World News

Evangelization congregation denies mismanaging property

The congregation released a statement Nov. 11 after several news reports claimed that Vatican-owned apartments were rented far below market value and that several of those owned by the congregation were rented at nominal rates to Italian politicians, entertainers and relatives of Vatican employees.

A family that doesn’t eat together is ‘hardly a family,’ pope says

"When children at the dinner table are glued to the computer, or the telephone and do not listen to one another, they are not a family, they are retired," the pope said Nov. 11 during his weekly general audience.

To help people, church must be in touch with ‘reality,’ pope says

Christians must have "healthy contact with reality, with what people are going through, with their tears and joys -- it is the only way to be able to help, form and communicate with them," the pope said.

Pope calls for end to economic exploitation, power-hungry church

"These times of ours demand that we experience problems as challenges and not like obstacles: The Lord is active and at work in the world," he said Nov. 10 inside Florence's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore -- the third-largest church in Europe.

Syriac Orthodox patriarch calls for Middle East peace during Lebanon visit

"How can we live without seeing the presence of God in every human face?" he asked. "Why do we work to eliminate the other, rather than elevate and sublimate?"

Kenya’s bishops urge country to embrace peace, co-existence as pope’s visit nears

The call reflects the bishops' desire that the pope's visit will unite Kenyans, especially because the country is politically divided along ethnic lines.

Pope advises new bishop to have mercy, patience, short homilies

"Let your words be simple so that everyone can understand. Don't give long homilies," the pope said. "Allow me to ask you to remember your dad and how very happy he was to have found another parish in a town nearby where the Mass was celebrated without a homily!"

Wichita bishop brings formal report on war-hero priest to Vatican

A week after the 65th anniversary of Father Emil J. Kapaun's capture in North Korea, the bishop of Wichita, Kansas, formally presented a report on the Army chaplain's life, virtues and fame of holiness to the Congregation for Saints' Causes.

Pope wants to visit Czestochowa, Auschwitz, Polish president says

After meeting Pope Francis Nov. 9, Polish President Andrzej Duda told journalists of the pope's desire to visit the two historical sites during his apostolic trip to the country in July for World Youth Day 2016.

Pope: Dignity of workers must never be compromised

The dignity and rights of workers must never be compromised, not only with regard to fair wages and pension, but also in "their right to rest," Pope Francis said.