World News
Italian bishops in talks with government on post-lockdown liturgies
As Italy makes plans for a gradual return to normality after the COVID-19 pandemic, the country's Catholic community is planning for resumption of public Masses, especially funerals.
Living faith without sacraments, community is dangerous, pope says
The isolation intended to stop the pandemic was presenting the danger of people living the faith only for themselves, detached from the sacraments and the people of God, said Pope Francis, who also prayed for expectant mothers.
German bishops criticize continued church service ban
Chancellor Angela Merkel said the ban on public church services will remain until further notice, while thousands of shops will reopen. Protestant churches supported the decision while Catholic dioceses opposed.
Migrant ministries call for end to deportations during pandemic
Catholic ministries of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras say deportations during the COVID-19 crisis exposes vulnerable people to risks -- especially when sent to countries of which they are not citizens.
Sydney archbishop uses parents’ response to death to show Easter meaning
As an Australian couple publicly forgave the drunk driver who allegedly killed their three children and niece, an archbishop found in their ordinary lives a "superhuman" act and a lesson for Easter.
Choose the common good in pandemic economic recovery, pope says
Celebrating Mass on Easter Monday, Pope Francis prayed that the political and economic planning for recovery after the coronavirus pandemic would be inspired by concern for the common good and not for "the god money."
Pandemic is time to consider ‘universal basic wage,’ pope says
Pope Francis suggested in an Easter letter the idea for people "working on your own or in the grassroots economy, you have no steady income to get you through this hard time."
Pope prays for women, especially those facing domestic violence
Pope Francis highlighted the many ways women are caring for others during the coronavirus pandemic, and he prayed for those facing greater risk of domestic violence during the lockdowns.
In time of pandemic, Easter proclaims victory of life, pope says
In a dark and nearly empty St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis blessed a fire, lit the Easter candle and called Christians to keep kindling sparks of hope, knowing that Jesus has risen and death will not have the last word.
Pope calls for a ‘contagion’ of Easter hope, peace, care for poor
In an Easter celebration like no other, Pope Francis prayed that Christ, "who has already defeated death" would "dispel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of his glorious day, a day that knows no end."