World News
Defend life: Economics without ethics are deadly, cardinal says
The economy is a human creation, not a god, so humans have the responsibility to manage the economy in a way that benefits the most people, said Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, president of Caritas Internationalis.
Pope opens cardinals’ discussion of Curia reform; new offices explained
Cardinals meeting at the Vatican discussed better ways to balance the responsibilities of local bishops and of the Roman Curia, said the Vatican spokesman.
Dublin archbishop appalled by delay in applying child safety guidelines
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin said he would seek assurances from religious congregations operating in his diocese that they are rigidly following child protection guidelines after a fresh round of audits raised serious concerns.
Pope calls for solidarity with migrants after deadly sea crossing
Pope Francis once again urged solidarity with migrants who risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea for Europe, and assured prayers for the victims of a deadly crossing in early February.
College of Cardinals to be briefed on progress of Curia Reform
High-level discussions continue on how exactly to reform the Roman Curia, but the idea of consolidating several offices into two large groups -- one with family, laity and life, and the other with justice and peace, migrants and charity -- seems to be taking form, the Vatican spokesman said.
Vatican’s economic reform on track, resistance from some, cardinal says
As fresh economic reforms begin to take hold throughout the Vatican, the Council for the Economy has faced some resistance from larger offices that had been used to having greater autonomy, said a cardinal member of the council.
Life is enriched with the birth of children, pope says at audience
Children are a blessing, not a burden, and are a sign of the confident hope of a couple and of society, Pope Francis said. "If a family that has been generous in having children is looked upon as a burden, something's wrong," he said Feb. 11 at his weekly general audience.
Jordanians hope death of pilot, U.S. aid worker, can still yield good
As Jordan steps up airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria to avenge the murder of its pilot, Catholic and other leaders are hoping that the tragedy can still yield good for the future.
Vatican gives tips on preparing homilies, tying them to catechism
A homily at Mass is not a mini catechism class, the Vatican says in a new document on homilies, but it is an opportunity to explain church teaching using the Scripture readings and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Culture determines if 20-minute homily is long or short, cardinal says
As long as it is inspired by prayer, refers to the Mass readings and is in harmony with church teaching, a homily's appropriate length and style are judged largely by the particular congregation at Mass, said the new head of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.