World News
Peace demands passion, patience, hard work, pope tells Balkan nation
To overcome fear, discrimination and conflict, people must have a deep desire to open themselves up to God and his mercy, and work actively for peace every day, Pope Francis said.
Vatican ready to announce decision on Medjugorje, pope says
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith met recently to discuss the issue and "we've reached the point of making a decision and then they will say," he told journalists on the flight back to Rome June 6.
Pope offers ‘Stone Age’ tips to youth for living the digital world well
Whether you still stick to books or magazines or get everything online, Pope Francis said all media should encourage and edify -- not enslave.
Male, female differences must be recognized, valued, pope says
Efforts to convince people that the differences between male and female are simply social conventions, which limit individual freedom, ignore the fact that men and women need each other in order to understand themselves, Pope Francis said.
Islamic militants announce plan to transform Mosul church into mosque
According to Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Islamic State militants posted notices throughout the city announcing that the Syrian Orthodox Church of St. Ephrem, which they emptied last fall, will reopen soon as the "mosque of the mujahideen" or jihad fighters.
In Syria, Maronite patriarch denounces ‘death of the world’s conscience’
In a homily June 7 at the Maronite Cathedral of St. Anthony in Damascus, Cardinal Bechara Rai also issued a call for peace, "for stopping the war, for political solutions and for the honored return" of the 12 million Syrians who have been uprooted by the country's four-year civil war.
South Sudan churches begin own plan to bring peace to war-torn country
"We wish to inform our leaders, our people and the regional and international community that the church is now taking serious steps to bring about a homegrown solution for peace and reconciliation," the leaders said.
South Korean SUV joins elite popemobile fleet
A new, specially modified Hyundai SUV has joined the elite ranks of the popemobile fleet. The open-roof, white Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi had its debut in St. Peter's Square June 3 during Pope Francis' weekly general audience.
Celebrating Corpus Christi feast, pope honors persecuted Christians
The Eucharist is the seal of God's covenant, uniting Christians and giving them the strength to bring God's love to others, even when faith carries a high price, Pope Francis said.
Pro-life group gathers at Vatican as pope meets Chilean president
As Chilean President Michelle Bachelet was meeting Pope Francis June 5, a dozen people dressed all in white laid in the form of a cross in St. Peter's Square.