World News

Nepal’s new constitution in making should be ‘secular,’ church urges

The Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal sent a memorandum July 12 to the major parties in the country's ruling coalition urging that that the word 'secular' be inserted in the constitution's preamble to ensure full religious freedom. It also demanded Christianity be recognized as a religion.

Bishop: Vatican is free to work with everyone, UN is not the ‘devil’

The church will continue to collaborate with the United Nations on any joint project that "does not go against the doctrine of the church," he said at a news conference July 15.

Sydney archbishop: People can’t be forced to change views of marriage

"There are voices in our culture that no longer think marriage need be for life, or be open to children, or be exclusive, or be between man and wife," Archbishop Fisher told the standing-room-only congregation, including 30 couples celebrating anniversaries of 50-65 years.

Ukrainian priest says his emotional captivity was worse than physical

Ukrainian Catholic Father Tykhon Kulbaka was headed to the chapel in the room rented by the local Catholic community. En route, he stopped at a grocery store, where four men grabbed him, blindfolded him and made him breathe chloroform.

Vatican welcomes Iran’s historic nuclear deal

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said that "the agreement on the Iranian nuclear program is viewed in a positive light by the Holy See."

Kenyan bishops say they’ll resist pressure to accept same-sex marriage

"We are not going to allow same-sex marriage," said Bishop Philip Anyolo of Homa Bay, noting that the Kenyan church considers this unacceptable and urges its advocates to "stop the debate."

Philippine bishops tackle climate change during general meeting

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, newly re-elected president of the conference, told Catholic News Service that the group was taking "all possible approaches" in the fight for climate justice.

Pope says he’ll read critiques of his economic thought before U.S. trip

"I have heard that some criticisms were made in the United States -- I've heard that -- but I have not read them and have not had time to study them well," the pope told reporters traveling with him from Paraguay back to Rome July 12.

Church is called to persevere in mission of welcoming all, pope says

On the last day of his July 5-12 visit to South America, Pope Francis celebrated Mass with close to 1 million people at Asuncion's Nu Guazu Park.

Pope tells young Paraguayans: Stir things up, then help fix things

In his last major event before ending a weeklong trip to Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay, the pope spoke about service, solidarity, hope and freedom of heart.