World News

Missionary priests killed in Peru remembered for commitment to faith

Two Polish Conventual Franciscan missionaries killed by insurgents in Peru in 1991 are challenging Catholics to renew their faith commitment, said a Franciscan spokesman.

Catholic bishops seek help of Muslims in Middle East

Maronite Catholic bishops urged Arab and Muslim countries to combat terrorism in order to preserve the Christian presence, which "plays a key role in Muslim-Christian civilization."

Teachers’ low pay is ‘an injustice,’ pope says

The pope called on teachers to reach out to students on "the peripheries" of their school: those who do not like studying, who are labeled as "difficult," who have disabilities or face other disadvantages.

Attacks on Christians in Pakistan are pattern of martyrdom

Pope Francis has frequently denounced the growing wave of anti-Christian violence in Pakistan, Syria, Iraq and Nigeria, which is less a matter of restricting religious freedom than a martyrdom of Christians. Suicide bombers detonated themselves outside churches in Pakistan March 15. Officials said 15 people were killed and more than four dozen injured by the blasts.

St. Vincent de Paul members abducted in Syria, whereabouts unknown

The Society has not been able to verify or confirm reports that those kidnapped were being threatened with decapitation and their children were being held in cages.

Pope announces Holy Year of Mercy

At a Lenten penance service, Pope Francis announced an extraordinary jubilee, a Holy Year of Mercy, to highlight the Catholic Church's "mission to be a witness of mercy."

Government reps say Christian survival in Middle East ‘in question’

In a joint statement, representatives of more than 50 countries have recognized that Christians are particularly endangered in the Middle East, and they called on the international community to reaffirm the human right to freedom of religion.

Doctrinal chief says bishops must be accountable in abuse prevention

Bishops of dioceses around the world have an obligation to work to prevent clerical sexual abuse and to ensure that priests in their dioceses do not commit acts of abuse, said Cardinal Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

‘My pontificate will be brief,’ pope says, reflecting on 2 years of his papacy

In a new interview, Pope Francis recalled the events of his election and said he is convinced God wants the church to focus on better serving families. "I think the Lord wants us to face this."

Filipinos join fast for climate justice with Typhoon Haiyan in mind

Participants, meeting in Manila March 11 to prepare for the day of fasting March 27, said their action is meant to call attention to the need for immediate action in the wake of worsening natural disasters.