World News

Pope, council discuss synod document; bishops hold study day in Rome

Pope Francis and members of the council of the Synod of Bishops met May 25-26 to review input from around the world for October's synod on the family and made their final suggestions for the synod's working document.

Vatican bank posts large profit, continues review of account holders

The institute reported a net profit of 69.3 million euros ($75.5 million) in 2014 compared to a 2013 net profit of 2.9 million euros. The bulk of the profit, 55 million euros, was given to the Holy See for its operating costs.

Defend the right to life, defend it from attacks on dignity, pope says

"When we defend the right to life, we do so in order that each life -- from conception to its natural end -- may be a dignified life, one free from the scourge of hunger and poverty, of violence and persecution," the pope wrote in a message to a conference of Catholic women's groups.

Devil sees Christians are united in baptism, pope tells Phoenix meeting

"Division is the work of the 'Father of Lies,' 'the Father of Discord,' who does everything possible to keep us divided," the pope said May 23 in the message to the gathering sponsored by the John 17 Movement.

Following Christ, serving others means being missionary, pope writes

"Mission is a passion for Jesus and at the same time a passion for his people," Pope Francis said in his message for World Mission Sunday.

Abundance of media connects people far and wide to Romero beatification

The use of modern media to move and consume news of the beatification of Oscar Romero might be a fitting tribute to the Salvadoran archbishop.

Archbishop Romero was motivated by Gospel, not politics, cardinal says

"He loved Jesus and adored him in the Eucharist, he loved the church, he venerated the Blessed Virgin Mary and he loved his people," Cardinal Amato said.

Police follow Jesus in seeking to serve others, says pope

Pope Francis praised the police profession to defend public order and democracy, which contrast with organized crime and terrorism.

Greenbacks and the green economy: Ecology is good business

Consumers want products that are environmentally friendly, and businesses that are not on board are already starting to feel the pinch, said the CEO of the multinational Unilever.

Syrian Christian towns recaptured as Islamic State gains land

ISIS militants withdrew from some Christian areas in Northeast Syria even as they took control of half the country, plus Ramadi in Iraq, this month.