World News
Theologian sees Ignatian approach in pope’s reflections for synod
Pope Francis is leading the church in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola in trying to help Catholics discern complex moral issues, said a Dominican priest.
There but for the grace of God: What Pope Francis thinks of prisoners
When visiting a prison, he said, "I think to myself, 'I, too, could be here.' That is, none of us can be sure that we would never commit a crime, something for which we'd be put in prison."
No excuse for indifference to plight of immigrants, pope tells bishops
"It is important to integrate immigrants into society and to welcome them in the church community," he said May 28.
Pope urges engaged couples to take time, be open to God’s surprises
The pope urged couples not to rush into marriage. Maturation in love before marriage is a slow process, in which none of the steps should be skipped, Pope Francis told people at his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square.
Study day on synod did not aim to change doctrine, spokesman says
The presidents of the bishops' conferences of Germany, France and Switzerland decided their preparation for the Synod of Bishops on the family could benefit from listening to theologians, biblical scholars and canon lawyers from all three countries, said the spokesman for the German bishops.
South Sudan’s church leaders: Much of country without governance
Human rights in South Sudan are abused "on the battlefield and in peaceful areas," and much of the country is without effective governance, church leaders said.
As Ireland OKs same-sex marriage, archbishop calls for ‘reality check’
Dublin's archbishop said the approval May 22 by 62 percent of voters was an "affirmation of the views of young people," and the church "has a huge task to find the language to talk to (them)."
Blessed Romero ‘another brilliant star’ belonging to church of Americas
Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who was assassinated in 1980 while celebrating Mass, was beatified Saturday. Watch a video of the Mass.
Beatifying one of church’s ‘best sons’ cause for great joy, says pope
On the occasion of the beatification of El Salvador's Archbishop Oscar Romero, Pope Francis sent a note that was read to those present for the May 23 ceremony.
Pope, in interview, talks about his daily habits, hopes, concerns
Pope Francis said he wants to be remembered as "a good person who tried to do good. I cannot ask for anything more than that."