World News
Bishops hail new declaration eliminating state religion in Sudan
The African nation's decision will enable people to "worship and practice their various religious beliefs without fear," said the general secretary of the Sudanese bishops' conference.
EU plan to manage migration falls short of needs, Caritas group says
The pact on asylum and migration, unveiled in Brussels Sept. 23, focuses more on deterrence and preventing migration, said the Catholic Church's official relief agency.
Iraqi archbishop who saved ancient manuscripts nominated for EU prize
Chaldean Archbishop Najib Mikhael Moussa of Mosul, who safeguarded more than 800 texts from Islamic State militants, was nominated Sept. 17 for the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Hong Kong cardinal urges unity, trust in God during social turmoil
Amid unrest and divisions, even within the Catholic community, faithful should follow what Jesus taught in the beatitudes, said Cardinal John Tong Hon in a Sept. 21 pastoral letter.
COVID-19 robbed refugees ‘of the little that they had,’ says Salesian
The pandemic has intensified the suffering of thousands facing food shortages, forced displacement, conflict and sexual violence, said Ugandan-based Father Lazar Arasu.
True change requires input of everyone, not just the powerful, pope says
During a Sept. 23 audience, Pope Francis said "those on the bottom" must have also have a voice in overcoming the current global crisis, since the principle of subsidiarity works both ways.
British prime minister’s infant son baptized Catholic
Boris Johnson's sixth child, Wilfred, received the sacrament Sept. 12, as his father faced criticism from bishops for hastening Britain's exit from the European Union.
Cardinal says he has ‘unpleasant’ job of disciplining theologians
Speaking at a Sept. 22 Vatican news conference, Cardinal Luis Ladaria said that "teaching or behavior" incompatible with the magisterium, such as endorsing women's ordination or same-sex unions, required difficult action.
Quebec government limits churches to 50 people, 25 in riskier regions
The drastic reduction in the size of worship gatherings, announced Sept. 20, was met with "incomprehension" by faith leaders who say officials have been unresponsive to calls for dialogue.
Vatican reaffirms, clarifies church teachings on end-of-life care
A letter issued Sept. 22 stressed the dignity of vulnerable patients amid a growing, global trend in legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide.