World News
On synod’s eve, Vatican official declares his homosexuality
Msgr. Krzysztof Charamsa, 43, gave interviews to Polish and Italian media Oct. 2 and planned a news conference the following day outside the offices of the congregation. The conference, however, was moved to a restaurant nearby.
Hunger is a ‘scandal,’ a ‘sin’ in a world of plenty, pope says
"We must face this injustice, this sin," the pope told more than 7,000 volunteers and coordinators of Italian food banks, along with representatives from food banks in other countries.
Vatican: Pope didn’t endorse Kentucky clerk
A papal spokesman said Pope Francis had met with "several dozen persons" briefly at the invitation of the nunciature in Washington. Such greetings "occur on all papal visits and are due to the pope's characteristic kindness and availability."
Indian cardinal: Syro-Malabar church can teach about family-based parish
Cardinal George Alencherry said Syro-Malabar parishes are divided into family groupings or units of no more than 40 people.
Archbishop visits Congress, White House in push to ease Puerto Rico debt crisis
The crisis has led to school closings, cuts in social services and health care and job layoffs and reductions in employee benefits as Puerto Rico struggles to make payments on the $72 billion in debt the U.S. territory holds.
Yearning is a grace that propels growth in faith, pope says
"I ask myself, and it would be good for all of us to ask ourselves: 'Am I tranquil, content? Do I need nothing spiritually speaking? Is my yearning extinguished?'" he said, celebrating an early morning Mass Oct. 1, the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux -- one of his favorite saints.
Silence and indifference to migrant crisis lead to complicity, pope says
Jesus' call to welcome the stranger and show mercy is clear, the pope said in a message released at the Vatican Oct. 1.
Back in Rome, pope reflects on family and Philadelphia
Pope Francis praised the piety of the city, its archbishop and the United States, "which achieved the highest economic and technological development ... without renouncing its religious roots,” he said.
Finding of water on Mars may reveal God’s personality
There is water on Mars, and maybe life in the water. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno surmises that whether we are the only life in the universe or not, "either way, we learn more about who the creator is."
Theme for 2016 communications day to focus on mercy, dialogue
As the church celebrates the extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy, which begins Dec. 8, the pope also wanted to invite deeper reflection on the link between communication and mercy, said a statement from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. The Vatican announced the theme Sept. 29.