World News
Pope makes surprise visit to summer camp for kids of Vatican employees
Young campers were stunned into silence July 20 as Pope Francis greeted them before their daily round of swimming, sports and walks in the Vatican Gardens.
Stalling action on debt relief at G-20 meeting was sinful, advocate says
The virtual July 18 meeting failed to resolve many debt-related issues, leaving poorer nations -- already devastated by COVID-19 -- further struggling, said Eric LeCompte, executive director of Jubilee USA.
Pope concerned by increased tensions between Armenia, Azerbaijan
Renewed fears of war in the Caucasus region, prompted by conflict over the long-disputed Nagorno-Karabakh area, led the pope to call for a "peaceful, negotiated settlement," as well as a "global and immediate cease-fire."
Vatican: Laity have role, but most parishes must be led by priests
A new instruction on pastoral care, released July 20, does not introduce new legislation but offers guidance in parish reforms and diocesan reorganization to avoid "dropping plans upon the people of God from above, without their involvement."
Catholic hospitals in Syria working to help indigent patients
The sites provide life-saving services free of charge to vulnerable Syrians, and hope to aid some 50,000 patients by the end of next year.
Ahead of G-20 meeting, Caritas urges debt relief for poor countries
In its annual report, released July 17, the international confederation of Catholic relief agencies said the debt of struggling nations "is often paid for by the sweat and toil of the poorest," who themselves are reeling from war, poverty and the coronavirus pandemic.
French police suspect arson was cause of fire at Nantes cathedral
The July 18 blaze broke out in three places in the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, destroying a 17th-century organ, stained glass windows and much of the choir area. Archbishop de Moulins-Beaufort called for a security plan for France's 86 cathedrals.
Vatican guide aims to help leaders handle abuse allegations
The 17-page document offers a step-by-step guide for how bishops, religious superiors and canon lawyers are supposed to handle accusations of alleged abuse by clerics against minors.
Bosnians must know truth of Srebrenica massacre, official says
A Bosnian church spokesman said commemorations of the Srebrenica massacre, Europe's worst since World War II, are still marred by denials, impeding reconciliation 25 years after the Balkan war.
Lead poisoning from Notre Dame fire worse than first thought
When the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris burned in April 2019, some of the 460 tons of lead on the roof melted and seeped into the environment. Now children are showing elevated levels of lead poisoning.