes for the church as well as for individuals.
Laity are disciples, not ‘second-class members’ of church, pope says
In his message, the pope said that the Second Vatican Council did not just highlight the importance of the laity in the church, but defined their role as a vocation.
Pope Francis: Eucharist nourishes those hungry for love, mercy
"This hunger can be satiated only by the bread that comes from above. Jesus himself is the living bread that gives life to the world," the pope said in a message to participants of the National Eucharistic Congress in Mumbai, India, Nov. 12-15.
Ex-Irish president says she’s devoted to Catholicism despite dissents
In an exclusive interview with The Irish Catholic newspaper, her first major interview since she stepped down as president almost four years ago, she also praised Pope Francis for what she sees as "welcoming debate and allowing the church to breathe."
Mexican foreign minister confirms pope to visit capital, three states
"The details will be known in December," she said Nov. 11, acknowledging where the pope will travel early next year. Spokesmen for dioceses in the three states and Mexico City confirmed details when contacted by Catholic New Service.
Polish dioceses get ready to welcome pilgrims before World Youth Day
Days in the Diocese invites World Youth Day pilgrims for an immersion experience the week ahead of the international gathering. All of Poland's 42 dioceses, except for the Archdiocese of Krakow, will host pilgrims days before World Youth Day kicks off in Krakow July 25.
World Youth Day host city attractive destination for travelers, pilgrims
Rynek Glowny, Krakow's main square, with its majestic basilica and medieval curiosities is the heart of Krakow, the enchanting former royal capital of Poland.
Going to World Youth Day? Food critic suggests bargain Polish treats
In advance of World Youth Day in July, Chicago food writer Mike Sula offers a guide to some bargain treats found in Krakow and elsewhere.
Vatican advance team, in Mexico, visits border city of Juarez
The Vatican's papal planning team, along with representatives of the Mexican government, visited in preparation for a possible trip, which would include encounters with the community, priests and seminarians and perhaps a prison visit in a lockup previously considered the worst in Latin America.