World News
Public allowed, with restrictions, for Mass in Italy starting mid-May
In an effort to avoid spreading the coronavirus, restrictions will be in force, such as wearing facial masks inside the church, social distancing between individuals and no choir being present.
Constant emergencies: Despite pandemic, millions live on the run
The world's 41 million internally displaced people -- those forced to flee their homes but who stay in their country -- still need assistance, including from the church, said a new Vatican document.
Belgium’s Brothers of Charity cut ties to their homes over euthanasia
In the country where patients with "unbearable" mental illness may be killed, the religious order has walked away from 15 homes for psychiatric patients it had run, following Vatican consultation.
On Good Shepherd Sunday, pope remembers fallen priests, doctors
Priests and doctors who gave their lives caring for the well-being of others during the coronavirus pandemic are like Jesus, Pope Francis said, adding, "the flock only trusts a shepherd who looks like Jesus."
Brazilian bishops praise court ruling against abortion for women with Zika
In 2016 a group sued to decriminalize abortion by pregnant women infected with the Zika virus. During pregnancy, the virus can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and brain defects.
Polish historian questions German researcher’s claims about wartime pope
A German researcher's team said it found proof that the Vatican and Pope Pius XII knew of the Nazi mass killing of Jews but denied it to diplomats. A Polish historian panned the work "found after a few days' research."
Papal commission urging radical change to society after pandemic
An overhaul of the global economy and a change in personal behavior to consume less, share more and protect the environment are the goals of a 50-member panel.
‘No duty’ to boycott vaccine made from abortion, ethicist says
A Catholic ethicist in Britain, where a coronavirus vaccine derived from the cells of a fetus aborted in 1972 is under trial, said it may not be wrong to use the drug.
Pope Francis approves foundation promoting Pope John Paul I
The John Paul I Vatican Foundation will preserve and promote the writings, thinking, example and study of "the smiling pope," who died after only 33 days as pontiff in 1978.
As lockdowns end, pope prays for obedience, prudence in behavior
As governments begin lifting coronavirus restrictions, Pope Francis recalled stories in the Bible and today with people "making false accusations, whipping up the mob ... (and) stirring up hatred."