World News
In note to nuns, pope says he is doing everything he can for Ukraine
Responding to a message from Italian women religious helping Ukrainian refugees, Pope Francis said he is "doing all (he) can" as the world is "witnessing cruelty" due to Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine.
Kenyan bishops urge calm as presidential election dispute emerges
The contested win of William Ruto Aug. 15 evokes memories of losing candidates rejecting results, triggering post-election violence and mass protests.
Pope says not enough evidence to try cardinal for sexual assault
The Vatican press office announced Aug. 18 "there are insufficient elements to open a canonical investigation for sexual assault" by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, named in a class-action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Quebec.
Nicaraguan priest detained, others blocked from Marian celebration
Persecution of Catholic priests in the Central American nation has intensified as the President Daniel Ortega and his administration portray the church as a political enemy that promotes "terrorist acts."
Catholics express sorrow, offer prayers after Orthodox church fire in Egypt
Dozens, including several children, were killed in an Aug. 14 blaze believed to have started through either a faulty air conditioner or generator.
Mary teaches primacy of humility over power, success
"To reign means to love ... and this is the road to heaven," said Pope Francis in an Aug. 15 reflection on the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Hong Kong: Five-day trial set for Cardinal Zen, four defendants
Court proceedings will take place Sept. 19-23 against the 90-year-old prelate, a longtime critic of Beijing who face charges of failing to properly register a now-defunct fund to help anti-government protesters.
Witch hunts on the rise worldwide, warns German aid agency Missio
Experts have found women, men and children in some 43 countries face mortal danger from persecution as alleged witches, with fear and lack of education contributing to the alarming trend.
At least 12 dead as bus carrying Polish pilgrims crashes in Croatia
The Aug. 6 accident also seriously injured at least 30 members of the group, who were en route to the Marian shrine at Medjugorje.
Ambassador says pope will visit Ukraine before Kazakhstan trip
After an Aug. 6 meeting with Pope Francis, Andrii Yurash, Ukraine's ambassador to the Holy See, said the people of Ukraine "have been waiting for the pope" since the start of the war.