News
Pope talks of airstrikes in Iraq, and possible Philadelphia visit
On the plane back to Rome from his trip to Korea, Pope Francis said force can be justified to stop "unjust aggressors" such as Islamic State militants in northeastern Iraq, but he declined to endorse U.S. military airstrikes against the militants. He also said he would travel to Iraq if necessary -- and he spoke at length about other travel plans including possibly to Philadelphia next year.
Prelates call for international action to liberate Iraq
Pope Francis' personal envoy to the suffering people of Iraq joined the Chaldean Catholic patriarch in launching an appeal to the international community Aug. 18, pleading for help to liberate villages controlled by the Islamic State terrorists and to provide the displaced with international protection.
Iraqi Christians arrive in Jordan with tearful tales of desperation
The first Iraqi Christians fleeing Islamic State militants reached the safety of Jordan, helped by King Abdullah II and Catholic aid groups.
‘We need actions, not words’ to stop militants, says Chaldean leader
As the heart-rending images of Christians and Yezidis fleeing for their lives continue to pour in from Iraq, the Vatican called on Muslim leaders to condemn the "barbarity" and "unspeakable criminal acts" of Islamic State militants in Iraq.
Charity, forgiveness keys to Korean reunification, says pope
God's promise to restore unity and prosperity to "a people dispersed by disaster and division ... is inseparably tied to a command: the command to return to God and wholeheartedly obey his law," Pope Francis told Korean Catholics during a Mass for peace and reconciliation at Seoul's Myongdong Cathedral Aug. 18.
Regional gathering offers seminarians source of ‘affirmation, support’
About 120 men, nearly all of the seminarians for the seven dioceses that make up the province of Louisville, met for a first-of-its-kind gathering Aug. 11-13 at Barren River State Park in Kentucky.
Religious congregations urged to evolve to serve changing church, world
Religious congregations must evolve to meet the needs of a changing society and church, Sister Carol Zinn, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, told members of the organization during its annual assembly Aug. 12-15 in Nashville.
Pope meets and honors Korean laypeople, religious and disabled
Pope Francis visited a set of Korean Catholic institutions exemplifying some of his highest priorities for the church, including engagement of laypeople and dedication to the needy.
Pope calls on Catholics to dialogue with China, other Asian societies
Speaking at the execution site of anonymous Korean martyrs, Pope Francis told Catholic bishops and young laypeople from across Asia to evangelize their continent through dialogue and openness, even with others suspicious or intolerant of the church.
Pope tells Asians to witness to Christ in all aspects of life
Pope Francis told young Asian Catholic leaders to witness to Christ in everything they do.