World News
Latin patriarch reminds faithful of suffering of Christians, Gazans
God wants to "heal all wounds," said Latin Patriarchate Fouad Twal of Jerusalem, especially human arrogance, which he described as the source of conflict and war.
Jesus’ message resonates with Palestinians who seek justice, Abbas says
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in his Christmas message emphasized the Christian and Muslim character of Jerusalem and chastised the Israeli government's attempt to make it an exclusively Jewish place.
As some Mideast countries empty of Christians, Lebanon’s numbers swell
As the sanctuaries of Iraqi and Syrian churches steadily empty, those of their refuge in Lebanon become more crowded by the week. Churches are adding liturgies to accommodate the growing influx of refugees.
Pope says all religious leaders must condemn Islamic State
Pope Francis deplored the "abuses and inhuman acts" of Islamic State militants, and called on all religious leaders to condemn them "unanimously and unambiguously."
For Arab Christians, getting to Bethlehem involves checks, imbalances
Coming to Bethlehem during Christmas is like a family reunion for Afif Hazboun.
Pope: Christmas is reminder to heal wounds, fix defects, play with kids
Meeting with all Vatican workers, Pope Francis asked pardon for any errors or shortcomings he and his "colleagues" may be guilty of and "also for some scandals that cause so much harm. Forgive me."
Pope warns Vatican officials of ‘spiritual Alzheimer’s,’ other ills
Pope Francis' Christmas greeting to the Vatican bureaucracy this year was an extended warning against a host of spiritual ills to which he said Vatican officials are prone, including "spiritual Alzheimer's," "existential schizophrenia," publicity-seeking, the "terrorism of gossip" and even a poor sense of humor.
Pope: Don’t miss Christ this Christmas; take time, be ready, let him in
Christmas is a time when Jesus returns again, "to knock once more on the heart of every Christian: He comes and knocks," Pope Francis said.
Pope wishes Rome well 2024 Olympic bid, but says he won’t see it
Amid the chatter about the Vatican possibly hosting some events for the 2024 Olympics, Pope Francis wished Rome well but said with a smile, "I won't be here."
‘Questionable’ financial activities leave Franciscans heavily in debt
The superior of the Order of Friars Minor told all members of the order that its general curia "finds itself in grave, and I underscore 'grave,' financial difficulty, with a significant burden of debt."