World News
Poor migrants in India suffer in lockdown with no food
India's prime minister apologized for the chaotic implementation of a 21-day lockdown of the country's 1.37 billion people that has left people scrambling for basics amid the harsh crackdown by police.
While people stay home, pope calls for help for homeless
As governments have issued shelter-in-place orders to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Pope Francis asked people to pray for and assist those who are homeless, and offered a reflection on the cross.
Pope joins U.N. call for immediate global cease-fire
Saying conflicts can never be resolved with war, Pope Francis added his support to a U.N. appeal for a global cease-fire amid the worldwide threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pope offers Mass for those living in fear of pandemic
In his daily Mass, Pope Francis prayed for "people who cannot cope, who remain frightened by this pandemic. May the Lord help them to stand up, to react for the good of all society and the entire community."
Across Europe, churches offer empty facilities to help fight COVID-19
The church truly is becoming a "field hospital" during the pandemic as Catholic dioceses and parishes expand homeless shelters, offer rooms to medical personnel and create makeshift morgues.
Solidarity in ethical responses needed in pandemic, Vatican says
A new document by the Pontifical Academy for Life titled "Pandemic and Universal Brotherhood" discusses ethical treatment of the sick and how to speak not of divine retribution but loving, divine care.
Vatican confirms pope does not have COVID-19
Neither Pope Francis nor his closest aides have the COVID-19 virus, said a spokesman. A monsignor who tested positive for the virus was unlikely to have had contact with the pope.
COVID-19 not God’s judgment, but call to live differently, pope says
Addressing God at a prayer service for a global audience March 27, the pope said this time of pandemic is "a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others." See a video.
Pope thanks those who help, pray for vulnerable during pandemic
Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to the many men and women who have been inspired by the Lord to help the poor, the sick and the elderly during the coronavirus pandemic.
What is a plenary indulgence?
An indulgence, which Pope Francis will grant to those who who hear him today online, is not a quick ticket to heaven but rather an aid for the real conversion that leads to eternal happiness.