World News

German cardinal says arson attacks on immigrant hostels ‘sow hatred’

The July 16 incident in the Bavarian town of Reichertshofen, is the latest in a wave of attacks against hostels for asylum seekers as anti-immigration sentiments rise in Germany in the face of unprecedented numbers of asylum applications.

Love remains key to youth ministry, pope tells Salesians

Writing to members of the Salesian religious orders marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of St. John Bosco, the pope said, "The world has changed much in these two centuries, but the spirit of young people has not: young men and women still are open to life and to an encounter with God and with others."

Pope: Mining industry needs radical change to protect people, nature

The companies, the governments that are supposed to regulate them, investors and consumers who use the myriad products relying on mined material "are called to adopt behavior inspired by the fact that we are all part of one human family," the pope said.

A year after war, Gazans persist at rebuilding — with help of aid groups

Fawzi Abu Jame'a had finally finished building his family's dream home just eight months before the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamic party that governs Gaza.

Priest says situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate

"Compared with a year ago, we're worse off. Although a truce stopped the war, the blockade of Gaza by Israel has grown more intense. This has direct consequences for the population," said Father Jorge Hernandez, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza City.

In quake-hit Nepal, monsoon hampers relief work

"Roads to several remote areas have been damaged or washed out in the rain," said Father Perumana, who is coordinating the Catholic relief work supported by Caritas agencies worldwide.

Europe must tackle structural causes of crisis, says bishops’ commission

A July 16 statement issued by German Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, president of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community, expressed relief that a bailout package had prevented the "Grexit" -- the prospect of Greece abandoning the euro currency and returning to using the drachma.

South America teaches eight lessons for greeting Pope Francis

Watching what worked and did not work during Pope Francis' trip to South America may help people prepare for his visit to the United States in September.

Vatican budgets show previously unreported assets

Using new standard accounting procedures , the Holy See reported $1 billion in net assets that had never been reported before and in a consolidated form.

Jordan bank of river where Jesus baptized declared UNESCO heritage site

"The decision is logical. The Eastern side is where all the Byzantine antiquities and churches are located," said Franciscan Father Eugenio Alliata, professor of Christian archaeology at Jerusalem's Studium Biblicum Franciscanum.