World News
Periphery pope: Bosnia trip aims to build bridges in divided nation
Pope Francis' concern for those suffering on the margins and for small Catholic communities that have kept the faith alive through war or repression will take him to Bosnia-Herzegovina in early June.
Vatican-Palestine accord supports ‘two-state’ solution
Vatican and Palestinian representatives finalized an agreement recognizing freedom of religion in the "State of Palestine" and outlining Catholic rights and obligations in the territory.
God will judge people on care for the poor, for the planet, pope says
"The planet has enough food for all, but it seems that there is a lack of willingness to share it with everyone," Pope Francis said May 12 during his homily at a Mass opening the general assembly of Caritas Internationalis.
When second quake hit, fear filled those waiting for relief materials
Relief officials said more than 57 people died in the May 12 quake, one of the many temblors that followed a magnitude 7.8-quake that hit April 25 and left more than 8,000 people dead.
Cuban bishops say Pope Francis will visit their country Sept. 19-22
An advisory posted on the bishops' conference Facebook page May 11 said the visit will begin in Havana.
Church groups welcome German bishops’ changes to employment rules
The German bishops' conference announced in early May it had adjusted the church's labor law to reflect "multiple changes in legal practice, legislation and society," and would no longer require the church's 750,000 employees to reflect Catholic teaching in their lifestyles.
Report details damage to Nigerian diocese where Boko Haram operates
A new report has revealed the scale of suffering of Nigerian Catholics at the hands of Boko Haram militants, with 5,000 Catholics killed in one diocese alone.
Pope: Spirit strengthens martyrs, helps people face ‘daily martyrdom’
The pope's homily centered on a telephone conversation he had May 10 with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, as well as on Jesus' promise in the day's Gospel reading to send the Holy Spirit to strengthen the disciples.
Work together to promote, defend life, pope says on Mother’s Day
After praying the "Regina Coeli" at noon May 10 with people gathered in St. Peter's Square, the pope greeted all those who took part in the pro-life initiative that morning, saying "it is important to work together to defend and promote life."
Peace is handcrafted with forgiveness, respect, justice, pope says
People also have to do more to stop condemning those who have made serious mistakes and instead help those who are incarcerated, especially juveniles, to start over and return to society, he said.